The Power of Knowledge

The Power of Knowledge Our present day cabinet of curiosities (the “Cabinet”) is akin to early modern representations, which contained a vast range of objects representing the power of divine creation, in that the Cabinet represents, through its display of five objects, the power of human knowledge. Each of these objects helps mankind acquire and/or use knowledge.

The order of objects displayed has been designed to reflect the evolution and utilisation of knowledge: an illustration of the DNA spiral helix (the building blocks of life); seed samples (the growth and development of organisms); the electron icroscope (allowing detailed examination of objects); the tablet-style computer (the dissemination and democratisation of knowledge); and the moon rock (exploration of space). DNA Spiral Helix The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) helix is the only object in the Cabinet which is a representation.

Whilst DNA exists in every cell it would need the Electron Microscope to render DNA visible. Two strands are shown twisted into a helix with rods between the strands. How does this represent DNA? Phillip Cohen (2006) describes the helix thus: Each strand spells out the genetic code as a chain of four chemical letters alled bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G). A,C,G and T sit on the rods between the two strands which are made from a sugar molecule and a phosphate molecule (Genetics Home Reference, 2013).

The discovery of DNA and the evolving knowledge of it, has proved immensely powerful because of what it enables us to do, for example: to detect a criminal’s guilt from a single hair beyond reasonable doubt; detect family connections by comparing DNA from two or more people, dead or alive; (hence the certainty that it was Richard Ill’s remains found in Leicester); and to give the power to cure or eliminate previously incurable diseases, through the mapping of the human genome.

Seed Samples Seed samples appear on the shelves at the seed bank of The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, labelled in see-through closed plastic containers. The first seed bank was established by N. Vavilov in 1926 outside St. Petersburg, for scientific research and cross-breeding purposes (BBC, 2013). Since then the world has changed dramatically, resulting in an increased consumption of natural resources. Seed banks around the world have assumed a new and very important ole in the preservation of rare and dying species of all kinds of plant forms.

Today the Millennium Seed Bank in Kew Royal Botanic Gardens is working on the ‘Noah’s ark project and has acquired ten percent of the world’s plant species threatened by climate change and the expansion of human habitats (Kew, nd). Seed samples preserved by seed banks provide not Just the opportunity for detailed study but also the power, opportunity and possibility for future generations to preserve most of the plant forms in the world (as we know it now) and to regenerate species to help feed the growing world population. An Electron Microscope This electron microscope is linked to three computer screens, showing typhoid bacteria in pink.

Invented in 1 by German natural philosophers Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska, the electron microscope, though cumbersome and expensive is “capable of high magnification and greater resolving power than a light microscope” Oohn Innes Centre, 2013). Its capability to magnify finer details by two million times, revolutionised the studies of the behaviour and treatment of light resistant bacteria (such as typhoid bacteria) and viruses and enables detailed forensic analysis to take place. This object symbolises man’s quest not only to understand his natural environment, but his ambition to control and manage it.

The micrographs are artefacts in their own right; they can be displayed on their own as scientific evidence. The electron microscope can be displayed alone in a science museum, as a demonstration model for public use or in the Cabinet with the other four items chosen, to show the prominence and ever-increasing possibilities of technology and science and to illustrate man’s evolving knowledge. A Tablet Computer Tablet-style computers combine several electronic components, such as a computer, amera and hand-held gaming device, into one convenient portable package (Martin, 2013) which is affordable for many consumers.

The invention of the personal computer allowed individuals to access academic libraries and newspapers/ magazines via the internet (Slaughter, 2010) and (eventually) to communicate with other users, subject to a web connection. A tablet computer allows access to a wealth of information. A search engine acts as a filter to any subject; this enables appropriate content to be accessed. The rising popularity of internet-enabled phones, results in thousands more opportunities to access and create data being pened up. This technology enables knowledge to be shared and democratised – no longer resting with a narrow elite (Slaughter, 2010).

The tablet computer incorporates a camera to allow for the quick transfer of photographs and videos around the world. The camera can challenge and record human behaviours: this ability to provide a contemporaneous record of human behaviour has resulted in the power of Governments to dictate the historical record of events being publicly challenged. Early computers also helped plot the course to the moon of the Apollo 11 flights in 1969. (Taylor, 2013). A Piece of Rock from the Moon Moon rocks are of various shapes and sizes and “range in age from about 3. billion years up to about 4. 5 billion years old” (Museumwales, 2009). A wealth of previously unknown knowledge has been gained from studying these rocks, they have “been of great value in advancing our understanding of the Moon and the history of our solar system” (Astro. washington, 2009). Scientists believe that earth rocks and moon rocks were once either part of the same body or were originally combined before they were formed (Natural history museum, nd). On religious grounds, this could challenge raditional views on God’s formation of the earth.

