Byline
Jayden is a blogger who is well vast with the safety guidelines that dictate the affairs of an industrial work area. He recently assisted in creating a manual that outlined the safety practices necessary when handling Mutschler Edge Tech equipment.

 
•    FutureGen 2.0
The energy industry takes a lot of heat about the pollution created from burning fossil fuels. In response to these concerns, the industry is about to take power plants up a notch. FutureGen 2.0 will be the first near zero emission power plant. By upgrading an existing power plant in Illinois with oxy-combustion technology, the plant can capture and store up to 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. That means reducing the plant’s emissions by 90 percent!

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a common industrial process of safely storing and transporting carbon dioxide through pipelines. The U.S. Department of Energy has contributed more than $1 billion to launch this eco-friendly power plant and will play an active role in monitoring the storage site. Construction for the plant began in late 2012 and is scheduled for completion in late 2015.

•    Clean-Burning Engines
A smart car may not be for everyone, but as technology advance, so do our engines. Achates, a startup out of San Diego has created a clean-burning diesel engine. The company’s design has two pistons in each cylinder that delivers more power in less space, while boosting mileage up to 100 miles per gallon. The company hopes that one day soon the engines will be in commercial vehicles.

In the meantime, the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) recently awarded the startup with a $4.9 billion contract for designing and constructing the Next Generation Combat Engine.

•    Solar Roads
Solar roads could provide an innovative solution to our planet’s future energy needs. Since roads are flat and completely exposed to the sun in most places, they could be the perfect renewable energy solution to change the industry. By replacing the world’s road infrastructure and parking lots into panels of solar cells, we could potentially power cities solely on the energy from the sun.

While solar roads have not yet made their debut, a solar-powered parking lot in Idaho is currently under construction. This working prototype was funded by the Federal Highway Administration and is expected to be operational this spring. The parking lot will not only have solar cells, it will include LED lights, heating elements and a glossy textured glass surface.

These solar road panels consist of three layers: a road surface, an electronics layer and a base layer. The road surface is durable enough to drive on, but still passes sunlight through the solar cells embedded within. It also contains lights and a heating element to eliminate snow and ice removal. The road surface is weatherproof to protect the electronics underneath it. The electronics layer is just what it sounds like: a layer of electronics that collects the heat from the sun and controls the heating and LED lights. The base layer distributes the power collected in the electronics layer.

•    Tidal Turbines
The ocean is finally making a splash in the energy scene. The tide is a powerful force and is a dependable resource since the tide rises in falls every day. In order to harness this energy, Elemental Energy Technologies invented a tidal turbine, named the SeaUrchin. The turbine mimics an ocean whirlpool and is said to be four times more powerful and 70 percent more efficient than a propeller-driven generator. Though its waves are small so far, tidal power has the potential to compete with the energy provided by fossil fuels.

•    Multi-use Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
Though it may be more biological than technological this revolutionary development is too cool not to make the list. Scientists in Singapore recently developed a new nanomaterial that could change the energy industry as we know it. This new material can produce energy, be formed into solar cells, generate hydrogen and could double the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. Aside from these energy saving qualities, TiO2 can produce clean water and be used as an antibacterial.

TiO2 is made with titanium dioxide, which is inexpensive and widely available. Titanium dioxide can also accelerate chemical reactions and bond easily with water, making it an ideal substance for energy. TiO2 is created by transforming titanium dioxide crystals into nanofibers. These nanofibers can then be formed into flexible filter membranes.

However, in 2012, banks finally had some breathing room due to the revived spending power. If this continues this year, then the banking industry will continue to invest in new technologies as they focus on efficiency and complying with new requirements. Some of the new technologies that will shape the industry this year are:

1. Convergence of online & mobile technologies

Mobile banking began as an offshoot of online banking, and only very few people felt comfortable using it. Many more did not have the gadgets or the heart to try out this form of banking. Nevertheless, Smartphones have grown extensively in popularity and so has mobile banking.

Initially, mobile banking comprised of an online banking model ported to an Android or iPhone device. However, this year will see banks and vendor partners taking advantage of the maturing channel to produce richer mobile offerings. Banks will also use a single piece of technology to integrate the mobile and online banking to offer effective solutions.

