Of course, this rapid advancement has bled out into a number of different fields, not least into shops, stores, factories and warehouses up and down the country. Here is a small selection, a cherry-picking of a few different ways that business is changing due to technology.

Manufacturing – Product Modelling in Three Dimensions

A combination of advances in the fields of engineering and manufacture has led to a better, more integrated system of 3D product modelling, which has helped to streamline the entire design process from start to finish.

The most complex of products can now be completely modelled in full 3D thanks to newly developed computer software, which allows the manufacturers to visualise the finished product as though it was in front of them, thus enabling them to know exactly how production would work.

When you pair this with the upcoming 3D printer technology, you have a super effective combo that’s just begging to be put to good use…

Business – Tablets and Smartphones Enabling Mobile Workforces

Tablets, like the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Note, along with smartphones like the iPhone and many Android phones have helped to revolutionise almost every area of business and retail. Nowadays, people are carrying around more computing horsepower in their jacket pockets than they would have had inside their desktop computers just a few years ago, and the world’s industry is reflecting this.

The main way in which the business sector is benefitting from this new technology is in the ability to make all of its employees completely mobile. As long as the phone or tablet has some signal or a mobile internet connection, the worker should be able to do almost anything he or she would be doing in the office.

The number of apps available is astounding – from giving you access to Microsoft Office documents such as .doc, .docx and .xls files to allowing you to wirelessly save or download file through Dropbox and the like, there is very little that cannot now be done with an app.

This has also affected software developers in a similar way – if a company is designing computer programmes, it would now be foolish to not at least look into the possibility of developing it for both iOS and Android as well.

Retail – Improve Efficiency through Software

The current big thing in retail is the touch screen kiosk. No matter what type of retail you are in, you’re almost guaranteed to find some benefits from getting a kiosk installed in your store – they can be used to process transactions, thus replacing a paid cashier, or to give information and directions about your store, so removing the need for printed catalogues or maps.

Already, a number of companies specialise in producing kiosks for major brands, as well as for smaller firms, so there is plenty of choice for businesses seeking to use a touch screen to their advantage.

It’s plain to see that the world is being reshaped by each major technological innovation, but it makes it difficult to make any remotely confident prediction about what the future holds for business. Who knows what tomorrow might bring to the table?

The post How Has Technology Expanded on the Shop Floor? appeared first on Articles Web.

Obviously, if you’re an employee rather than an employer, this is not particularly comforting to know. However, if you have been let go recently, your employer must have done this fairly; it is required by law.

This articles hopes to clear up the differences between fair dismissal and its unfair counterpart.

Fair Dismissal #1 – Redundancy

Redundancy occurs when the position you currently occupy is being made non-existent, as in, there will no longer be a need for someone to do that job. If you are made redundant, you are entitled to redundancy pay, a notice period and a consultation with your employer to explain the situation.

Your employer is not allowed to hire anyone in your old position, as it no longer exists. If they do this, it may be classed as unfair dismissal.

Fair Dismissal #2 – Being Unable to Do Your Job Properly

Your employer is well within his or her rights to dismiss you if you are not able to do your job correctly. For example, if your workplace has recently upgraded its computer network and you find yourself unable to use it properly, your employer would be allowed to dismiss you.

However, before doing so, your employer must offer you a chance to improve (perhaps by training you) as well as follow the typical disciplinary procedures.

Fair Dismissal #3 – Illness

You can’t be fired simply for having a regular illness, but you can be dismissed if you have a long term health problem that makes it impossible for you to do your job properly. Disability doesn’t count – your employer is legally obliged to support disability.

Before you can be dismissed, your employer must look for ways to support you and your health (is the job making you ill?) and give you a reasonable amount of time for recovery.

Fair Dismissal #4 – Misconduct

Here, we use the term “misconduct” to represent any grounds for fair dismissal that you have caused yourself, such as going to prison or acts of gross misconduct such as displaying violence towards a colleague.

It is also fair to dismiss you if your employment would break the law; for instance, if you’re a taxi driver and you lose your licence.

Unfair Dismissal

If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed, get some advice by approaching your local Citizens Advice Bureau, or visiting www.employmentadvicenow.co.uk.

Some grounds upon which it is illegal to dismiss an employee are as follows: gender, race, marital status, sexuality, religion, age, disability, parental leave, whistleblowing, doing jury service or belonging to a trade union.

