Author: anwaryusef

Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath. Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.

How Hotel Owners Can Assess The Competition

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. The hospitality injury can be very competitive. Similar to other arenas, it’s important to know how your competition is doing. The following contributed post discusses this and is entitled, How Hotel Owners Can Assess The Competition.

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If you have a number of hotels across different destinations, it may seem impossible to assess the competition effectively, especially if you are not immersed in the area yourself. However, evaluating the competition is of paramount importance if your business is to take the steps forward you need it to. Below, we reveal some top tips on how you can monitor competition to win local markets.

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Social media reviews

Firstly, you can use social media reviews in order to leverage the feedback that customers use to make their decisions. This data will tell you what guests think of the local competition while also alerting you to a hotel’s strengths and weaknesses. This will put you in a position whereby you have all of the information you need to differentiate.

The great thing about social media feedback is that the information is readily available. People leave comments on the likes of Facebook and Twitter daily, and these can be accessed with ease at any time of the day. You end up with information coming from multiple sources, which spans across customer demographics. And, when you consider that most consumers read reviews before they make a hotel booking, you see why this is so important. You need to work on building your social media presence and your online reputation so that you rival the competition. After all, 81 per cent of travellers find user reviews important, and 49 per cent won’t book a hotel without reviews.

Social review websites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Expedia certainly should not be ignored either. Not only should you use such websites to build up a positive image, but you need to engage with customers too. Research shows that one in four people expect a reply on these platforms within an hour. You can really capture customers in the area by being active.

Analytics

When it comes to creating a website through a website builder, one thing you often are not able to do yourself, typically through a lack of understanding, is embed analytics into your site design. This means that you are left missing a critical part of your online puzzle.

So, do you need to have your entire site re-designed? Do you need to spend a fortune on an expert web designer? You can, but it’s not a requirement. Instead, you just need to find a SEO firm who can take care of this for you. This will be a company that has access to advanced technology and software so that they can effectively assess your online presence, not just your website, and make the right decisions that will drive your business forward through assessing what you are doing now and how you match up with the competition.

Survey feedback

You can also track and benchmark your performance by using feedback from surveys. You will get a good understanding of what your previous customers think about your hotel, confirming where you excel, and where you should be making improvements. You may consider doing a prize draw or something to entice your customers to take part in the survey, as only two per cent of consumers complete questionnaires.

Location-based surveys are important because different things matter to different demographics. For example, it’s likely that those visiting New York are going to have different expectations to those heading to Texas.

Involve your staff

Last but not least, make sure you involve the local hotel staff. Their insight can be extremely valuable, especially as you are not there yourself. They will be able to suggest immediate improvement opportunities. After all, they are going to be engaging with your guests every day, and this is when the most honest and direct feedback tends to surface. Encourage all of your employees to be honest, no matter how brutal the feedback may be. At the end of the day, this is going to benefit your company in the long run.

Think about it; what we say at the moment is often very different to what we say when we have had time to think about it. By using this feedback alongside the data extracted above, you can get a well-rounded view of what you need to do to compete locally with other hotels.

4 Technologies Changing Manufacturing

Three of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. If you’re running a manufacturing business, it’s critical to understanding the current technologies and how they can help you operations. The following contributed post is thus entitled, 4 Technologies Changing Manufacturing.

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Quality manufacturing is at the core of many businesses. While some companies simply purchase pre-manufactured products, others rely on either outsourced manufacturing or their own manufacturing setup to create custom products. Like any other area of business, the world of manufacturing is evolving, and technology is moving at a fast pace. Any businesses that rely on manufacturing should be aware of the technology available, whether they’re looking for the right outsourcer or want to update their own manufacturing setup. Here are some of the technologies that are changing manufacturing and the relationship that many businesses have with it.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) involves how devices connect to each other, including computers, manufacturing equipment, vehicles and much more. It facilitates the transfer of data more easily and makes essential information more accessible and easier to analyze. Many manufacturers have already begun to use connected products. It’s not even necessary to invest in all new equipment. Many older items can be updated by adding sensors or other connected products that help to collect and share important data. The IoT makes everything more efficient, keeping everyone in the know. For example, a sensor could pick up on a problem with a piece of equipment and immediately let an engineer know about it.

