Concrete That Cleans the Air

Emissions that are the result of burning regular fossil fuels (like the fuel in your car) are made up a massive amount of different compounds. Even if we are able to reduce the emission levels of one of these compounds it is a good thing and will help bring down the pollution created by driving. That is where the research done by researchers at Eindhoven’s University of Technology in the Netherlands will become a formidable method to reduce the global ecological damage caused by cars that are on the road. They have developed a concrete that strips nearly fifty percent of the nitrogen oxides from exhaust emissions.

The concrete was developed in a laboratory and after extensive testing a one thousand square meter stretch of road was laid to test the concrete in a real test of its potential. The concrete works by stripping nitrogen oxides from the air and converting them into nitrate (a nontoxic compound) as the sunlight and concrete worked together to break it down. The nitrate is then carried away by rain and never seen again. So it not only turns a once toxic chemical into something benign – but using the forces of nature makes the problem virtually disappear.

It is assured by those who can supply the concrete that the cost incurred is not really much more than that of regular asphalt or concrete. In this regard it can be considered economically sound as well as ecologically. It can also be mixed with regular concrete and asphalt without jeopardising the structural integrity of the latter materials. It may just be an easy way for roads to do something extra besides protect a vehicle from unnecessary wear – it will also help reduce the environmental effect of having many cars spewing forth noxious fumes from their tail pipes.…

PS3 Controllers and the PlayStation Move

Everyone knows that having a good PS3 Controller for your PlayStation gaming is essential to getting the most out of your system. However, when choosing your second or replacement controller, you will soon find that you have a lot more options on your hands. Let’s discuss the different routes you can go in buying another controller for your PS3, and find out which is right for you.

The first question to be asked is if you will get an official Sony Dualshock 3 Controller or if you will go with a third party controller. First, lets go down the reasons to get another Dualshock 3. Sony has long been known for their superb controllers, even back since the original PlayStation. It is clear that they struck a winning formula because if you look at the current generation Dualshock 3, virtually nothing has changed over the course of over a decade of gaming. Because of this, Sony knows how to make their controllers. They are durable, respond extremely well, and feel good in the hands. The Dualshock 3 is wireless, and offers motion sensing and rumble features. Each button is analog, meaning that the gentle press of a button can be received as different from smashing it to certain games.

The primary advantage to third party controllers is price. But often the better price of a third party controller comes at the loss of quality or features. You may be able to find many PS3 controllers that are not wireless or don’t have the same sixaxis support as the Dualshock 3. The other third party controllers worth looking into are the special controllers for things like fighting games. Many serious fighting game enthusiasts will often prefer a fighting stick or pad over the traditional Dualshock 3 as well. Fighting sticks can be quite expensive and emulate the kind of experience had while in an arcade. Fighting pads are less expensive and some third party companies make very nice wireless ones.

The last type of controller to mention is the new PlayStation Move Controller. These are Sony’s new motion sensing controllers. They look similar to and have been compared to the Nintendo Wii’s controller system. However, the PlayStation Move uses different motion technology and along with the PlayStation Eye, it can track almost perfectly one to one with the gamer’s movements. This provides for extremely realistic gaming experiences and will allow for new gaming possibilities that have not yet before been possible.

When buying a PS3 controller or PlayStation Move setup, bundles are always the best way to go. Sony offers bundles that save the gamer a good amount of money, so it is worthwhile to do your research and find a deal that will benefit you in the long run.…

Information Technology Certification Programs

Information technology cuts across all industries and there is an ever increasing demand for experts in the this field. Schools are using more technological teaching aids, there are e-learning programs, hospitals have very advanced medical technology while the governments need to disseminate and store large volumes of data. These are just a few examples of how technology has permeated our institutions with more growth expected.

The demand for qualified personnel with information technology certification is growing by the day. Areas of specialization are also increasing and universities and colleges are constantly researching to ensure that the programs they offer remain relevant and are value adding. IT is not only about the use of existing technology but also about innovation, development and adaptation of technology to fill existing gaps.

Information technology certification programs are offered in virtually all colleges and universities. IT certifications are professional certifications in computer and related technology. They are analogous to what ACCA certification is to accountants. Due to the changes in IT, some information technology certifications need to be updated or reviewed. This is more so for certifications related to products or services offered by a certain company.

There are numerous specialty fields in IT certifications. Field of study and specialization include; data base management, information systems analysts, information systems auditing, software engineering and network administration. Most certification programs have stages where one can move from one level to a higher one gaining various skills and competencies. Very few of these programs are a one time thing.

Being at the heart of e-learning, information technology certifications are available online. There are hundreds of schools and programs available online and what is required is to ensure that the certification you get at the end of the program is acceptable in the job market. Not only online but even some on-campus programs are not relevant to today’s industry. Colleges, technical schools and universities should invest resources in research to ensure their programs are up-to-date.
Another way for colleges, schools and universities to remain relevant and offer value added IT certification programs is to establish research and development centre for staff and students. Information technology is a hands-on field and students ought to be given an opportunity to study, research and develop relevant technology in their fields of interest. This will help the universities and colleges benefit from peer sharing knowledge and the great potential held by learners. Not only will the students get a platform to practice innovation, but the college benefits from the outcome – directly or indirectly.

Information technology certifications are also suitable for those who wish to gain meaningful understanding of the field. Others who would benefit are those that are looking for a change of career. A good way to make a transition from a different line to IT would be to first get into accredited certification programs as you plan to pursue more academic programs later. Professionals such as auditors need to get training in this field in order to remain relevant in their careers.…