If you believe you’ve been dismissed unfairly, you may be able to challenge the dismissal at an employment tribune.

The post How to Know if Your Dismissal from Work Is Fair appeared first on Articles Web.

Some credit cards can offer you price protection, whereas others grant extended warranties, but the best of all credit card reward schemes are the ones which grant you cash back from your purchases. Here are some tips to help you use them the right way, thus getting the most from your credit cards.

Tip #1 – Use Multiple Cards

Although it might always be tempting to clear out a bit of space in your wallet by chucking out some of the cards you use least and only taking out one credit card, you can actually do better for yourself with rewards schemes by carrying a combination of credit cards.

One of the better rewards credit cards is the American Express Platinum Cashback card. With this little beauty, you get 5% on anything you buy within the first three months of signing up, and 1.25% cash back on everything bought after that period.

While this is a great deal, a lot of places might not accept American Express cards, so it would be best to partner it with a MasterCard to make sure you can get your cash back wherever you may roam.

Tip #2 – Categorise Your Cards

Carrying a few different ones might get confusing – which one gives the interest free repayments, and which is better for buying petrol? Our solution to this problem is simple – label each card.

Use a marker pen to note down what each one is best for and you’ll never be confused about which loyalty cards are best for each situation. Oh, and if you’re wondering about the best one to use when filling your tank, we recommend the Santander 123 Card – 3% cash back!

Tip #3 – Stretch Your Rewards

Some loyalty cards offer their most generous rewards at supermarkets and the like, so you can get 5% cash back on your apples, corn flakes and cat food. Although this is a pretty sweet little deal, it does have the nasty (and intended) effect of limiting your returns.

Most supermarkets nowadays, however, offer a great deal of variety, so don’t be afraid to go outside of your usual comfort zone and put your Tesco Clubcard Credit Card to good use down your local Tesco Extra, which should stock televisions, vacuum cleaners, laptop computers and a wide range of store gift cards, meaning you could actually be getting your cash back whilst you shop at TopShop or iTunes!

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The celebration began 40 years ago, in 1972, on the first day of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, and has grown exponentially since then; it is now one of the main vehicles used by the United Nations Environment Programme to stimulate global awareness of the environment and the importance of taking positive action.

Every year, the event is hosted by a different city in a different nation, and there is an annually changing theme: previous themes have included “Development without Destruction” and “One Earth One Family”; last year was hosted by Brazil, and the theme for the year was “Green Economy: Does It Include You?”

This Year’s World Environment Day

Unfortunately, not much information has been released about this year’s celebrations just yet, so we know neither the host city and nation nor the theme for 2013 – it’ll be a nice surprise!

A number of challenge winners are set to be announced with a prize giving on the 5^th of June however, including an award for the most environmentally aware and friendly schools, as well as the Australian Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year.

Last year, the WED Challenge had five winners, one from each of the following countries: Colombia, Kenya, Australia, India and Bangladesh. The five groups ran innovative projects that helped to raise global environmental awareness, and for their efforts were each awarded with the Kia Rio, a hybrid car.

Whatever happens, you can be sure that it will be an exciting and interesting event, full of unique innovations on things to help improve the environment and raise awareness for the cause!

What You Can Do on World Environment Day 2013

There are many things which you can do on this year’s World Environment Day, whether you’re just looking for a fun and relevant way to spend the day or if you’re serious about raising awareness for it.

If you are looking for something interesting to do just for the day, then consider going to one of the many picturesque gardens in the UK, such as Ness Gardens or the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. A large majority of them will be holding events dedicated to the special day, ranging from talks to related activities for children. Go and enjoy the fun amongst beautiful flora!

If you fall into the latter camp, then what you do is entirely up to you! You can either do something publicly, like start a project of your own, such as the conservation and promotion of local animals and plantlife, particularly if they’re in endangered areas such as marshland, or you can do something personal to benefit the environment, like going the whole day without using the car, or without using any electricity, for example.

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If you are already currently hard pressed when it comes to financial matters, you would do well to avoid the traditional medical lawyers, and instead opt for one who operates on a no win, no fee basis. This way, you won’t be forced to pay anything up front, and your legal costs will be fielded by the other party.

Grounds for Medical Negligence

You can make a claim for medical negligence on a number of different grounds. For example, if you believe that you were not given the appropriate treatment or the care you deserve by the medical professionals who looked after you (including doctors, nurses, midwives, aides and the like), then you will likely be able to make a claim.