Sourced from The Blue Diamond Gallery

Automation

Automation in the manufacturing process is another technology that is playing an increasingly large role. Automation from your outsourcing partners such as an injection moulding company means they will use the tech to monitor manufacturing, ensure consistent quality and transfer parts. Automation means less work for humans, so they can concentrate on doing other things. It can help to improve accuracy and quality during manufacturing, and speed things up too. There has been an increase in automation solutions in the last few years, so there are plenty of ways for manufacturers to benefit from automatic.

Augmented Reality

While it might not be in common use yet, augmented reality has been pitched as the next big thing in manufacturing and other business areas for a while. The use of AR could help to improve efficiency and it’s also popularly used for training purposes. Augmented reality could be used to help people with complex assembly or can make it easier to carry out maintenance, providing clear and visual instructions. Expert support can be provided through AR, and it can even be used to carry out quality assurance.

Mobile Technology

Within manufacturing companies, mobile technology can also prove to be useful. Mobile tech allows people to access the information they need whenever and wherever. Workers need to have access to data that helps them do their jobs properly, and employers shouldn’t ignore the growing need for mobile apps in the workplace. An app can be used to log working hours, check schedules or receive notifications about tasks that need to be completed. When employees benefit from being connected to what’s happening, the rest if the company benefits too.

Technology will continue to change the manufacturing industry. It will pay for businesses to keep up with what’s happening.

How Is Car Technology Changing The Face Of Public Transport?

A major focus of my blog is Technology. Right now we’re seeing the incorporation of new technologies into cars. What are the advantages of these new technologies in the are of public transportation? The following contributed post is entitled, How Is Car Technology Changing The Face Of Public Transport?

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(Image Source)

In recent years, it seems as if humans are moving far closer to truly autonomous cars than ever before. Loads of companies are throwing their hats into the ring, coming out with options which are promising the shape the future of this industry. What does this mean for a field like public transport, though? To give you an idea of how this might change the way you get around in the future, this post will be going through some of the changes you can expect to see over the next couple of decades. Of course, this sort of change is dependent on technology and the way that it develops.

Rapid Growth

As more cares are starting to be able to drive themselves, there becomes less of a reason to own a personal vehicle. Without having to reply on drivers to get you around, taxis using modern technology could get you from place to place at any time of day, and it wouldn’t make anyone’s lives unpleasant. Coupled with less and less people having space for a car at home, this could see the public transport industry boom like never before.

Hybrid Systems

Traditional cars are always looked at as a standalone item, and very few people will see them as holding a dual purpose. Nowadays, though, a lot of companies are looking for new ways to use cars creatively. A great example of this can be found in the Hyperloop, a project being undertaken by a large group of businesses, schools, and enthusiasts. This system promises to allow driverless cars to be launched through underground systems, dramatically lowering transport times and making public transport more promising.

Lower Costs

When you don’t need a driver for the public transport you’re using, the cost of driving goes down by a large margin. Coupled with the fact that electricity can be produced for far less than traditional fuel, this whole experience gets a lot cheaper than using your own car. It’s rare that you find something which both costs less and provides greater convenience, but this is what the world of public transport is set to achieve.

Safer Roads

Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about the safety on the roads. While companies may not be able to get rid of their motor accident lawyers just yet, the future is bright when it comes to automated vehicles. If companies are able to produce the systems they are planning, the roads are set to become far less risky for people, and this is a change worth working hard for.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to get started on using public transport more often. As time goes on, companies like Uber are only going to become more popular, taking over the a market which has existing for a long time. Of course, though, like most fields of technology, it will take some time until this is something which everyone has access to.

Easy Ways to Improve the Aesthetic Look of your Business

Buffer

“Your business is your investment, and for that reason, you have to do everything you can to make sure that it is successful.”

Buffer

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Having a pretty website is one thing, and it has never been easier with affordable website build pricing and plug-and-play options, but if you have an actual base of operations with employees and customers walking in, making sure your establishment looks good is critical. The following contributed post discusses some ways you can do this and is entitled, Easy Ways to Improve the Aesthetic Look of your Business.

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Your business is your investment, and for that reason, you have to do everything you can to make sure that it is successful. In order to do this, you have to make sure that you provide an extraordinary service. You also need to make sure that your business looks the part as well, but if you aren’t quite ready to buy a new workspace, then there are a few things you can do, that will not cost you the earth, and which even the best commercial real estate development companies employ in their designs.