Moon rocks can be exhibited on their own as artworks – as natural art that reflect the universe in a microcosmic form in accordance with the Chinese tradition of the Philosopher Stones (BBC News, 2012). Moon rocks are priceless due to their scarcity, given the high cost of returning to the Moon to obtain more. In conclusion, the Cabinet symbolises the startling possibilities of human potential and the evolution of knowledge. The discovery of DNA and the creation of the Electron Microscope enabled, in their turn, turtner discoveries and developments to ake place. Conversely, the collection of seed samples allows for the preservation of what currently exists. 0 The tablet computer encapsulates the democratisation of knowledge, through ever-increasing access to data. 0 The moon rocks represent the ambition to move beyond the world and the infinite possibilities of exploring and understanding our universe. 0The Cabinet is designed to inspire awe in the observer through the display of symbols of the technological and scientific progress that has led to a better understanding of our world and beyond.

Read more

Procure IT Resources

For an IT based organization to be successful, it not only needs to plan and organize effectively but also has to make sure that it acquires the right processes and implement it in the best manner possible. Hence, it is a very important domain for the organization to take care of for future benefits. Amazon. com, to deal with adverse issues and problems need to have automated solution to make sure that it has the solution before the problem occurs.

This is where the proactive attitude of the organization comes into use when it defines Standard Operating procedures for the organization to deal with circumstances that in future might result to be a problem. It also becomes easy for the user as “making money online is easy when everything is automated because the shopping cart system connects instantly to your online merchant account and starts taking orders in minutes.

Then multiple auto responders follow up sales and leads, manage your opt in mailing lists, and build repeat business. The available affiliate tracking and digital delivery system make Ebook downloads and software sales highly profitable. ” (The ebusiness automation solution, 2007). Acquire and Maintain Application Software “Application software is a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly to a task that the user wishes to perform. (And example of this would be a program such as Microsoft Word.)

This should be contrasted with system software which is involved in integrating a computer’s various capabilities, but typically does not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user. ” (Wikipedia, n. d. ). Hence, it is important for the organization to not only empower the customer but to ease his difficulties as well by providing as much automation and correction as possible. Amazon. com does this by providing automated answers for search results etcetera but it needs to acquire more to make its website more attractive.

Since the organization is entirely IT based therefore in order to have a more profitable and customer preferred business, it needs to acquire the best possible technological infrastructure to reach higher levels of success. Similarly acquiring is difficult but to maintain it is more difficult hence the organization should not only devise better technological infrastructures but also train employees and staff to maintain and update it as soon as required.

For all business it is important to have a sound technological infrastructure but it is vital for an organization whose entire business is dependent on IT only. Therefore Amazon. com core attention should be given to this matter. Enable Operation and Use The operations devised by the organization need to be enabled in the best manner possible so that it can be used by the customers and provide him with the purpose it holds.

To devise operations is only half the task done, but to enable it in the best manner possible is the task that needs to be taken care of so that the operations are fully utilized by the user. For Amazon. com to establish itself as one of the best e-commerce site around the globe ever produced, it needs to make sure that its resources are used in the most effective manner possible. Since, its entire business is based online; therefore its priorities for resources should be its Human Resource, IT software and other IT related matters.

It should strive for perfection in order to attain these resources and have their optimal turnover in order to gain overall organizational efficiency. Manage Changes The only thing constant in life is change; hence organizations need to inculcate in their future plan the dealing with change effectively in order to overcome the threat of becoming obsolete. “The difference in those who succeed and those who fail must be found in the capability to organize the processes and routines regulating the interaction between the assets.

In most of the successful cases (Dell, Amazon. com, Schwab) you will see a re-engineering of the internal business processes in order to meet the demands and opportunities of E-commerce” (Henee, 1999). Install and Accredit Solutions and Changes In order to manage change in the best manner possible, an organization should have predefined solutions for changes in place. The employees in order to be aware of all the solutions of the change occurring in the environment should be educated in by the people who have its best knowledge.

Not only do the changes need to be managed but a solution devised for it needs to be managed as well. As an organization whose employees have little knowledge of it is of no use. Amazon. com to deal with the dynamic environment has introduced numerous products and services to meet the demand. Hence, after the planning, it is utmost important to acquire the best method in which to implement the planned solutions. For the implementation to be done it should be made sure that the two most important factors of change and resources are managed in the most efficient way possible.