If you are given an incorrect diagnosis, or if your medical professional fails to make a correct diagnosis in a reasonable amount of time, you could also claim for damages in this case. Another possible claim scenario would be for any injury incurred during the process of giving birth, through the person in charge not noticing a complication in time, or for failing to act in a correct and timely manner.

Limitations on Making a Claim

First and foremost, the most important part of basing a compensation claim on the grounds of medical negligence is that permanent harm or suffering must be caused. It is no good to try and claim on something small – because the medical profession is so powerful, it has to be a serious injury with long term or lifelong effects to stand any chance in court.

The next step in making a claim is to have definitive proof that it was 100% down to the fault of the medical professional. Accidents normally won’t cut it, unless it was easily preventable. It can be quite hard to prove conclusively that the doctor or nurse was at fault, so get some help from a lawyer who specialises in medical law; they should be able to help you.

Also, there is a cut-off date that you should be aware of – you must have started the ball rolling on making the claim (i.e. the initial papers should have been filed) before three years have passed since the negligence took place.

If you have suffered from medical negligence and want something done about it, a good place to start would be by visiting a branch of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) – a part of the NHS, they should be able to advise and put you in touch with the correct people.

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Some people, however, believe that they can’t have a conservatory, either because they don’t think they can afford one or they believe they’re impractical – many are under the impression that a conservatory gets too hot in the summer, while being unusably cold during the winter months.

We have written this article to tell you how you can enjoy your conservatory all year round.

Keep Cool in the Summer Months

The summer months are the best time to enjoy your conservatory, because there’s so much you can do. You can soak up the sun and the warmth as you sit back in your wicker lounger and sink into a good book, or you can simply sit and look out over the garden. Something that is especially nice is to use the conservatory as a dining room – you and your family can be seated around the table, enjoying a nice dinner whilst relaxing in the hazy beauty of the sun setting on the horizon.

Conservatory

For some people though, their conservatories experience days when it is simply too hot to use comfortably. There are a few ways in which you can solve this problem – firstly, if you don’t have them already, install some good quality blinds, especially if your conservatory is south-facing.

You can also install a cheap ceiling fan for extra air circulation if the blinds haven’t quite done the job. If ventilation is what you need, just open the doors and let the breeze blow gently in. This makes for a beautiful atmosphere inside the conservatory, one that’s perfect for relaxing in!

Stay Warm in the Winter Months

Winter is also a good time to have a conservatory – if you are a real garden lover, you might be upset that you can’t spend as much time out in the soil due to the colder weather; this is where the conservatory steps in. From inside your warm glass room, sheltered from the freezing wind and snow, you can still admire your beautiful garden.

Again, eating meals together in the conservatory is a good idea: because it gets dark earlier, you and your family can have dinner under the stars! All you need is a bit of conservatory dining furniture and you’re there, having the cosmos as your guest!

Believe it or not, good blinds can be a solution here as well – they can keep heat in as well as block it out. Invest in some roof blinds to stop the heat escaping; you won’t regret it! Also, ensure the conservatory is double glazed: this will keep you warmer and lower your energy bills at the same time. What’s not to love?

The post Make the Most of All Seasons: Get a Conservatory! appeared first on Articles Web.

Though it is often assumed that traveling on a whim is reserved only for running away, it can be a freeing way to shed oneself of all life’s large responsibilities. People don’t simply travel on impulse to get away from their troubles. It is now an exciting way to rebel against everyday life without repercussions.

Using Technology To Travel Fancy-Free

New technology has made it easier than ever to take an impulsive trip abroad. The iPhone has applications that alert users about airfare specials. By simply signing up online to receive alerts regarding airfare to cities one wishes to visit, the app will send an alert as soon as airfare prices change- up to three times per day.

Other websites such as Orbitz, TripAdvisor, San Francisco Hotel Guides, and Priceline give travelers the opportunity to quickly and easily book flights and hotels online, sometimes even for the same day. Travelers that decide to leave on a whim no longer have to worry about finding a quality and affordable hotel while struggling with jet lag.

Traveling

How To Travel On A Whim, The Safe and Easy Way

If you are one of the many travelers who always has a small carry-on bag packed and ready in the closet, just waiting for adventure to strike, the services that allow you to book your hotel, vehicle rental, and flights play a large part in making your dreams come true. You have experienced the wonders of taking a trip that wasn’t rigidly planned, and you know the ins and outs of safe, fancy-free travel.