Open Everything Up

The first thing that you really need to do is get rid of any cubicles you have. There is no room for these in a modern office, and employees don’t often like them anyway. If you want to really step things up to that next level, then you need to switch to open desks. Co-workers will be able to collaborate with each other much more easily and they can also converse about the task at hand. Slow your staff into the idea of this so it doesn’t disrupt their working day too much, and also try and answer any questions that they have.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/party-glass-architecture-windows-34092/

Be Bold

One thing that can really spruce up an office space is colour. The theme of your office should always contain the same colours as your logo. It is also important that you make your space stand out. Strong colours such as blues, reds and greens are great if you want to make your space pop, and this can work wonders for your employee motivation as well.

Your office’s aesthetic goes beyond the walls and windows, however. Extend the look into your brand and packaging with strategic intention. Coordinate packaging tape with ribbons, tissue paper, bags, and boxes so they align with the colours of your logo. Use high-quality materials and tape from EliteTape.com, for example. When you focus on the materials as much as your office space, your customers will notice.

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Glass

If you have room dividers then you may not want to get rid of them just for the sake of it. After all, you may feel as though they add some structure to the space and you may even feel as though they help your team. This is completely understandable, but you do need to make some changes if you want to improve the overall aesthetic of your office. You need to replace the dividers with glass and you may also want to consider adding some artwork as well. When you do this, you can go for the frosted look and you can also give yourself a fresh and non-intrusive design. Want to take things to the next level? Look up “what is cast glass”.

Additionally, there are several ways you can level up your office style with glass. For instance, you can revamp your space by transforming your windows, partitions, or doors with custom designs, logos, or even motivational quotes. If you want iron-on designs, consider using heat press vinyl, which lets you get creative with tons of colors and styles. Whether for branding purposes, privacy enhancements, or decorative accents, it sticks firmly and lasts a long time, all on a budget. You can also add a touch of privacy with frosted vinyl for meetings. Now, your office won’t look like everyone else’s because it stands out.

Curb Appeal

When your clients walk into your business, you want them to feel as though they are walking into somewhere that is clean and professional. If you do not take the time to really maintain your business premises then they won’t feel this way at all, and this can cause major problems for you. If you want to get around this then you need to make sure that you invest in commercial paving and that you also put the work in to try and prune any greenery that you have. Bannisters and bollards can go a long way too, and they are great at making your business feel separate from any other offices on the street.

There really are many things that you can do to try and make your business feel more professional. Some of them are more work than others, but they are all going to help your business to get to where it needs to be. They can also help you to boost your level of customer trust as well.

What Financial Headaches Are Hanging Over Your Head

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. To have good financial health, it’s important to know what steps to take and which ones to avoid to prevent getting yourself into long-term jams. The following contributed post is thus entitled, What Financial Headaches Are Hanging Over Your Head.

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There are few things as stressful as money. Even when things are going well, which isn’t all that often, we can be struck by a moment of panic, one that says, “it’s going well now, but you need to keep it like this for many years to come. Can you do it?” But of course, that’s nowhere near as bad as when things aren’t going as well as we’d like. They have the potential to rob us of the joy we should experience as living creatures, disrupt our sleep, and worse. Below, we take a look at some of the common financial headaches that can hang over a person’s head.

Source: Pexels.com

Too Much Credit Card Debt

Credit cards can be beneficial, of course; indeed, it’s recommended that you have one, so you can build good credit, which makes it easier to get loans at favorable rates. But credit cards usage can quickly spiral out of control, and before you know it, you can have a big bill, and your monthly payments are really only covering the interest. If that happens, then look at switching the debt to a card that offers an interest-free period. When the period runs out, switch the remaining balance to another card.

Big Bills and Reduced Income

Most people only have a pretty tenuous grip on their finances. Their security is entirely dependent on their income. But those people are just one injury away from being in trouble. If you’re involved in an incident and suffer an injury, you might find that you have to stop working. This will make it difficult to pay the many bills that you have. If this happens, the first thing you should do is pause any non-essential payments. If it wasn’t your fault, then get in touch with these accident lawyers, and fight for financial compensation. When you’re injured, the aim should be on getting better, not wrestling with your financial situation.