Read more

Automatic Controls for Any Process

Table of contents

Chapter 5

Automatic Controls

Automation plays a really critical function in the development and promotion of any system. Automatic control refers to the control of any procedure, device or a system utilizing automatic agencies instead than manual control. Automation a system is done to better the public presentation and to increase the productiveness of the system. Automatic control has become an built-in portion in every field whether it is industry, robotics, vehicles, power workss, etc. to increase the productiveness, public presentation and efficiency of the system control systems are used to accomplish the mechanization. Control system fundamentally refers to the interconnectedness of the constituents to configure the system to bring forth the coveted end product.

5.1 Types of Control System

There are fundamentally two types of control systems:

Figure 5.1 Basic types of Control systems

Closed cringle system is good than unfastened cringle system. The control system used for this undertaking is a closed cringle electronic control unit which can command the end product of the system.

5.2 Components of Control system

There are assorted constituents of control system that includes the procedure whose end product is to be controlled, informations acquisition unit, electronic control unit and end product devices.

5.2.1 Procedure

It is the basic constituent of the control system as this is the constituent whose end product is to be controlled utilizing the automatic control. So it is required to mathematically pattern the procedure to understand the behavior of the input and so bring forth the desired and controlled end product ( Mutambara Arthur 1999 ) .

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

5.2.2 Data Acquisition Unit

It is that unit of the system that can mensurate electrical or physical measure in the signifier of electromotive force, current, temperature, sound, etc. It by and large measures the parallel signal and so treat it utilizing signal conditioning or parallel to digital convertor. The physiological information from the detectors is send to the cardinal unit to be processed. PIC16f73 microcontroller is used as the nucleus of DAU and it performs the parallel to digital transition and so sends the processed end product signal to the end product device. PIC microcontroller is chosen as it provides the necessary functionalities needed to the user. Besides it has high velocity parallel to digital transition ability. PIC microcontroller is farther connected to liquid crystal show ( LCD ) , doorbell and a motor to expose the end product.

Basic constituents of DAQ unit:

Figure 5.2 Components of DAQ unit ( What is data acquisition? 2014 )

Detector:

Sensor is an input device used to mensurate the physiological signals like temperature, light olfactory property, etc. It is besides called transducer that converts a physical signal into measureable electrical signal. The electrical end product of the detector may be in the signifier of current, electromotive force, opposition or other electrical signal depending upon the type of detector used. In this undertaking, intoxicant detector and eye-blink detectors are used which are already discussed in the old chapter 3 and 4.

DAQ Device:

It is the interface between the input signal from the detector and the computing machine. It is fundamentally used to change over the linear signal coming from the detector into a digital signal which can be easy interpreted by the computing machine. Its chief map is to mensurate the parallel signal utilizing signal conditioning and so change over it into digital signifier. For this undertaking the microcontroller will move as a DAQ device and it will work on the instructions programmed in its memory. Microcontroller used in this undertaking has inbuilt parallel to digital convertor so there is no demand to link parallel to digital convertor externally.

Computer System:

The DAQ device is connected to the computing machine utilizing a port. The computing machine coach linking the DAQ and the computing machine system acts as a communicating nexus between the computing machine and the DAQ device for go throughing the instructions and the measured informations. In this undertaking, a plan is written in programming package ( Mikro C ) and this plan is fed into the DAQ device utilizing a microcontroller burner and a coach. This connexion between the DAQ device and computing machine is made merely for infixing the codification into it. After that there is no demand for computing machine, the device will execute its maps on its ain ( What is data acquisition? 2014 ) .

5.2.3 Electronic Control unit

The electronic control unit ( ECU ) controls the fuel system, ignition system and velocity of the engine. It chiefly consists of microprocessors or microcontrollers, random entree memory ( RAM ) , read merely memory ( ROM ) and input end product devices. Based on the information from the input detectors, the ECU determines the end product of the electronics circuit. It is considered as the encephalon of the control system as its work is to take the signal and bring forth the automatically controlled signal required by the end product. Microcontroller serves both the intent of informations acquisition and commanding the end products of the undertaking ( Vincent T, Ciulla 2002 ) .

5.2.4 Output Actuator

It is besides known as end product device that converts the electrical signal into some physical end product. It receives the controlled signal from the electronic control unit in the signifier of electrical signal. It is the device which influences the procedure of the system physically and forces the device to bring forth the coveted end product. The actuator applicable to this undertaking is motor that is used to bespeak the end product of the system.

This undertaking besides requires a control unit as the vehicle is automatically controlled in this system.

5.3 Types of electronic control

Three types of electronic controls are used majorly in any system ;

Figure 5.3 Types of Electronic Controls

Comparison between different types of controls is given in the following tabular array based upon their characteristics and public presentation. This comparing is drawn to find the best suited type of control to be used in this undertaking.

