Science and Technology

With the facilitation from the Indian government and the relatively aloof economy during the recession, the advent of various Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in India is being witnessed. The FMCG forms a concrete part of every individual's life. The companies in India are in a forever race to upbeat their opponents. It may be the case of Coco- Cola versus Pepsi or Bournvita versus Horlicks. The companies are foraying into the Indian market with their products in order to tap the vast middle class base of India.

The major FMCG companies in India are planning to invest over Rs 1,800 crore (US$ 395.2 million) in the next few months. The FMCG intend to provide additional option to the consumer. Keeping the lead, Fast Moving Consumer Goods companies are also looking forward to spend upon research and technology (R&D), with Nestle, another FMCG major plans to invest Rs 230 crore to set up its first R&D centre in India at Manesar in adjoining Gurgaon district. Additionally the telecom sector major, Bharti Enterprises, plans to foray into the retail sector by forming a joint venture (JV) with the Del Monte Pacific arm, DMPL India, looking to invest Rs 200 crore (US$ 43.25 million). FMCG sector in India is witnessing large amount of investments from various countries. Also, the foreign FMCG companies find India as a suitable investment destination.

Furthermore, telecom sector in India is witnessing new heights with GSM operators adding a whopping 13.5 million mobile subscribers in August 2010 taking the total tally to 481 million subscribers. In addition, according to the Telecom sector authority, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the wireless user base rose by 2.66 percent to 652.42 million in July 2010. The telecom sector in India has been recording new heights ever since the roll-out of the third generation (3G) services. Fresh impetus has been experienced in the Indian telecom sector with the operators of the telecom sector making inroads in the Indian market. Furthermore, the telecom sector is also witnessing new innovations and technology developments in reference to the mobile value added services (VAS) include text or SMS, menu-based services, downloading of music or ring tones, mobile TV, videos and sophisticated m-commerce applications. The science and technology sector in India is in a mood to capture new heights, as it flows with the Space Vision 2025. A new ignition has been ignited in the country's research and technology sector with India signing landmark civil nuclear deal with various countries.

Significantly, India has been venturing actively into the dimensions of science and technology. The various organizations like Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) are being fully supported by the Indian government in their new ventures in science and technology segment. The most attention grabbing news, being that of finalization of seven payloads that will go on the second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, by the National Committee of Experts, as per a press release of ISRO. Another major, science and technology development in India was the setting up of the world record by flight testing the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos off the Orissa coast.

Monitoring Web Traffic Through Site Analytics

Page Views

You have probably noticed this phrase in online marketing brochures where web sites proudly proclaim the large quantum of visitor traffic they have experienced on their sites. A Page View refers to the total views of every page on your web site. A Unique Page View is a page view by a unique person within a twenty-four hour period. Where as page view counts are site specific, unique page views are visitor specific. Both communicate important information about visitor behavior patterns and provide valuable insights into your search engine ranking.

Hits

The reason why there is some confusion about this term is because it emanates from server technology and not from the art and science of visitor tracking and web analytics. A Hit merely refers to the number of information requests received by a hosting server. The number of hits is determined by the number of objects on a page. For example, if your home page has twenty-one objects, your site hosting server will record the page access as twenty-one hits. A word to the wise... It is best to use this statistic cautiously for what it is worth and not to be misled by inflated hit counts when implementing your online marketing plan.

Referrer or Visitor Source

A Referrer or Referring Link also known as the Visitor Source is a page which links to your web site. By looking at your referrers, it is possible to accurately identify the pages from where your site visitors are arriving. Visitors usually arrive from one of these three sources:

o From another web site that has linked to your site

o A search engine results page

o Directly from a browser launch

Referral data is a gold mine of information because it clearly pinpoints the keywords or key phrases being used by searchers to arrive at your web site and the search engines that are sending you the traffic. You can use this data to conduct more targeted and meaningful keyword analysis, refine existing keywords and submit your site to search engines and directories where you are not listed. This data can also be used to further optimize the content of your web pages for improved search engine rankings (SERs).