2. Technologies in business process management

Many banks have a hard time dealing with multiple back-office systems as well as soiled information. To deal effectively with these challenges, banks will invest in new and enhanced business management tools, according to experts. It is high time banks found better techniques of collecting and reporting data to ensure regulatory compliance and increased efficiency. Additionally, integrated data systems will greatly contribute to risk management as well as help banks gain a more accurate perception of their customers.

3. The rise of message centers

A few years back, banks communicated with their clients through email. This had many risks especially when exchanging sensitive information. However, the rise of message centers is set to change all that. A message center is a specialized web portal intended for secure communication between banks and their clients. Already banks are abandoning the use of email for any sensitive information but are still using the message centers inconsistently. Nevertheless, experts say this year more banks will develop message centers, and communication between customers and their banks via this technology will become the norm.

4. Online & offline channel integration

No doubt, gone are the days when a customer would need to walk to a bank to fulfill all his or her banking needs. If a client initiates a loan process online and does not have time to complete it, then he or she would expect to walk into his or her local branch on the way from work to finish the process.

However, in most cases the bank will request the client to begin the process again due to lack of channel integration. Banks will work on new technologies to rearrange their channel architecture and integrate online and offline channels. According to many banking experts, the industry is moving towards a post-channel world where the client is central and only channel.

5. New mobile securities

Mobile devices are almost becoming omnipresent. Consumers are spending more and more time on their Smartphones, tablets and notepads for all their consumer needs including banking. In fact, some experts have declared the death of PCs. However, as more people continue to carry out banking on their mobile devices, these gadgets will increasingly become the focus of hackers and fraudsters.

Mobile devices are more prone to security breaches since they are still relatively burgeoning technology. In addition, many people do not take adequate security measures since they do not quite understand the risks involved.

As part of a trend now called consumerization of IT, employees are increasingly bringing their own devices to work. This poses risks to the business if not handled carefully. Banks are investing in new technologies that will secure mobile banking, and are setting up firm policies to govern employees who are using their own devices to handle work information. They are also educating them on how to exercise proper security measures.

Byline
Chad is a blogger who is passionate about technology, and its impact on business. His articles have enlightened many individuals regarding the benefits and challenges of information technology on businesses. An example would be his fascination with the CMMS software.

From my experience of using communication apps, the huge user base comes from the fact that if your friends are on it, you usually want to get it since that’s the only way that communication app has value for you. The following is a list of communication apps that have come of age and have proven to deliver whatever they promise.

1. Whatsapp

Formerly Whatsapp was a free application but it will now cost you slightly less than a buck but it is definitely worth it. It is the fastest growing app in the industry supporting a varied number of operating systems. Whatsapp on average does handle more than a billion messages, images, audio and videos.

After many bug fixes, Whatsapp is now almost flawless, and that for an application is worth noting. The customize button gives it a personal feel for each user. It supports phones for Android, Blackberry, Symbian, iOS, Windows phone and series 40 operating systems.

2. Google Voice

You can now call free for three hours straight, enjoy unlimited SMS and other features such as call blocking as fast as you want with Google voice. The other advantage is having all your calls, text messages and chats sent to your Google account, which works well for reference and memory. Google Voice works hand in hand with other Google apps such as Google+ and Google Talk. It supports palmweb, Android and iOS operating systems.

3. Skype

When Microsoft acquired this app in 2011, the world waited in bated breath to see what the geniuses at Microsoft would do with the app and they did not disappoint. Skype came from being a slow and inconsistent app to one that connected people all over the world fast.

You should be happy to know that it is free, for Skype to Skype calls and real-time due to its Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP). It relays voice phone calls at the touch of a button and file transfer. The main advantage Skype has to other communication application is that its VOIP is better due to its modification and use of a hybrid peer-peer system

4. Viber

Viber is a new application that seems to be putting Skype on their toes. It is an application that connects its users to the world. New improvements have seen addition of languages such as Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese and even Arabic. It offers free texts service, multimedia messaging with other Viber users on phones that support the application.

The other advantage is that Viber videos are High Definition (HD) quality and the good people at Viber have also not included advertisements in the app even if it comes free, this is an endearing feature. It supports phones with Android, Blackberry, Nokia, iOS, Windows phone and Bada operating systems. It has apps for specific phones but offers the same services. This is to make sure there no conflicts with the phones operations as were with Skype and the iPhone.