Table 5.1 Comparison between different types of controls

Microprocessor

Microcontroller

Programmable Logic Control

A microprocessor works as a Central Processing Unit of a general intent computing machine.

It can be considered as micro computing machine as all the constituents are embedded on a individual bit.

It is a specialised system designed to command the industrial procedures and machinery.

I/O ports, memory, timers, interrupts, etc are non inbuilt so they are connected externally.

Microcontroller has all the excess peripherals like I/O ports, memory, timers, counters, interrupts, etc are built-in inside the bit merely.

It has a programmable memory to hive away specific maps like on/off control, timers, counters, arithmetic and informations handling. It has limited figure of inputs and end products.

Microprocessors based systems are bulky and really much expensive as it gives really high processing velocity.

These are easy available and are less bulky and much cheaper than microprocessors.

PLCs are usage programmed for merely peculiar undertakings so their hardware is really dearly-won and need regular care.

But its drawback is that it has really few pins that are programmable.

Most of the pins of microcontroller are programmable.

It is a programmable logic control and uses ladder logic for scheduling.

It can merely manage a few spots of instructions as it has really less built-in memory.

It has inbuilt memory so it has many spots to manage instructions.

It has really small memory which can manage few instructions.

It is widely used in desktop computing machines and laptop, notepads, etc due to its high processing velocity.

It has moderate processing velocity so it is widely used in little control systems, contraptions like oven, telecastings, etc.

It is by and large used for industrial applications for automatic control of industrial machinery, procedure etc.

Slightly big size due to excess peripherals and operates above 1Ghz.

Small in size and operates from really few MHzs to 30-50 Mhz.

Its size varies from little, medium to really big PLC panels.

Examples of microprocessors are 8085, 8086, INTEL Pentium series, etc.

Examples of microcontrollers are INTEL8051, PIC16f73, PIC16F877, etc.

Examples of PLC are industrial control, industrial safety applications, etc.

The research worker decided to utilize the microcontroller bit for the processing of detected signals because it is little in size, cheap and consumes less power. It does non necessitate any external input/ end product ports, memory, timers or interrupts as it has all these characteristics inbuilt in its internal architecture. Higher integrating of microcontroller besides reduces the cost and size of the system which serves the basic demand of the user every bit good as the research worker. PLC based systems are really much expensive to be used for this intent ( Basics of microcontrollers 2011 ) .

5.3.1 Choice of microcontroller for the undertaking

After make up one’s minding the microcontroller it is of import to make up one’s mind which microcontroller should be used in this peculiar undertaking that can outdo suit the demands of the undertaking. For this intent a comparing between different types of microcontroller is drawn in the undermentioned tabular array.

Table 5.2 Comparison of Different Microcontrollers

Properties

PIC microcontroller

Microcontroller 8051

AVR

Direction Set

It is based on RISC ( Reduced direction set calculation ) . It has merely 35 set of instructions that makes its architecture easy to larn.

It is based on CISC ( Complex direction set calculation ) . It has a big figure of instructions about 250 instructions.

It is besides based on RISC ( Reduced direction set calculation ) but it has big direction set i.e. non-orthogonal. It has about 140 instructions.

Processing Speed

It can treat 3 million instructions per second because in 1 machine rhythm of PIC, clock frequence is divided by 4.

It can treat 1 million instructions per second because in 1 machine rhythm of 8051, clock frequence is divided by 12.

It can treat 12 million instructions per second because in 1 machine rhythm of AVR, clock frequence is divided by 1.

ADC

Its velocity of parallel to digital transition is really fast than AVR’s.

It does non hold inbuilt parallel to digital convertors like PIC and AVR.

Its parallel to digital transition velocity is slower than PIC.

Power ingestion

It has least power ingestion.

It consumes the most power out of all the three microcontrollers.

It consumer higher power than PIC microcontroller.

Programing

It is really easy programmable IC as it really easy to code.

Cryptography of microcontroller 8051 is besides easy.

It has really complex cryptography for novices as compared to other two microcontrollers.

Memory

It has 8k brassy memory, 368?8 byte RAM.

It has 256 byte internal RAM and 4k on-chip ROM.

It has 8k byte flash memory, 1k byte RAM.

Cost and Availability

It is easy available in market and that excessively at low cost.

It is besides low lost and easy available.

It is dearly-won as compared to 8051 and PIC micro accountant and handiness is besides limited.

As detectors are used in this undertaking so it is better to utilize a microcontroller with built-in ADC with fast transition velocity alternatively of utilizing separate ADC after every detection faculty. By maintaining this in head the research worker had studied the characteristics of assorted microcontrollers which can be used to implement the accident bar system and eventually reached to the decision of utilizing PIC ( Peripheral Interface Controller ) microcontroller.