User Agent

A User Agent is the software that is used by site visitors to access your web site. A User Agent could be a:

o Browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Safari

o PHP script pasted on a web page that points to your site

o Search engine spider programmed to index your site

This valuable data can be leveraged to precisely identify the last time a spybot visited your web site to index it. You can also use this data to map traffic trends, spot site abuse and trigger corrective action.

Geographical Location

Many web analytics packages and hosted services provide this information using IP look-up technology. They compile data about the geographical location of site visitors as well as the time of the day during which they visit your web site. You can deploy this data to fine-tune your marketing strategy specially in those regions of the world from where site traffic is below average.
There are still other types of traffic intelligence web analytics systems can provide. They include:

o The length of time a site visitor stayed on your web site

o The URL of the page on which site visitors land and exit your site

o The operating system (Windows XP, Vista etc.) and browser resolution settings on the
monitors of site visitors

Web Analytics and Improved Customer Service

The manner in which you can use web analytics data will depend largely on your site's functionality and its purpose. For instance, if your site has a customer service orientation and provides live chat support for your customers, web analytics data is critical since it will enable you to further tweak the type and nature of your customer service. This key aspect of the overall customer service delivery process is of paramount importance because customer surveys continue to reveal the general level of dissatisfaction among customers regarding the quality of service on Internet e-transaction sites. According to a Harris Interactive survey conducted in August 2007, nine out of ten customers were unhappy with the type of customer service they received when shopping online. The Harris survey polled 2,430 US consumers aged 18 and older and concluded that most online shopping customers were experiencing significant problems when trying to interact with customer service personnel-- a problem that a live chat solution can address and effortlessly remedy.

In the next issue of Live Wire Plus, we will objectively evaluate some of the leading web analytics solutions to help you select the service or product that best meets your needs.

Information in a Box

Web traffic statistics or web stats, as they are commonly referred to, are extremely potent tools used to generate organic data about web site usage. They provide critical information about which web pages on your web site receive maximum traffic. They also generate statistics on the web pages that attract the least amount of site traffic. Site analysis solutions also tell you who is on your site, how long they were on your site, on which page they landed and from where, and finally, from which page they have exited from your web site. Some of the more sophisticated site analytics packages can identify which web browsers are being used by site visitors and which ones should be optimized for improved results. Since these analysis tools compile crucial data on the search engines your visitors are using to arrive on your site and the keywords and key phrases they are typing into search engine search boxes, these tools can go a long way in implementing innovative marketing strategy for your web site or portal. Some can even check for dead links and send error messages.

Science and Technology - Definition by Real Life Examples

How someone could define what is Science and Technology?

Science is search for the profound knowledge. Scientists investigate the world around us. They observe how things work and develop ideas about ways to make them work better. Sometimes they try to test an idea to explain how something works. Scientists perform experiments to find out how things work. The knowledge that they discover is useful for many things. It can help to build new machines. It can help scientists to develop new medicines or cure a disease. Technology is the use of scientific knowledge to create new things.

Then what is an Inventor?

An inventor is a person who creates a new idea or device to perform a task. An invention is the new technology created. An inventor with a new idea or design for an invention may decide to have the idea protected. The idea gets protection from the law in a paper called a patent. A patent prevents other people from making, using, or selling the new idea without permission from the inventor. Some inventions are simply a better way of doing or building something. They may improve an existing technology. Other inventions are much more complicated.

Today's technology has been in the process of development for thousands of years. New inventions are constantly changing how people work and play. They change how people think and live. The future constantly brings us even more changes. This will happen as we continue to learn about the world.

Do we depend on science and technology?

What did you do today? Did you talk on the telephone? Did you ride in a car or on a bus? Did you use a computer or turn on a light? If you did any of these things, you used technology.

Almost everybody uses some form of technology at work, home, or school. Computer programmers use computer technology to write a computer program. People may write letters using a computer program called a word processor. Many people work in the entertainment industry. Camera operators use television and motion-picture cameras. They use them to make TV shows and movies. Disc jockeys, or DJs, play records and CDs on the radio.

