“Save water, preserve nature”

Over 2,000 students of Anna University-BIT campus here took a pledge to save and propagate conservation of water at a function organised by the Rotary Club of Tiruchirapalli Shakthi on university campus on Thursday.

They did a human formation of water drop, sparrow, globe and tree to mark the World Sparrow Day and World Forest Day.

N. Satheesh, IFS, District Forest Officer, called upon students to take up awareness programmes to save water, preserve nature and conserve energy as part of their extracurricular activities.

Prakash M. Swamy, president, America Tamil Sangam, New York, said villagers know the importance of water. Students should organise programmes to save water, protect nature and conserve energy.

T.Senthil Kumar, Dean of Anna University-BIT campus, said students are the right ambassadors to spread the message of water conservation.

Allirani Balaji, president, Rotary Club of Tiruchirapalli-Shakthi, said the club decided to initiate awareness projects in colleges to involve the future generation in a positive way.

“We are losing sparrows at the cost of development and should not lose water resources and reservoirs due to modernisation. We should share the earth with other living creatures to help avoid extinction of birds such as sparrows,” she said.

The Hindu | Daily | 27.03.2015 | Tiruchirappalli

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/save-water-preserve-nature/article7038040.ece?ref=tpnews

Using Your Voice to Get the Dream Job

New York:  Instead of resorting to a conventional written resume, sending your prospective employer a videotape recording of your professional credentials may increase your chances of getting hired, new research shows.

A resume highlighting your professional credentials and experience could pique the interest of a prospective employer, but it is your voice that may actually help you land the job, the study said.

"In addition to communicating the contents of one's mind, like specific thoughts and beliefs, a person's speech conveys their fundamental capacity to think - the capacity for reasoning, thoughtfulness and intellect," said Nicholas Epley, professor at University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

The researchers found that when hypothetical employers and professional recruiters listened to or read job, candidate's job qualifications, they rated the candidates as more competent, thoughtful and intelligent when they heard the pitch than when they read it -- even when the words used were exactly the same.

As a result, they liked the candidate more and were more interested in hiring them.

"When conveying intelligence, it is important for one's voice to be heard -literally, Epley said.

In a series of experiments, the researchers asked a group of MBA students to develop a short pitch for the job candidates to the company for which they would most like to work. They created written pitches and spoken pitches (videotaped).

Evaluators who heard the pitch reported liking the candidate more and were significantly more likely to hire that person.

Even professional recruiters were more likely to hire the candidates whose pitches they could hear than those whose pitches they read.

The study is forthcoming in The Journal of Psychological Science.

Source | http://www.ndtv.com/

10 million newspaper pages are now fully searchable

Just a month after hitting the 9.5 million page milestone, we’re very pleased to announce that there are now 10 million historic newspaper pages available at The British Newspaper Archive.

The website launched with 4 million pages in November 2011, which means there’s now 150% more to explore. If you’ve not searched the collection for a while, it’s definitely time to try again.

Thousands of pages are digitised every week and we’ve added some fantastic content in the last few months. Here are just some of our highlights – please do tell us yours in the comments section below.

Copies of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror

Did you know that you can search the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror from 1914-1918 at The British Newspaper Archive? The national newspapers provide fascinating daily news, photographs and illustrations from the First World War.

58 new Irish newspapers

We’ve been working hard on expanding our collection of newspapers from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in the last few months. At launch, seven Irish newspaper titles were available, but now you can search a total of 65.

Newspapers from World War Two

You can now search more than 350,000 pages from 1939-1945 at The British Newspaper Archive. 60 newspaper titles are already online, including the Aberdeen Weekly Journal, Lancashire Evening Post and Kent & Sussex Courier.

Source | http://blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk

Audio devices can make you go deaf, says WHO

The WHO warns that some 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones

1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at nightclubs, bars and sporting eve-nts, the WHO has warned.

The World Health Organisation also recommends that people should use personal audio devices for no more than one hour a day. Data from studies in middle and high-income countries indicate that among teena-gers and young adults aged 12-35 years, nearly 50 per cent are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices and around 40 per cent are exposed to potentially damaging levels of sound at entertainment venues. Unsafe levels of sounds can be, for example, exposure to in excess of 85 decibels for eight hours or 100 dB for 15 minutes.

“As they go about their daily lives doing what they enjoy, more and more young people are placing themselves at risk of hearing loss,” said Dr Etienne Krug, WHO director for the department for management of non-communicable diseases, disability, violence and injury prevention.