Researcher decided to utilize PIC16f73 is used in the undertaking due to its high parallel to digital transition. The pin architecture of PIC16f73 is given figure 5.4.

5.4 Architecture of PIC16f73 microcontroller

Figure 5.4 Architecture of microcontroller PIC16f73 ( Microchip 2002 )

It is a 28 pin IC and the coveted undertaking can be made utilizing 28 pins with 3 input end product ports. It has 192 byte RAM ( Random Access Memory ) and it is based on RISC architecture with merely 35 set of instructions. It has 8k brassy memory, 4k programmable memory and 368?8 byte RAM. It has 3 ports viz. port A, B and C. Port A consists of 5 parallel to digital channels for ADC transition. Assorted parametric quantities for choosing PIC16f73 microcontroller are listed below.

  • Performance:PIC16f73 microcontroller which will be used in the execution of this undertaking is a 28 pin IC with 3 input-output ports. It besides has 192 bytes of RAM ( Random Access Memory ) and is based on RISC ( Reduced Instruction Set Computation ) architecture for better public presentation of the Accident Prevention System. It has much faster transition velocity of parallel to digital transition than other accountants.
  • Power ingestion:A PIC controlled system has minimal power ingestion with good public presentation which is needed by the accident bar system. So this characteristic of PIC is really utile for the system being developed as the system would work on minimum power without compromising the system public presentation.
  • Memory:The accident bar system utilizing intoxicant and oculus winking sensing can be done utilizing the built-in memory of PIC but still if the demand of memory of the system increases. PIC microcontroller besides has 4k programmable brassy memory and most of the PIC based systems are memory expandible and can spread out its memory as per use and type of application. To implement this system its built-in memory is adequate ( Bates Martin, 2011 ) .

Therefore from this chapter, the control unit used for this undertaking is finalized. This chapter gives a brief overview of assorted control devices. Comparison between different control systems is drawn. The justification for taking a peculiar control unit is besides given. The short account of microcontroller used is besides given in this chapter.

Now all the basic constituents to be used in the undertaking are decided. Therefore from the following chapter, design of circuitry and the system will be done. After that this system should be implemented and so tested.

Read more

Growing Technology

Growing Technology Famous 1930s actor Bill Benedict expresses “Technology is getting a new life. ” Basically, technology is evolving so much and so fast it is almost as if it is gaining a life of its own. The new technology that’s emerging gives individual’s a new life and new way of living. In Jonathan Rowe’s essay, “Reach Out and Annoy Someone,” he illustrates his frustration with the new technology better known as a cell phone. He focuses on the negative impact cell phones have on people’s lives and how addicting it is. Cell phones have advanced so much to the point where it is giving a new life to society itself.

Technology can leave both a positive and negative impact on the American families and society in general. To begin, current technology can increase a family’s communication. Almost everyone in America owns a computer or has access to one. Computers seem to be the most popular way to communicate even those programmed into the IPhone’s. Society has gotten more advanced with the way individuals can communicate. It no longer done by instant messaging, but also through Oovoo or Skype; a popular video calling system that allows you to communicate with anyone anywhere.

More families are staying in touch with each other although some may live across the United States. In Chang Hye-kyung’s article “Information age changes family life, value: Concept of family is shifting from ‘family-centered individual’ to ‘individual-centered family,’” he states, “The meaning and direction of changes in the modern family, caused by the development of information technology and extension of network, are multiple. For instance, family members’ communication is increased by technological development. Computers allow families to keep up with one another by viewing an individual’s profile on a social network such as Facebook or MySpace. As a result, individuals are more aware of each other’s lives especially those that live long distance by logging on to a computer and seeing pictures or updated status or “tweets” about someone’s day. Hye-kyung reveals, “This virtual reality supports the formation of unforeseen networks and connections, new lifestyle types and social concepts, such as capitalism, new liberalism and social fragmentation. The computer and Internet thus have proven to have a positive impact for both types of communication. In addition, current technology can help medical advances by extending and improving life within the society. Medical technology can help in many ways; for instance, it can help to diagnose, monitor, prevent, and even treat any ailments that may be affecting an individual’s health. The Trilogy Linear Accelerator is a superior example of current technology that helps in the medical field.

The Trilogy Linear Accelerator helps in optimizing cancer treatments from 15 to 20 minutes to two to three minutes. Micheal Levine, an M. D and medical director of Radiation Oncology Services at John Muir Health, explains, “With this new technology, we are able to deliver higher and more concentrated doses of radiation to cancerous tumors in less time. ” Numerous technological advances exist in health care today which includes more advanced heart monitors, blood tests, and electronic filing systems of patient’s health records.