Scientists use all sorts of technology to study the Earth and the Universe. Businesses often have telephones, fax machines, and computers. Graphic designers use desktop publishing programs to create books and magazines. Doctors frequently use medical technology. They use it to treat injuries, illnesses, and diseases such as cancer. Pilots fly airplanes and helicopters. Who knows what jobs will be created by new technologies in the future!

Advantages of a Computer Science Degree

Any job seeker wants the power to be self sufficient. How about having the power to truly change the world through instant communication and online technology? This medium is a sure fire way to hop from one job to another with ease. A computer science degree is the number one way to be fully prepared for any career, as society is becoming more and more interconnected through the world wide web. Furthermore, as we become more dependent on technological systems to cohesively work, the demand for computer science professionals will be almost insatiable. In a saturated market full of job seekers, you want to stand out and be applicable in nearly almost any profession.

Computer science arms you with a unique analytical and creative perspective in problem solving. In addition, you gain a hands on experience in handling sensitive information online, or you may be responsible for ensuring technological systems are working properly. Because computing is a part in nearly everything we do - from the businesses we operate, to the online transactions that need to be put in place, computer science ensures the development of everything we hold dear. Governments rely on technological systems to work. Your work as a computer science professional can be applied in almost every level, on any scale, from small to large businesses, from private to the public sector.

Any businessman will tell you that efficiency is the number one factor in the success of their business. Efficient computing processes is valued above any skill set, so having expertise in this type of analytical process will be challenging and equally as rewarding. It gives you a broad range to interact with people from many different backgrounds and areas of specialization.

The computer connects us in all ways imaginable. It is the one common platform to do business and share perspectives. Therefore, many types of high paying jobs are related to computer science and it is no wonder that It is becoming one of the fastest growing professions to date. Since technological growth is limitless, so are the possibilities of the profession. There are always new challenges and new issues to be confronted with. New devices are being created everyday, so you will see no boredom in this field, only more opportunities to grow and explore. Imagine being a part of an ever-evolving, exciting career.

Another advantage is that you can get this degree online from an accredited online college. You can even specialize in a computer science field of your choice - for example hospital operations or system security. Whatever your specialty, you will have a great edge in your job search since you are armed with critical problem solving, logical thinking, and creative skills necessary to succeed.

Being a well rounded candidate is also an advantage, as many companies look toward the general abilities of a prospective employee. As technology continues to play a paramount role in our lives, this profession will thrive and innovation will expand. A computer science degree is the degree you want if you wish to be challenged and have the ability to change the world.

The Effects of New Technology in Human Lives

New technology impacts our daily lives in every field, from the cars we drive, cell phones we use, computers and networks we access and power we consume! In fact humans have always been greatly affected with the developments in new technology. However, nowadays new information technology is a bit more complex with cloud computing, new methods of security and data encryption!

It's a universal fact that new information technology not only benefits programmers, database managers, hardware engineers and network analysts but it also benefits the common user as well. New information technology was developed in 1940's and 1950's for the better working of military and universities.

There is a whole generation of kids now who are growing up not knowing what was before the internet and the cell phone. This new technology to the older generation is novice and unique in their lives. New science and technology offers breakthroughs in our life times and our children's lifetimes that will significantly impact the world in which we live. It is believed that new medical science and technology will be able to cure cancer, HIV-AIDS and even the common cold! New medical technology is being continuously developed, from clinical trials for pharmaceuticals to robotics for complex surgery!

New science and technology may also one day lead to mainstream alternative fuel vehicles, space travel for civilians, virtual reality conferences, a worldwide network of personal wireless electronics, data-transmission at the speed of thought, reversal of global warming and too many other innovations to mention. Latest research in computer science is not limited to medical, business, gadget, IT, space, education, etc. But it will mean better health, more knowledge and more power at our finger-tips.

Some of the other hot topics in new research technology include environment and renewable energy, space science, electronics, stem-cell investigations and many others. All these developments in human lives is wholly credited to the amazing invention of computers! The computer application is used and acknowledged worldwide. New models of computers are emerging daily, having different features, unique shapes and attractive designs.