For individuals that are new to spontaneous traveling, there is a small list of things to keep in mind that can ensure safety and simplicity on the road- or in the sky- and during the length of stay at the destination of choice.

• Pack lightly: Check the weather for expected temperatures and weather conditions and pack accordingly. Bring only the essentials. You will most likely pick things up along the way. This is your adventure!
• Ensure all is well with your online banking: you don’t want to be stuck in a foreign country with a “glitchy” online bank account.
• Make duplicate photocopies of passport identification, your driver’s license, plane tickets, and credit cards you are bringing with you. Keep one copy on your person and leave another with friends or family.
• Leave your family with your hotel information so you can be contacted in the case of an emergency.

Though it is good to be prepared, there is such a thing as being over prepared when traveling. Some things should never be brought along on a trip. Consider leaving the following things at home

• Credit cards that will not be used.
• Valuable jewelry, or jewelry that appears to be valuable.
• Your social security card.
• Anything irreplaceable.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash at once. If you will be using traveler’s cheques, only cash them in as necessary. Be sure not to show large amounts of money when you pay, no matter the type of establishment.

Travel safely, and enjoy!

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source

Kevin Caldwell is a traveler who enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with others.

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In order to plan properly, couples must choose their destination carefully. Legal validity of your marriage is governed by the laws in that country rather than laws back home. It would be wise to contract the appropriate embassies in advance in order to know what documents you will need to bring. This is especially prevalent if you are in a same sex couple as most countries unfortunately still do not see your wedding as valid.

For example, in Cuba, if you or your partner is divorced from a prior marriage, you must decree the divorce as absolute. If you or your partner is a widower then the previous marriage certificate and subsequent death certificate should be presented. Lastly if one of you is adopted, an adoption certificate must also be packed. As an extra note, if you are thinking of Cuba as your destination, documents are valid for six months once legalised by the Cuban Consulate. Always make sure that your passports are up to date as some countries require that you have at least six months left on the passport before its expiry date.

Quick Guide

It is recommended that you also invest in travel and wedding abroad insurance. The prices are relatively small and will give you more piece of mind for the big day so you can focus on more glamorous things. Wedding insurance and wedding abroad insurance is mostly the same, however, wedding abroad insurance provides additional cover with most policies. This additional cover includes delayed travel and essential documentation protection, which are both vital in case the day does not go as smoothly as you would like.

However, this insurance does not include marquee extensions or public liability extensions. Therefore, it is your legal duty to pay for damage costs or accidental injury costs or even accidental death costs to the third party in question. If you do wish to make a claim, you will have to pay the insurance company additional expenses. In most policies, the cost is around £35 or you have look at comparison websites to find the best insurance policy for you.

One of the key aspects of any wedding is who you celebrate with. So you must decide between you and your guests what payments will be made and who by. Who will pay for travel costs and what percentages? Will you provide guests with travel insurance or will that be their decision? It is a good idea to send invitations four to six months prior to the set date in order for them to make their travel preparations early on.

Once you have all this information sorted and out of the way, you can really begin to start planning your dream wedding abroad and your time in the sun, fingers crossed.

Featured images:

•  Image credit Cheap photos

Tessa Fortescue is a freelance copywriter in the beauty industry. She does mobile bridal hair in her spare time.

The post A Quick Guide To Insurance And Planning Ahead For A Wedding Abroad appeared first on Articles Web.

There are three types of ear infection each with their own symptoms and individual treatment methods. These types are; otitis externa, otitis meida and otitis internia.

Otitis Externa

Otitis externa, also known as external otitis or, more commonly, “swimmers ear” is one of the most common forms of ear infection and affects both the ear canal and the sufferer’s outer ear.

Signs and Symptoms

As you may expect, pain is the most common symptom of this form of ear infection and sufferers often find it painful to touch the outside of their ear. Aside to tenderness and earache, individuals suffering with otitis externa may experience itchiness around the outside of the ear in addition to discharge. As the inside of the ear swells when infected, this discharge can cause the ear to become blocked – therefor inducing temporary hearing loss.

Causes

Common causes of external otitis include;

• -   swimming in polluted water
• -   trapping water in the ear canal whilst showering or bathing
• -   bone growth resulting in the narrowing of the inner ear
• -   breaking the skin with the use of objects such as cotton wool swabs

Ear Infections

Otitis Media

As the name suggests, a middle ear infection – medically referred to as otitis media – is a form of ear infection which relates to the middle of an individual’s ear. Along with otitis externa, this is the other most common form of ear infection ion both children and adults.