With current technology, health officials are able to test blood for diseases and DNA to help with organ transplants. The test allows longer life p for those who may suffer from any organ problems. The test is able to detect organ rejections by measuring enzymes in the blood. In Emily Singer’s review Elaine Reed, director of Transplant and Immunogenetics Testing at the University of California, Los Angeles states, “The test holds a lot of promise. ” The test promotes a successful transplant procedure.

Cardiologist at Stanford and one of the researchers on the study, Hannah Valantine concludes, “Maybe we can avoid high-dose immune suppression with early recognition and early treatment. ” Without this new technology of DNA testing so many health problems would be unsolved and shorter life ps of individuals that didn’t have a chance to receive a new heart. However, technology can be disruptive and physically harmful to society. Rowe illustrates a negative viewpoint of a popular technological device that almost everyone is using the cell phone. Cell phones cause distraction whether it is on the road or in a coffee shop.

There’s been a number of cell phone related car accidents because of an individual simply texting or talking on the cell phone; therefore, he or she is most likely not paying attention to the road but focusing on the conversation that’s on the other end of the phone. Some of the cell phone related accidents end with either life threating injuries or death. Rowe illustrates, “If you’ve been clipped by a car tooling around the corner while driver sits gabbing, cell phone in hand, then you are aware of this. The big problem, of course, is the noise” (304).

In addition, the noise that cell phones seem to be associated with is the biggest issue of why some individuals may dislike it. Individuals talk loudly into their device with no concern of other individuals that may want some quiet. Rowe claims, “They produce secondhand noise, just as cigarettes produce secondhand smoke; and from the standpoint of the forced consumer of this noise, the only responsible use is non-use” (305). Some individuals want the choice on whether or not they want a loud talking individual on a cell phone while he or she is trying to enjoy a quiet peaceful trip or nice cup of coffee.

In addition, technology can also hinder the learning environment. The iPod’s smartphones/androids, Ipad’s, and laptops can all have a negative impact on the learning environment. They distract the students and break their focus on what they are supposed to be focusing on, which is their schoolwork. The students have more ways to access their Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or YouTube accounts that allow them to lose focus on their studies. There’s usually so much happening on these sites that distract the students very easily.

Facebook posts or tweets from Nicki Minaj on Twitter, these things are so addictive. In G. Jeffrey MacDonald’s article “Too Much Computer Exposure May Hinder Learning,” he states, “The mere availability of computers at home seems to distract students from learning. ” With technology getting so advanced, it is hard trying to focus in class when individuals are wondering whose texting or sending them a picture message. Now the new android phones have the capability of video chatting with an application called “Oovoo. However, the biggest distraction right now are the little hand help computers that acts just like a regular computer, also it can fit right in a pocketbook or even small enough to carry. These new technologies are beginning to have a sort of addicting nature to them. When an individual have a new 3G cell phone or the new miniature computers individuals will want to use it regardless of where he or she may be. Christopher Dede, professor of learning technologies at the Harvard School of Education expresses, “There’s this sort of bizarre elief that computers cast a spell over students and teachers and schools. ” These new technologies are distracting and catching the eyes of today’s adolescents which are causing them to neglect their homework and studies. Technology can be frustrating and almost as addictive as smoking a cigarette is. Current technology can have both a positive and negative impact of families and our society. Current technology serves many positive purposes whether it is helping the medical field or allowing families to have a stronger ability to communicate with one another.

Then again, it also serves negative aspects such as physical harm to an individual or mental harm to one’s education. It all depends on how the technology is being used in individuals’ everyday lives. Work Cited Hye-Kyung, Chang. “Information Age Changes Family Life, Values: Concept of Family is Shifting from ‘Family-Centered Individuals’ to ‘Individual-Centered Family. ’” The Korean Herald. 19 Sept. 2008. LexisNexis. Web. 29 March 2011. “John Muir Health Offers New Radiation Therapy to Optimize Cancer Treatment. Business Wire 23 March. 2011. General OneFile. Web. 27 March 2011. MacDonald, Jeffery G. “Too Much Computer May Hinder Learning. ” The Christian Science Monitor. 6 December. 2004. LexisNexis. Web. 29 March 2011. Rowe, Jonathan. “Reach Out and Annoy Someone. ” Kreml, Nancy, et al. The User’s Guide to College Writing with Readings. 4th ed. New York: 2004. 201-208 Print. Singer, Emily. “A Genetic Test for Organ Rejection. ” Technology Review. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 29 March. 2011.