Whether a new or used computer, it occupies a prominent place in our lives. Used and cheap computers are available in the market for the benefits of students and professionals, working mothers or for home-based jobs, from businesses to medicine, from education to aviation, from government departments to the corporate trading world, these used computers and refurbished laptops are performing amazing tasks! Cheap computers and refurbished laptops are available at very affordable rates to help students and young professionals to pursue their career.

Business technology is developing everyday to help companies get an edge on their competition as well as bring more engaging products and services into the market place. But it must be realized that as new business technology will lead to more productivity, it will also create more competition.

New technology, in years past, may have been inventing the wheel, the telescope, the printing press or the first steam-driven car. But it cannot be denied that new technology has driven societies towards greater health, wealth, security and well-being!

Personal Skills & Technology - A Perfect Partnership to Assist Special Needs People in the Workforce

Science and technology continue to produce a wealth of creative assistive devices, specialized products and unique services that make work and life easier for all people, especially the challenged. As a result, a previously somewhat marginalized group of the workforce is now able to operate on an almost equal footing with the rest of the working population. Combine enhanced personal skills with the assistive devices and the combination is very powerful.

It is now possible for many disabled and challenged people to enter the workforce and do almost anything that a "normal" person does. There is a growing number of employees who have learning disabilities, reactions, syndromes, and other physical and mental challenges but their assistive devices allow them to operate at a high level despite their difficulties. Assistive technology allows them to put more time and energy into thinking and producing instead of just surviving.

Businesses and corporations often choose to have employees engage in staff development. However, learning must be selected carefully because so much of current knowledge, facts, methods and processes is outdated and obsolete. The best choice for staff development is personal skills training. This is especially true for those employees with physical and mental challenges.

The workforce can conceivably expand dramatically if a difficult question is posed, "How can special needs people be helped to better fit into the whole scheme of things?" There is a positive answer.

Skills are more valuable than ever in the struggle to get people to work more efficiently, rebuild and revamp our economies, and save the planet in general. Skills don't get old and obsolete. Advanced technology and personal skills become perfect partners in helping special needs people contribute positively despite challenges.

For challenged and disabled people, emphasis should be on determining and strengthening their skill set. Assistive devices can then be used to help the skills grow.

Analytical skills, creativity and problem-solving are strongly empowering and are prized abilities in all areas of the workforce. Having a head full of facts and figures has become of lesser value. Knowing "how to" do things is more important. The above skills are not just for able people. They can be taught to anybody at any age and at almost any ability. The difference between being able or disabled is far less when assistive devices are employed.

Personal skills training produces competency and helps people become independent, self-directed learners. When processing skills are strengthened and applied to knowledge and facts, the result is better products and outcomes. Assistive technology enables and extends the expression of learned skills. It can greatly increase speed of acquisition, expression in various media forms, and ultimately the value of outcomes or products.

Educators are vital in discovering and nurturing physical and intellectual skill sets of young children. Special education students learn to use learned skills and technology to achieve many more goals and compete more effectively for their place in the upcoming "new" revamped world. With assistive devices, more can dream of becoming proud, full-fledged, viable members of the workforce. Assistive devices give the most severely challenged people increased mobility and more ways to communicate their ideas more effectively.

The following are some of the personal skills that every person - challenged or not - needs to ensure he/she can survive and thrive in the future. Technology can assist at all stages to ensure the learning is maximized.

Innovation Skills
How to: invent new products/services. Canada needs to continue to be a breeding ground for innovative and valuable new inventions and ideas. Anybody can be an inventor of assistive devices or other useful products or services!

Communication Skills
How to: speak/present professionally, write effectively, read/use body language. We truly do live in a global village and should be prepared to interface with others anywhere in the world. Properly selected assistive devices allow disabled and challenged workers to do the above.

Higher-Level Thinking Skills
How to: analyze, problem-solve, assess little ideas to find the hidden BIG ones, think in an enhanced way, think logically, use inductive/deductive thinking methods. These personal skills are not limited to any particular segment of society.