5. Conference Calleague

Now this is an app that means business. This app from the Windows Phone platform is designed for conference calling and can handle numerous meetings at the same time. Being a business communication app, it synchronizes with your calendar and contacts.

It is effective for managing conference calls, where you can add as many meetings or people you want, and to cap it all up, it works with the major communications networks notably Cisco webEX. In a new feature added, Conference Calleague lets you teach it how to find your dial in numbers among other new call features.

6. Tango

Tango is a free phone app that now supports computers too. You can make and receive phone calls, chat, send SMS, video calls, and multimedia messages. The app tell you who on your contact list is on Tango, these feature is very helpful as you can only use Tango features with other Tango users.

7. Facebook Messenger

This app made the tag line, ‘What’s on your mind?’ famous. Having recently listed on Wall Street, the company keeps on impressing its users. The Facebook Messenger app helps you connect with your friends on Facebook from your phone, and the chats are instant. However, the major drawback is that it only identifies users on Facebook and not on any other platforms.

This article has been written by Andrea, the webmaster over at BMOB.com which is a leading authority in the technology and gadget niche.

Many players in the transport and construction sectors are now turning to portable conveyors as a convenient solution. Unlike the large immobile structures, the portable conveyors are proving to be very handy for most tasks in different locations or sites. There are several benefits when it comes to investing in the portable conveyors.

1. Portability

The fact that the conveyors can be moved to different locations makes them very efficient. These machines enable the movement of goods from one location to another with very little effort. The portable systems can be transported from one site to another with ease. This helps to increase productivity and efficiency in a business that has many functions.

The conveyors can be taken where they are needed by hooking them onto a truck, and they can be returned when the task is completed.

The conveyors can be taken where they are needed by hooking them onto a truck, and they can be returned when the task is completed.

2. Time saving

The systems are efficient in that they reduce the time it takes to carry out certain activities. The time it takes to move goods up a ramp, is much shorter than it would take manually or using other equipment. This machines help to cut down on production time, which helps to keep a business competitive. The faster goods are moved the easier it is to move to the next phase of production.

3. Flexibility

The portable conveyor is relatively lightweight and it can be used in places where a regular conveyor cannot reach.

People working in places like mines and confined areas, or on inclines, can use the conveyors with ease. The conveyor system is now being used in mineral extraction. Its simplicity and flexibility means that it can be used conveniently on its own or alongside other systems.

4. Affordable

Portable conveyors are more affordable than other types of conveyors. There are different models in the market and some are cheaper than others are. Those who need the equipment on a short-term basis can lease the conveyor for specific tasks, or for a specific period. This makes the system quite affordable even for those with small businesses. The cost of production is greatly reduced which enhances the profit margin of the business.

5. Plenty of options

The portable conveyors come in many different types made from various materials.  They also differ in cost depending on the material used, which means that there is equipment to suit every production budget. The most common conveyors are made from steel or different metallic alloys.

Those made from alloys are usually lighter and cheaper than other models. There are also some made of fabricated fiberglass instead of bearings, which has made them much cheaper and more readily available.

6. Maintenance

The cost of maintaining the portable systems is much lower than that of other systems. All the repairs can be performed with ease, without having to remove the belt. They can be washed and serviced conveniently, which means that production does not have to be halted for long as the service is carried out. This allows production to go on efficiently with minimal downtime. When used in the food industry, they help to maintain hygiene standards because they can be cleaned frequently and with ease.

7. Durability

The machines are light, yet they are also strong and durable and can last a very long time. When buying or leasing the equipment, it is important to consider the weight and materials used. A good quality machine will last for long, while enhancing efficiency. There are different vendors who stock the equipment and it is important to carry out research in order to find the best equipment, at the best price. A good dealer or vendor will also offer maintenance services to ensure the machine remains in good condition.

Like with all machines, it is important to ensure that the portable conveyor is serviced regularly. Oiling the movable parts will help to ensure that they function well. It is also important to ensure safety by following instructions carefully. The best conveyors come with safety features that allow them to be used effectively even in the harshest conditions. These are units that can be carried to any location and set up within minutes.