Expensive Homes

It is a great achievement to get the keys to your very own home. It can feel like a dream come true. But this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if the house you bought is too big and expensive for what you can afford. The most important thing is to find more money – it is better, in the long run, to live a frugal lifestyle in order to afford the mortgage payments. Later on down the line, you’ll hopefully be able to renegotiate the terms of the deal, which will put more money in your pocket.

Everyday Expenses

Many people find that they can afford their home, but struggle with the everyday costs of living. If you’re in this position, then go through where your money is going – it’s possible that you’re spending far more than necessary on, say, coffee or eating out. A person’s shopping habits in the supermarket can influence their financial habits way more than they should. Don’t opt for the brand name stuff – it’ll taste the same, and you’ll have more money to play with.

Utilizing Technology In Your Business

Three of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. In today’s digital age it’s important to properly utilize technology in your operations. Not everyone is savvy in how to go about this. The following contributed post is thus entitled, Utilizing Technology In Your Business.

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Photo by Free-Photos from Pixabay

The world around us is becoming more and more technology-based, from the telematics in our cars to the hardware in our phones. No matter where you are it seems that you can’t escape some sort of technology. So, with that in mind let’s look at how your company might try to then make the most of tech and the digital age.

Marketing

For starters, one of the ways that many companies are utilizing technology around the world is by investing their time and money in digital marketing campaigns. As referenced above, our phones have become almost like miniature computers in our pockets and therefore are perfect places for companies to target their advertising. The way they will do that will quite often be via social media, so where you start with this form of marketing?

Social Media – From Facebook to Twitter and every Instagram or Snapchat in between there is a social network out there these days for all of us to use. Rarely before in history have you as a business has such eahsy access to so many captive eyes and making the most of that is vital to your success.

It is important to remember with social media that each one has a specialty and users who are active for that reason. That means you need to target your marketing campaign carefully, don’t start a YouTube plan if you have no need for video based promotion, for example. So, the first thing any social media marketing campaign must do is identify its audience and find where they are online. Facebook has the highest number of users so if you cast a net you’re likely to catch some fish, but are they the right ones for you. A mistake made by many companies is thinking that because a social media account is free they should dive head first, far from it. Your time is currency to the company and wasting it by spreading yourself thinly over several social media websites rather than targeting a few is not a good use of it.

Photo by Pexels from Pixabay

Productivity

In addition to improving your ability to promote your business, the tech industry has delivered a vast range of applications that will help your workforce being more efficient and productive with their time. The classics of the genre include Evernote and Dropbox, both of which are regular features of many offices with the latter offering cloud-based storage and the former a type or organization tool.

However, keep your eye out for startups that are looking to revolutionize the productivity market. As we learn more about the digital era we are seeing more and more applications come to the fore that can help your business with communications, meetings and sharing information. Some of these companies that you might want to keep an eye on include: Mindmeister, Todoist, and RescueTime.

5 Errors That Can Negatively Impact Your Future

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success. We all have the potential to be successful in life, though not everyone maximizes their potential. It’s important to be aware the many factors that can hold you back. The following contributed post is thus entitled, 5 Errors That Can Negatively Impact Your Future.

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Your future isn’t written in the stars. It is up to you to make it as good as you can. Alas, this is nearly always easier said than done. While we have all the tools to be the best version of ourselves, we also possess a few flaws that can make us the worst version of yourself. The trick is to be aware of them; if you understand some of the actions that can lead to a less than stellar future, then you’ll be better able to stay on the right path. We take a look at five examples below.

Source: Pexels.com

Not Looking After Yourself

It might sound all good and well working as hard as you can to progress your business, but this is a false friend. If all you’re doing is working, then when are you dedicating time to work on the other sides of your being? A person who works twelve hours a day and has no outside activities will crash pretty quickly. A person who has a cut-off point, and makes time for hanging with friends, exercising, and cultivating their character will have the right, stable mindset needed to be a success.

Following the Lead of Others

They say that everyone is the average of the five people they spend the most time with. As such, it’s imperative that you’re surrounding yourself with people who are going to push you to be the type of person you want to be. Even friends that we know and like can have a negative impact on us. If they make a habit of engaging in reckless behavior, then you may suddenly find that you’re in need of a criminal defense lawyer. Few people go out in life believing they’re going to end up in trouble with the law, but by following the lead of others, that’s just where they end up.