Signs and Symptoms

With pressure building up in the middle ear, between the tympanic membrane and the inner ear when infected, patients suffering from otitis media often experience intense pain. This infection can lead to the blistering of the tympanic membrane which, in more acute cases, can rupture – causing pus leak into the ear canal.

Causes

Common causes of external otitis include;
-   viral pathogens
-   bacterial infections
-   pathogenic fungi
-   common colds
-   influenza

Otitis Interna

The term otitis internia or internal otitis refers to the infection of the inner ear. This form of infection is commonly associated with labyrinthitis – inflammation of the inner ear

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of an inner ear infection can have more disabling symptoms that than of middle ear infections or outer ear infections.  Whilst this form of infection is rarely associated with hearing loss, individuals suffering from otitis internia often experience, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, dizziness and severe vertigo.

If you are suffering from an ear infection this winter, it is worthwhile booking an appointment at an ent clinic to discuss the best course of treatment.

By Sarah-Jayne Culver; a Search Consultant at http://www.fdcstudio.co.uk/ providing Digital Marketing Services throughout the UK

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What types of things do people tend to keep in safes apart from money and jewelry?  Also things of emotional value like heirlooms, photo albums and other irreplaceable items should have a place. Not just those but even documents of extreme importance such as birth or marriage certificates, tax documents or business documents as well.

If you own any of these items, then perhaps a safe might be in your future.  It must say something for the trusty box if people for over a century have been putting their most trusted valuables in these containers.

Types of Security Features

Though the locks have developed the idea has remained the same. Yet though the years more security features have been added to make the traditional safe even more … safe.

• Diversion: Some people like to disguise their safes but that doesn’t necessarily make them any more secure. Yet nevertheless, if the burglar can’t find the safe, it would make it a little more secure wouldn’t it? These diversion or hidden safes can be as simple as a wall safe that is hidden behind a family portrait or as complicated as a false wall socket that would fool even the most advance burglars. One can even utilize the classic hidden book safe to really feel clever.
• Lock: The lock on the safe is crucial and very specific to the owner. Were you a pro at your locker combination in high school? Do you like the idea of punching in a key pad your own secret code? Or perhaps you want fast access and to feel a little like James Bond when you access your items with a biometric (finger scanner) lock.
• Security: Apart from the dial combination lock, most safes offer additional security features like time-lock, auto-lock and auto dialing the police if desired.  If the most high tech security options are in mind, keep the last two types of locks mentioned on the wish list.

Keys

Material

Your safe not only needs to guard from pesky burglars but also the elements. Fireproof security safes might be another option. Though commonly sold separately, the fireproof safe more common for temperate sensitive items like heirlooms and photos and the high-security safes more common for high value items, these can be purchased together.  If it makes more sense to store your items together or you just want the most security, ensure your safe meets fire safety limits to ensure protection against just about anything.

The outer material is important to prevent prying, bashing and other break-in methods. Heavy grade steel is the best option but common house safes are strong plastic. Look for double walled doors and walls for the most security.

The inner material is also just as important, depending on what you are planning to store. Look for padded lint-free interior to protect everything from a gun to jewelry to precious heirlooms that need to be stored gently.  If your sole purpose is jewelry, there are specific safes that contain inner chests of wood and fabric liners. Ensure the best safe for your items whatever they are that they are not only protected on the outside but also the inside.

Buy Protection

You are not only buying a safe but also a guarantee from the maker that your items will be protected. Ensure that whoever you buy from offers some sort of protection in the form of a warranty, repair and replacement protection in the event of damage.

So instead of stuffing your great-grandmothers’ priceless necklace in the empty coffee can and your emergency cash in the mattress, consider a safe to really feel protected. Despite your filing cabinet having a key, it really isn’t all that secure. Shocking I know. So protect your assets as well as your identity and memories.  It might look clunky but you’ll be protected.

Featured images:

•  Image by Smart Photo Stock

By Shelby Morrison

Shelby Morrison has been writing for seven years in various categories. She specializes currently in articles and novel writing, passionately yearning to write full-time.  She enjoys writing about anything that allows her to research and learn including learning about the security safes to the best type of exercise bike for your body.

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