Chad is an expert when it comes to conveyor systems and different types of conveyor belts. However, his favorite has got to be the portable conveyors.  

Therefore, in spite of numerous guides that claim to possess the infallible secret, much like fanatical religious/spiritual leaders, you can easily understand why a foolproof methodology has not yet been developed. Joke aside, let’s first clarify the basic concepts of Blackjack.

Quick walkthrough of the rules   

First of all, I have seen numerous guides to the game that suggest the objective of the player consists primarily of accumulating a sum of cards closest to 21, without going over this value. However, the real goal implies accumulating a sum of cards that is higher than the one of the dealer but that does not exceed 21. At first glance, the two statements are largely similar, but in fact there is a world of difference between them.

In the first case, the player should continue hitting (asking for more cards) until he is satisfied with the difference between the sum of his cards and the maximum value of 21, without taking into account the hand of the dealer. This erroneous strategy would substantially increase the house edge. On the other hand, if you remember that you don’t really need to aim for accumulating 21 points, but rather just over the value that the dealer holds, you stand to gain a lot more. The value of the cards in the game of blackjack is as following:

• 2 to 10 cards have the value imprinted on them
• The value of all face cards is 10 points
• The value of the Ace is either 11 (if the sum of the cards does not exceed 21) or 1 (if the sum of the cards exceeds 21)

The bettor will only see one of the cards of the dealer and, after being dealt the first 2 cards he will be able to:

• Stay, meaning that he will not request any more cards
• Hit, meaning he will request an additional card
• Split, meaning the current hand is split into two individual hands when the cards dealt are the same (two Aces, two 8s, two 5s, etc.)
• Double down, the value of the bet is doubled and the player will only receive one more card

It is necessary to point out that some casinos enable the player to “surrender”, canceling the bet if he does not like the hand that he has been dealt. However, you should inquire on whether or not your current table utilizes this rule.

What is the house edge in Blackjack?

The house edge really depends on the number of decks that are in the game. Assuming that you are only playing with a singular deck, than the house edge is then calculated at 0.17 percent. The house edge increases with each additional deck brought into play, as following:

• 2 decks, 0.46%
• 4 decks, 0.60%
• 6 decks, 0.64%
• 8 decks, 0.66%

In order to understand why the house gains an edge over the bettor that is directly proportional to the number of decks in play, you need to understand that the game of Blackjack is based on dependant events. To put it simply, it becomes much more difficult to estimate the number of cards that are still in the game and to calculate the odds of the remaining cards accurately, which means that card counting no longer provides you with the same advantage. For example, when you are playing with a single deck, you know that once all the Aces are out, the probability that either you or the deal draws one is 0.

An example of strategy

As mentioned previously, there is no strategy that will function optimally every time, but rather decision making systems that have a mathematically higher chance of winning. For the purpose of understanding that better, we have compiled a list of such decisions in the following table:

Byline

This guest post is written by Andrea, a passionate student of the theory behind casino games and writer at blackjackdomain.com.

The new custom Facebook page effective integrates the WordPress functionality into the Facebook platform, giving the users an avenue to access important information from Private WiFi while still being able to readily engage each other on the social media platform.

The new page features several different tabs that allow users to browse to various parts of the Private WiFi website. The layout is simple and easy to navigate through, allowing users to quickly find the answers they’re looking for.

So far, Private WiFi is the only company to date that has embedded their entire website on Facebook, giving the company a firm head-start over other companies that are slowly entering the Facebook marketing machine.

However, for other companies to replicate what Private WiFi has done—particularly in providing a complete user experience all without leaving Facebook—will take some time. It would appear that for the time being, Private WiFi has created quite possibly the most advanced and innovative Facebook page to date.

But enough talking about the new page, let’s talk about the implications that this heralds, both for Facebook and webmasters alike.

First, remember that Facebook has over one billion users. By placing a website directly on the social media platform, a webmaster has a potential audience of one billion people who often spend hours poring over every small detail on the social media platform.

The second and possibly most important thing to note is that Facebook is working on its own internal search engine. It won’t necessarily function like Google’s current search engine but rather aimed at providing answers rather than results (think of Bing’s decision engine if you will). The fact that Private WiFi has pioneered the technology to put a full functioning WordPress opens up the possibility of monetizing these Facebook pages.