Read more

Computers and employment

Before the industrial revolution nearly everyone worked in agriculture. Communication was by word of mouth or paper. When the industrial revolution came, life became more complicated. People started to work in factories and the factories needed offices to deal with administration. The amount of paperwork needed to trade started to increase. As time went on, technology was used to develop machines such as the typewriter and telephone and eventually, the computer. We are now in an ‘information age’ and our society is very dependant on information storage and communication.

However, people are generally fearful and distrustful of change. Change that involve new and complex technologies are especially stressful, particularly to older and less educated workers. They are fearful of losing their jobs, of losing control to machines, and of becoming useless. In this report we will look at the wide issues that are related with the computer world on the day-to-day life of employment. Questions to be addressed here includ. Before the industrial revolution, 90% of workers were employed in agriculture.

Industrialisation brought about a major shift in the workforce from agriculture to industry. Today there is less than 10% of the population working in agriculture. We are currently going through the computer revolution (I. e. the introduction of computers is changing the way we live and work). It may be that today, with the use of computers on such a large scale, we are going through a period of adjustment. In a few years time the patterns of employment may have settled as young people with new skills get into the jobs market.

The introduction of computers into industry has caused changes to the way people work and types of jobs. Many traditional jobs have disappeared, causing some people hardship, distress and increasing unemployment. While for other people computers have created a new adventure, new jobs and new opportunities. In the early days experts had very different views and opinions on what would happen in the future the changes have not been as drastic as some people forecast: “Unemployment in the UK will rise to 25% by 1990” (The Times)

“Employment as we know it will be down to 10% in 30 years time” (Kevin Seedy) However none of these have come true. In the 1950’s and 1960’s when computerisation was just beginning, computers were used to replace clerical (for example office jobs) and routine manual tasks (such as copy typists, and some accounts work). Many other clerical jobs have disappeared since then. Perhaps the starkest illustration has been in the banking industry: Clerical staff used to prepare customers bank statements. These are now automatically printed and sent to customers with little or no input from staff.

Counter staff counted out cash for customers making withdrawals. Although this method of withdrawal is still present in banks, the traditional method has been replaced with the introduction of ATMs (automated teller machines), where cash can be withdrawn using a cash card (provided by the bank) allowing individuals to withdraw money from thousands of cashpoint machines all over the country. Payroll clerks prepared payslips for thousands of employees. Many companies now have computerised payroll systems that automatically transfer money directly into the employees’ bank accounts.

Furthermore, as well as reducing the counter staff, they have used the computer to unify the decision making process for offering loans and other services to customers. This has eliminated the much of the discretion that bank managers had in the past. As a consequence the traditional bank manager is gone, replaced by what would have been a more junior member of the staff and who is now concerned mainly with the day to day management of the operation of the branch office rather than dealing with the customers and their accounts. There has also been a growth in the use of credit cards and debit cards to handle payment.

This has been greatly aided by the introduction of the retailer transaction system that allow a retailer to handle a purchase and pass it directly through to the card company system for immediate processing. This costs the retailer a percentage of the transaction, but fewer security risks and ease of handling compensate for this because money goes directly from one account to another. The credit card and debit card are moving society to an increasing cash-less basis. This is reducing the amount of cash the retailers have to deal with and therefore the number of shop and banking and security staff needed to process it.

Banks were very careful about dealing with their employees whose jobs disappeared. Resignations and retirements reduced the numbers and most of the remainder were re-trained but some redundancies had to occur. Some low-level posts, such as cashiers, were changed to include such tasks as dealing with post, typing and answering customer’s questions. The banks have been amongst the best at dealing fairly with their employees – and this, along with the computerisation has lead to an enormous increase in banking business over the last 20 years.

Read more

Bill Gates Essay

When I was young, math and science were the easiest subjects for me and I read all the time. In my house, weeknight TV was not allowed but reading, board games, card games and puzzles went on for hours. In sixth grade, I did a project as a young inventor and entrepreneur who manufactured and marketed a new project. I wrote my first computer program when I was 13 years old.

To me the computer was a constant challenge to be mastered – I was HOOKED! I noticed In high school that PC’s id not exist and businesses and unlettered used computers that were bigger then refrigerators. After high school, I went to Harvard University and that Is where I really started to keep up with the latest developments In computer technology. I dreamed that by creating a PC, business and school tasks would be so much easier. I wanted to solve peoples everyday problems and make money In the process.

So I took a leave of absence from Harvard university to start a software company In 1977 and Paul Allen and I formed Microsoft In New Mexico. I also created the term “Intellectual property to protect software programs with copyrights. My goal was to put a computer on every desk and in every home In 1978, Microsoft moved to Bellevue, Washington. After my partner left, I focused on individual computer users and our international sales force. Microsoft grew dramatically.