Self-Awareness Skills
"How to: increase levels of perception, relax, de-stress, self-motivate, re-energize, recognize success, keep up the spirits despite intense challenges and competition. All people need to know themselves better in order to be the best they can be. These personal skills can be learned by all people including many who are challenged and disabled.

Leadership Skills
How to: be a leader, develop teams and think tanks, achieve win-win outcomes, handle criticism, improve emotional maturity, determine levels of success. Disabilities and challenges do not have the limitations anymore. Assistive devices help many more people participate effectively in society in leadership roles.

The world is changing dramatically. A very positive aspect is that new technology and assistive devices enhance inclusiveness because they allow almost anybody to be more expressive and therefore more productive. The new Age of Creativity demands people be producers of new learning, not just consumers. Skills training and advanced assistive technology, create a great partnership that helps challenged and disabled people strive, survive and thrive.

Universities Link Humanities With Science and Technology

They're getting free iPads. Students who participate in a new honors program in digital cultures and creativity at a university in Maryland this fall have been promised the tablet computers as part of the program's launch. This same institution also offers courses in electronic literature and new media that covers such areas as online books and electronic book readers.

"People go into humanities because they don't like technology, but today you really can't separate them," Program Director Matthew Kirschenbaum was quoted as saying in a July edition of the university's student newspaper, DiamondbackOnline. At this same institution, an institute for technology in the humanities works to create and preserve electronic literature, digital games and virtual worlds. The institute claims its home to an international group devoted to writing, publishing and reading electronic literature.

With the computer science and English departments, the institute has provided Book 2.0 students a prototype of an electronic reading device. Its audio archives include discussions related to the project as well as to mobile apps that support children's storytelling and a Smithsonian Art Museum alternate reality game. Organizations on and off college and university campuses, in fact, tie the humanities with technology as well as areas such as science.

An institute at a Virginia university, for example, partners with libraries, publishers, information technology companies and others on humanities computing initiatives, according to its website. The institute offers colleges and universities, as well as cultural, non-profit, government and business organizations, consulting, programming and data services in areas such as three-dimensional cultural heritage site computer modeling, Java and Perl programming and web databases, according to its website. Visitors to the site might access digital collections of African American poetry, early American fiction from authors such as Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott and Harriet Beecher Stowe, as well as the English dramas of William Shakespeare and others. Digital audio databases include African American songs and American music from composers such as Duke Ellington and Cole Porter.

The Humanities and Technology Association, which isn't affiliated with any one institution, dates back to 1978 and promotes understanding the interaction between the humanities, science, engineering and technology. A Humanities and Technology Review journal published by the association includes explorations of Japan's cultural values and how its values influence development of its nuclear policy to the aesthetics of digital cinema and how movies such as "Miami Vice" exploit the technology's abilities and limitations to create new aesthetics. Another journal article addresses how computers can undermine or enhance student learning.

Industries want scientists who can understand an application's intellectual properties and issues of equity, human awareness perspective and more, according to co-founders of the Humanities, Arts, Science and Technology Advanced Collaboratory. This particular group formed in 2002 in response to the diminished role of humanities in the information age, according to its website. "Changes in the Information Age require us to think and act collectively to envision new ways of learning to serve the goals of a global society," the group's website notes.

In addition to courses such as English and literature, humanities degrees online and on campus might include classes in history, philosophy, culture, ethics and more. The co-founders of the Humanities, Arts, Science and Technology Advanced Collaboratory represent universities on the east and west coasts of the United States. In an essay citing the central place humanities studies have with regard to exploring the possibilities of technology's reach and implications, they noted that the humanities involve exploring meaning, value and significance and that humanists link the old and the new and then engage the best of both.

An engineering college at a Connecticut university this fall plans to launch a bachelor's degree in sustainability that includes studies in the humanities, according to a recent article in the Connecticut Business News Journal. The degree offering takes a holistic approach, its website suggests. Classes are to include global solutions to sustainability, research methods in sustainability and contemporary issues of art and the environment, the Business News Journal noted.