Private WiFi has introduced a tremendous opportunity for the users of Facebook through its new Facebook page, I recommend anyone interested in it to check it out.

(Photo credits: MyLifeStory)

The purpose of an engine is to convert gasoline into energy so that your car moves. The gasoline is burned inside the engine, and for that reason, the engine system of a car is known as an internal combustion engine. It is worthwhile to note that different types of internal combustion engines exist, diesel engines being one type and gas turbine engines being another. Each of the two has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

External combustion engines also exist. These are usually found in the steam engines used in the old trains and steam boats. Coal, wood or oil is burned outside the engine to produce steam, and the steam in turn provides energy for movement. However, internal combustion is more fuel efficient and the internal combustion engines are smaller hence relatively easy to install.

Internal combustion

Hard as it is to believe, the science behind internal combustion engines is relatively simple. If a small quantity of high-energy combustible fuel such as gasoline is placed in a stable, enclosed and relatively small place, then ignited, a lot of energy will be released in gaseous form. This energy can be used to propel objects over a distance. In simpler terms, it is this gaseous energy that is harnessed and used in a particular way to provide motion.

Most cars use a cycle referred to as a 4-stroke combustion cycle, which converts the gasoline into movement. This cycle is also called the Otto cycle, a name given in 1867, in remembrance of its inventor, Nikolaus Otto. The 4 strokes are: the intake, compression, combustion and exhaust strokes.

Basic engine parts

The engine consists of cylinders, which in turn have pistons inside the cylinder that move upwards and downwards. Simple engines like lawn mowers have one cylinder, however, the majority of cars have four, six or eight cylinders. They have specific arrangement in multi-cylindered engines known as incline, flat or V arrangements.

(Photo credits: Mirko Junge)

Depending on the manufacturing cost, the characteristics, and the smoothness, the different engine configurations have their ups and downs. Detailed below are key parts of the engine you might want to know about.

1.       Valves

The valves serve the purpose of letting air and fuel by opening at the right time. These are known as the intake valves. The exhaust valves have to open at the right time to facilitate the elimination of the exhaust fumes. Both kinds of valves are always closed during combustion and compression to maintain a sealed combustion chamber.

2.       Spark plug

This is the part that provides the spark used to ignite the fuel and air mixture, for them to burn. The spark is usually timed to happen at the precise time for the fuel to be ignited.

3.       Piston

This is a metal piece that is cylindrical in shape, and has an upward and downward movement in the cylinders.

4.       Connecting rod

This part connects the crankshaft and the piston. The connecting rod rotates at either ends, enabling it to change its angle as the shaft rotates and piston moves.

5.       Piston rings

For the pistons to move down and up effectively, piston rings act as a source of sliding seal linking the Piston’s outer lining with the cylinder’s inner lining. The functions of the rings are:

• During compression and combustion, they keep the mixture of air/fuel and the exhaust fumes from making their way to the sump.
• They prevent leakage of oil from the sump into the engine’s combustion chamber, hence prevent burning and loss of the oil.

6.       Crankshaft

This is the part that controls the piston’s movements, in an upward and downward manner and in a circular motion.

(Photo credits: Ryan Frost)

7.       Sump

Containing some oil, the sump encloses the crankshaft. Oil collects at the base of the sump; hence the term ‘oil pan’ is sometimes used to define it.

As you can see, it is the combination of the above parts, together with the body of the car as the engine’s supporting and housing structure, which work in harmony to thrust the car forwards. Hope I have driven home these mechanical concepts well enough for you!

Byline

Chad loves cars and he often writes about car parts such as the outboard fuel injectors. His dream is to buy a solid solar car before he turns 35!

In order to have those who had no gambling knowledge whatsoever try their luck instead of staring at their friends play, the slots were introduced. The main idea was to create room for another market niche but who could have guessed that they ended up stealing the show!

Why are there so many winding tales about slots?

The popularity of the slots is probably what has given room or the rise of many myths surrounding the slots. Given that they are probably a higher income earner for most casinos as compared to the card and table games, most people believe that the owners install a form of system to ensure that they dish out loads of cash but still keep the profits reeling in.

The truth is that there is no such thing as a programmed time for the next jackpot from the previous one, or a certain measurement of the force you use to turn the reels or any other myth coined by religious players. It is simply a matter of luck.