Many patrons of nightclubs, bars and sporting events are often exposed to even higher levels of sound, and should therefore considerably reduce the duration of exposure. Teenagers and young people can better protect their hearing by keeping the volume down on personal audio devices, wearing earplugs when visiting noisy venues, and using carefully fitted, and, if possible, noise-cancell-ing earphones. They can also limit the time spent engaged in noisy activities by taking short listening breaks and restricting the daily use of personal audio devices to less than one hour. With the help of smartphone apps, they can monitor safe listening levels.

Source | Asian Age | 2 March 2015

National Science Foundation Announces Plan for Comprehensive Public Access to Research Results

NSF's public access is intended to accelerate the dissemination of fundamental research results.

March 18, 2015

Today, the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced its continued commitment to expand public access to the results of its funded research through the publication of its public access plan, Today's Data, Tomorrow's Discoveries. NSF's public access is intended to accelerate the dissemination of fundamental research results that will advance the frontiers of knowledge and help ensure the nation's future prosperity.

"Scientific progress depends on the responsible communication of research findings," said NSF Director France A. Córdova. "NSF's public access plan is another effort we have undertaken to emphasize the agency's central mission to promote the progress of science."

NSF will require that articles in peer-reviewed scholarly journals and papers in juried conference proceedings or transactions be deposited in a public access compliant repository and be available for download, reading and analysis within one year of publication.

Today's announcement follows a request from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy last year, directing science-funding agencies to develop plans to increase access to the results of federally funded research. NSF submitted its proposal to improve the management of digital data and received approval to implement the plan.

"NSF's public access plan reflects input from the scientific community, recognizes the diversity among the scientific fields that the agency supports, and seeks to minimize burden on both awardees and staff," said Dan Arvizu, Chairman of NSF's National Science Board.

NSF will continue to consult with the scientific community, academic institutions, publishers and other federal agencies to implement this plan.

Details of the plan are available on the NSF website.

-NSF-

Source | http://www.nsf.gov/

Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study

Article courtesy EducationUSA

EducationUSA brings you the “5 Steps to U.S. Study,” a step-by-step process of understanding, preparing, applying and being admitted to a U.S. higher education institution.

Of all the study abroad destinations, the United States remains, by far, the most popular among Indian students. Over 100,000 Indian students are currently studying in America making India the second largest sender country in the world, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program April 2014 figures. The numbers notwithstanding, misconceptions remain about what it actually takes to get admitted to a U.S. college or university. The vast range of American institutions offering a multitude of study options and majors in a variety of settings makes it even more challenging for prospective students to find the right fit. Very often, poor choices are made based solely on a ranked list or hearsay. 

In an attempt to demystify the process, EducationUSA brings you the “5 Steps to U.S. Study”, a step-by-step process of understanding, preparing, applying and being admitted to a U.S. higher education institution.

1. Research your options 

12 to 18 months prior to the intended date of enrollment

The best college or university is the one that meets your requirements—academic, financial and personal. Begin by defining your priorities by answering questions like, “What type of institution is best based on your academics?”, “How will you manage financing?”, “Why do you want to study in the United States?” and list your interests and long-term goals. 

Next, begin your research—EducationUSA centers can help students with tools, guide how to refine searches and assist in narrowing down choices.

2. Complete your application  

6 to 12 months before the intended date of enrollment

Application packages require time, preparation and planning. Students will benefit greatly by starting the process early. A majority of U.S. schools evaluate applications holistically, which means decisions are based on several criteria and the strength of the complete application package. Key elements include academic records, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, application essays and work experience.

3. Finance your studies  

3 to 9 months prior to intended date of enrollment

Tuition fees can range from $20,000 to $70,000 depending on the program, location and type of institution, i.e. public versus private. It is important to start financial planning as early as possible. Each year, international students receive significant amounts of financial assistance toward their studies but these are limited and intensely competitive. Financial assistance is typically provided through scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantships, internships and on-campus employment. Applications for financial aid accompany the applications for admission.

4. Apply for a visa

3 to 5 months in advance of the date of enrollment

You will first need to receive an admission letter and an I-20 from your U.S. institution before you can begin the visa application process. All students are required to appear for an interview in person at the Consular Office that serves their region. Consular websites provide detailed information on the process and requirements. EducationUSA advisers work in cooperation with consular officers to inform and educate prospective students as well. Students are encouraged to take advantage of information sessions that are frequently offered. 