Lack of Goal Setting

It is important that you live in the here and now. Little good can come from having your head too far in the past or the future. Yet while it’s worthwhile practicing mindfulness and experiencing what’s right in front of you, it’s imperative that you’re setting goals for the future. The future is going to come sooner rather than later, and if you haven’t made any plans, you might find that you’re stuck in a position that you’d rather not be in.

Dreaming Way Too Big

They say that you should dream as big as possible. And you should. But it’s important that you also have your feet firmly on the ground. Having big plans for the future will serve you well, but it’ll be your ability to do the boring aspects that move towards that dream that really counts.

Not Treating Other People Well

Finally, remember that you can’t reach the top by climbing over other people. You need to work with people – treat others well as you’re moving to the top, and they’ll be there to help you up again if you fall.

Are You Struggling To Cope? Spotting Warning Signs

One of the focuses of my blog is Health/Wellness. A major aspect of this is mental health which is arguably more difficult to manage than physical health. One of the first steps is identifying when something is wrong. The following contributed post is thus entitled, Are You Struggling To Cope? Spotting Warning Signs.

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Many of us utter the words ‘I can’t cope’ without really giving much thought to what they mean. This phrase is often used in jest when watching videos of impossibly cute puppies, for example, but what happens when you feel like you need to use it in its true form? The reality is that it’s absolutely fine to say that you’re struggling, but so many of us find this a virtually impossible task. If life is hard at the moment, you may be intent on soldiering on, but it’s always beneficial to understand that saying that you can’t cope is not a failure or a character flaw. If you feel like you’re struggling, here are some signs that it may be time to ask for help.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/depression-sadness-man-2912424/

You’ve adopted unhealthy or unsafe coping mechanisms
Everyone is different, and we all react to stress, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty in different ways. You may find that you reach for your gym kit if you’re feeling blue, which can be incredibly cathartic and invigorating, but many people adopt a crutch that isn’t always the sturdiest, most stable option. If you turn to drugs or drink, you punish yourself with abusive thoughts or harsh criticism, or you binge eat fast food every time life takes a negative turn, this is a sign that you’re not coping well. It’s particularly worrying if you continue to do something even if you know the implications could be dangerous or damaging. If you’ve been drinking, for example, and you get in the car, you probably know that you shouldn’t be behind the wheel, but at that moment, you choose to turn the key and put your foot on the gas. This decision could land you in a situation where you need a DUI lawyer, but it could also have disastrous consequences for your health and the safety of others around you. If you’re relying on coping mechanisms that have the potential to make the scenario worse, reach out, open up, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

You feel like you’re in a constant battle or a race that doesn’t have a finish line
We’ve all had days when we feel like we’re swimming against the tide, but can you imagine feeling like that over a period of days or weeks? If you feel like you’re constantly fighting a battle or you’re running a race with no finish line in sight, this suggests that you need to take time out, slow down, and try and find a more tranquil headspace. Life in the modern world can be hectic, but we all deserve time to step back and take some enjoyment out of our sometimes crazy existence. When you feel like you’re spinning plates, this can contribute to chronic stress, it can affect your mood and your mental health, and it can prevent you from living life to the full. Sometimes, something as simple as finding a babysitter, talking to your boss and taking a couple of days off or revising your schedule can help to restore a sense of balance. Meditation, reading, and exercises like yoga and Pilates can also help to provide breathing space.

Stress is part and parcel of everyday life, but it shouldn’t define you or take over your life. If you’re resorting to crutches or coping mechanisms that are damaging your physical or mental health or you’re struggling to see a light at the end of the tunnel, now is the time to ask for help.

What Advantages Do Plastic Pipes Have Over Metal For Your Business?

Three of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In many instances, business and science intersect – particularly those businesses where some knowledge of Chemistry and Materials Science is critical for planning projects, and budgeting for costs and savings. The following contributed post is entitled, What Advantages Do Plastic Pipes Have Over Metal For Your Business?

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Regardless of what pipe system you are looking to install one important decision you need to think about is the material of the pipes. This is imperative because it directly impacts the level of quality of your system, how long it will last you for and ultimately whether it will be cost effective or not. The two main materials you have at your disposal are plastic and metal. This article will reveal why the former option wins this battle each and every time. Why should you choose plastic pipework systems over metal?