Well, technically in the world of science, this luck or random pick of the winning combination can be explained. Dispel the myths and be acquainted with the science behind the slot machines!

Yes, it is science, no crystal balls here!

For starters, it is important to understand the mechanisms of the traditional slots before divulging into the math and science of the modern ones, and even the online ones.

When you insert the coin into the slot, a detector close to the handle recognizes the coin and loosens the brake on the handle. The handle is connected to the reels, which are then connected to a metal shaft. The same braking system makes the reels stop spinning then a sensor beneath the reels sends the position of the reels to the display screen, which is what you see.

It is basically a system of levers and gears at work, so for those looking to beat the machine, you have to get an in depth understanding of this gear system. Even when the machine displays blanks to you, it is all part of the system. Furthermore, not one blank is displayed but a series of blanks.

When you pull on the handle, the motion sets off a series of gears below the reels, which makes the reels to spin, and in counter motions make the reels to stop one at a time. The gears set the sequential motion of the reels, which leaves the player heightened with suspense.

The RNG Chip determines your wins

The electrical slots rise with a bang, phasing out the mechanism of the gears, and eventually the online slot machines. They use the same governing principle only now it is computerized, and in the form of the RNG chip. This is a computer chip known as the random number generator, designed to create random sequences of numbers.

Even when the machine is not in use, this nifty chip is busy at work. The hands and the reels in the modern machines are placed to give the player a feel of the slots, but really it is the chip that does all the work and the results are displayed. The same applies for the online gaming slots.

When you turn the handle or hit play on these modern machines, the numbers generated by the chip are accessed at once and this is accurate to the millisecond. The spinning you see has nothing to do with outcome and is just to allow the suspense and give the slot its original feel.

Those who argue that they would have won when a player before or after them hits the jackpot, well the answer is no. Unless you can mirror the same millisecond that the other player hit the button, chances are you would not have won. It is a matter of luck, so now that you know the science or math behind it, do not waste your energy pulling down the handle strongly or looking for those lucky coins, embrace the randomness and the excitement of the slots!

Byline

This is a guest post written by Chad Faith on behalf of Ladies Slots, the first playing woman’s magazine.

 “If it exists, there IS porn of it.”

If you don’t think this rule is real, then just go to Google Images, type in “apple pie”, take off safe search, and be horrified (or titillated, I’m not judging) at some of the results you’re about to find.

Yes, porn is pretty much everywhere on the Internet and it’s not going away anytime soon. So as the internet continues to expand, so does the availability of porn—which brings us to an interesting question: what kind of effects does porn have on the brain?

The answer is actually a lot scarier than you think—and also a lot more complicated.

To start, let’s take a look at how porn has an effect on our brain.

Whether you want to believe it or not, your body maintains a delicate balance of chemicals that is then reflected in your behaviors. One chemical in particular—dopamine—plays a major role in the rewards system of your brain. There are a lot of different things that I can say about dopamine, but the only thing YOU need to know is this:

Dopamine is what gives you the rush you feel after you’ve achieved some kind of accomplishment.

So, when you do something that’s pleasurable, your body will experience a spike in dopamine. Starving and just took a bite out of a BLT? Dopamine spike. Thirsty and just chugged a liter of water? Dopamine spike. Had sex for the first time in years? Dopamine spike. Just finished rubbing one out? Dopamine spike.

So, how does that relate to the effects of porn on the brain?

Simple: porn provides an easy access to dopamine. In fact, if you refer back to the linked infographic, you’ll actually notice something very interesting. Dopamine levels actually rise higher and last longer from porn than from just normal sex alone. There is a school of thought that believes that too much porn will turn you away from having actual sex because of how available porn is. Bang on the keyboard a few times and you’ll get boobs. Why spend the effort and money for the real thing when you can rub one out practically for free?

Now, am I saying that you should stop watching porn entirely? No, because odds are, if you spend ANY time on the internet, you’re bound to stumble onto Rule 34 and be exposed to porn. Instead, all I’m telling you is that while porn may be easier and chemically more pleasurable than actually having sex, it’s no substitute for the real thing.

Real boobs just feel better.

Below is a simple Infographic that explains everything in simple to understand terms.