Microsoft Windows was created in 1985 and we sold $140 million in products that year. I was working 16 hour days and busy with work until 1 993 when I finally proposed to Melinda French, one of my product managers at Microsoft. Over the last ten years, I have donated millions of dollars to charities focused in the education, health, art and cancer areas. I have also made ere to donate to computer centers at schools, colleges and universities throughout the united States.

I am the proud dad of a daughter and a son and even though my work and house has a lot of technology, if you really want to do something good for children the most important thing I can tell you is to read, read, read. Bill Gates Essay By Jake-Lang constant challenge to be mastered – I was HOOKED! I noticed in high school that PC’s did not exist and businesses and universities used computers that were bigger then refrigerators. After high school, I went to Harvard University and that is where I really darted to keep up with the latest developments in computer technology.

I dreamed solve people’s everyday problems and make money in the process. So I took a leave of absence from Harvard University to start a software company in 1977 and Paul Allen and I formed Microsoft in New Mexico. I also created the term “intellectual property’ every desk and in every home! In 1978, Microsoft moved to Bellevue, Washington. Work until 1993 when I finally proposed to Melinda French, one of my product the United States. I am the proud dad of a daughter and a son and even though my

Read more

Business Intelligence: Employee Scheduling

This software, as its name suggests, is primarily used for the track and scheduling of employee work times and tasks. Managing employee schedules is a complicated and time-consuming endeavor. With the advent of IT in practically every field, it was common sense to design a system to handle this task for a firm as well. The latest generation of employee scheduling software provides strong tools and assists a manager in planning and scheduling time tables of tasks for employees under him. Although primarily done by a human resource manager, these systems can be used by supervisors as well to schedule work shifts and allot tasks within their own departments.

The right employee scheduling software depends greatly on the specific needs of a manager. Needs include the number of employees it can handle, whether it offers scheduling for employees in multiple locations or whether multiple shifts for an employee on the same day need to be scheduled. Such scheduling programs offer a wide-variety of reports and the data to make fast and informative decisions regarding efficient human capital use. Some of these reports include time-off summaries, traded-shift summaries and daily, weekly and monthly employee schedule reports. Further capabilities include reporting of overtime and extra shifts which adds as an extra support to the payroll system.

The user of such systems is assumed to have a basic working knowledge of computers. As these systems are largely graphical based, they are not difficult to use and provide ease of use in all aspects. A manager using one is assumed to have knowledge of the business requirements in terms of shifts and tasks to be done alongside prior knowledge of number of employees at hand and which employees are capable of completing which tasks. These applications allow a manager to a lot tasks to an employee and then analyze through reports what remains to be done and how best to allot these tasks to the remainder of employees. Moreover, deadline maintenance and reporting allow for tracking of which employee falls behind in completing tasks.

For this system, one has to have a standard computer system which is internet enabled as the system is available online. For systems that one wishes to install on their own PC, the same standard system configurations will do. This include a standard PC with an OS like Windows 98, fax modem, a dialup connection, keyboard, mouse, monitor, 2 GB of hard disk space and 64 MB RAM (minimum requirements stated).

These business applications are very strong in terms of reducing the work load of managers and effectively scheduling tasks of a firm. Considering how cheap a minimum requirements system is these days, the benefits of using such a system are huge in terms of time saving and efficiency. Good scheduling means the time of every employee is utilized effectively and this software helps accomplish that effectively.

References

  1. Employee Scheduling Software Review. When To Work. 21 Jan. 2007 <http://employee-scheduling-software-review.toptenreviews.com/whentowork-review.html>
  2. Tope ten reviews. Software Review. When To Work. 21 Jan. 2007 <http://employee-scheduling-software-review.toptenreviews.com/>
  3. Windows SharePoint Services Applications Template: Employee Scheduling 21 Jan. 2007 <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=8FB33404-13E0-424B-A75E-DD517E85263B&displaylang=en>
  4. Employee Scheduling Online. Work Schedule dot net. 21 Jan. 2007 <http://www.workschedule.net/>
  5. Small Businesses. Yahoo. 21 Jan. 2007 <http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Business_to_Business/Computers/Software/Business_Applications>

Read more
OUR GIFT TO YOU
15% OFF your first order
Use a coupon FIRST15 and enjoy expert help with any task at the most affordable price.
Claim my 15% OFF Order in Chat
Close

Sometimes it is hard to do all the work on your own

Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. Get professional help and free up your time for more important courses. Let us handle your;

  • Dissertations and Thesis
  • Essays
  • All Assignments

  • Research papers
  • Terms Papers
  • Online Classes
Live ChatWhatsApp