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Durability
First and foremost, one of the main advantages associated with plastic is the fact that it is much more durable than metal is. This is because it is not susceptible to the impact of corrosion, rust and other types of degradation. However, metal is, and because of this, you can end up with extremely costly repairs on your hands as leaks are assured to arise after a certain period of time. Furthermore, if you select plastic pipework systems you don’t have to worry about experiencing that horrible metallic taste in your drinking water which frequently occurs with metal pipes.

Environmental Benefits
There is undoubtedly increased attention placed on looking after the planet in the current day and age. By using plastic pipes instead of metal you will be playing your role. This is because plastic has walls that are a lot thicker than metal and as a consequence, you will benefit from a better insulator against heat loss. Moreover, in relation to metal, it does not conduct heat anywhere as easily because it has low thermal conductivity. When you take all of this into account it means that hot water is going to stay hot longer and therefore the need for energy diminishes. This ensures that you are operating a lot more environmentally friendly than you would be if you went for metal.

Long Life Span
As mentioned earlier; conductive plastic is not susceptible to damage anywhere near as much as metal is. This is because it is immune to the effects of pitting, rust, corrosion and any other types of degradation. In essence, this means that you can expect your plastic pipework system to be like new for a minimum of 25 years.

Cheaper
Plastic pipes are undoubtedly a lot cheaper than metal pipes are, and price savings are welcomed by all businesses. There are several different reasons why this is the case. First and foremost, plastic is a lot cheaper to produce. Nevertheless, there are other cost savings that people do not initially recognise. For example, you will also save money when it comes to transportation as plastic is a lot lighter. In addition to this, because plastic tends to have a longer lifespan you will also reap cost efficiency because you will not need to spend as much on repairs and replacements. You will also reduce your energy expenses.

When you take these four key benefits into account it is really not hard to see why plastic pipes prove to be the clear winner when compared with metal systems.

New Car Tech From CES 2019

A key focus of my blog is Technology. As our world continues to technologically evolve, the automotive industry is evolving right along with it. Many of the new automotive tech will be showcased for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show. The following contributed post is thus entitled, New Car Tech From CES 2019.

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The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is almost upon us and, as a result, automakers all over the world are releasing teasers for what’s in store for 2019, a year when many expect to see big leaps forward in automotive tech.

Let’s take a look at what the various car makers are promising and what we can get excited about in the days to come.

Emotional Recognition Technology

Wikimedia Commons

When face recognition technology first began to mature back in 2014, technologists predicted that it wouldn’t be long before it could start assessing our moods. And lo and behold, that’s precisely what happened. AI-powered technology soon learned what a stressed-out or happy human looked like and could theoretically be programmed to respond.

The market applications of this weren’t clear before, but now Kia has introduced what it calls an “emotional recognition system” that’s designed to pick up on cues from drivers and then adjust things like lighting automatically. No, the mood options are not yet installed on any Kia vehicles, but the company will be showcasing the technology using a pod at CES this year. Visitors can try the system, whether they’re feeling happy, sad, angry or pretty much indifferent. https://www.zigwheels.com/ gives more details.

A Modular Car

Mercedes-Benz has long been at the forefront of automotive technology, but at this year’s CES, the car company is looking for a way to outdo itself once again. It’s come up with such a wacky concept that it’s hard to imagine how it would work in practice, but the company wants to push the idea nonetheless.

The idea is for a modular car. The car would be small – perhaps only large enough for a single occupant – but would have an expandable bay at the rear so that people could take more luggage with them when they wanted to. The car would also run on batteries, making it one of the smallest cars in the world. It’s clear that the vehicle is inspired by Smart, a subsidiary of Mercedes that produces small, compact, eco-friendly city cars.

New Autonomous Tech

Flickr by Steve Jurvetson

No, we’re not likely to see fully self-driving cars from any of the major manufacturers anytime soon, but companies are looking at ways to make life safer. According to emrochandkilduff.com/fredericksburg/virginia-automobile-accident-lawyer/, car manufacturers still have a long way to go to protect drivers and pedestrians. But Audi says that it’s working on technology that will expand on the current array of autonomous driving options to help protect pedestrians too. Audi says that it will be introducing sensors that will help prevent an accident involving a collision with a pedestrian, as well as other road users.
The car company also wants to update its infotainment system to make it less demanding to use while on the road. Expect to see gesture technology as well as voice activation.

CES looks like it’s going to be another interesting year for the automotive sector as it plays catch up with the tech industry. Greater integration with tech products is leading to more opportunities to improve the driving experience.