5. Prepare for departure

2 to 4 months ahead of the intended date of enrollment

Predeparture orientations are offered by EducationUSA advising centers. Advisers and alumni provide information and resources that help prepare you for new experiences. Topics discussed include cultural differences, classroom expectations, housing, coping in a new cultural setting and what to pack for your trip. 

Get started today by attending free group advising sessions at EducationUSA, available both online and in person. EducationUSA is the U.S. Department of State-supported network of advising centers providing international students with accurate, comprehensive and current information about how to apply to accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. There are seven EducationUSA centers in India in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. Visit www.educationusa.info/ India to find an advising center near you. 

http://span.state.gov/education/5-steps-to-us-study/20140707

Free access to all Palgrave Macmillan journals in March 2015

Palgrave Macmillan are pleased to announce that from March 1^st-31^st 2015, they will be offering free online access to their full journals portfolio.

All current and archival content spanning the Humanities, the Social Sciences and Business will be available. Viewers will be able to browse through high-profile titles including the Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of the Operational Research Society, Feminist Review,International Politics and the award-winning postmedieval: a journal of medieval cultural studies to name just a few.

Source | http://www.palgrave-journals.com

கல்விக்கடன் வேண்டுமா?

தங்களின் படிப்புக்காக வங்கிகளில் கல்விக்கடன் வாங்கப்போக வேண்டும் என நினைத்துக்கொண்டு இருக்கிறீர்களா? நீங்கள் கவனிக்கவேண்டியவை.

கல்விக்கடன் என்பதில் அடங்கக்கூடிய செலவுகள்

கல்விக்கட்டணம்,விடுதி வாடகை, மற்றும் சாப்பாட்டுச் செலவு,தேர்வுக்கட்டணம்,நூலக கட்டணம்,ஆய்வுக்கூட கட்டணம், சீருடை, புத்தகங்கள், கல்விக்கான கருவிகள் மற்றும் உபகரணங்கள், காஷன் டெபாஸிட்,திருப்பித் தரக்கூடிய டெபாஸிட் உள்ளிட்ட கல்வி நிறுவனங்கள் ரசீது தரக்கூடிய கட்டணங்கள், பயணச் செலவு, வெளிநாட்டில் படிக்கப் பயணச் செலவு, கணினி,மடிகணினி வாங்க, கல்விச்சுற்றுலா, மாணவர்களுக்கு இன்சூரன்ஸ் பிரீமியம் ஆகியவற்றுக்குக் கல்விக்கடன் கிடைக்கும்.

தேவையான ஆவணங்களின் விபரங்கள்

1. முழுமையாக நிரப்பப்பட்ட விண்ணப்பத்துடன் மாணவர் மற்றும் பெற்றோரின் பாஸ்போர்ட் அளவு போட்டோகள் ஐந்து.

2. ரேஷன்கார்டு ஜெராக்ஸ் 2

3. மாணவர் மற்றும் பெற்றோரின் அடையாள அட்டையின் நகல்

4. வருமானச் சான்றிதழ் (அசல்)

5. இருப்பிடச்சான்றிதழ்

6. கடைசியாகச் செலுத்திய வீட்டுவரி ரசீது அல்லது வாடகை வீட்டுக்கான ஒப்பந்தம்

7. எஸ்.எஸ்.எல்.சி, பிளஸ் 2, பட்டப்படிப்பு ஆகியவற்றின் மதிப்பெண் பட்டியல் நகல்

8. கல்லூரியிலிருந்து பெற்ற நன்னடத்தை சான்றிதழ் ( அசல்)

9. கல்லூரியிலிருந்து பெறப்பட்ட வருடவாரியான கட்டண விபரங்கள் (அசல்)

10. பல்கலைக்கழகத்திலிருந்து பெறப்பட்ட கவுன்சிலிங் கடிதம் (அசல்) ( நகல் எடுத்தபின் கொடுக்கவும்)

11. பெற்றோரின் பிறந்த தேதிக்கான சான்று

12. சாதிச் சான்றிதழ்

13. கடைசியாகப் பெற்ற மாற்றுச் சான்றிதழ்

14. கல்லூரியில் கட்டணம் செலுத்திய ரசீது (அசல்) ( நகல் எடுத்து வைத்துக்கொண்டு பிறகு தரவும்)

15. முதல் தலைமுறை பட்டதாரி சான்றிதழ் ( பொருத்தமானால் மட்டும்)

மேலே குறிப்பிட்டுள்ள சான்றிதழ்களின் நகல்கள் எல்லாவற்றிலும் ஒரு கெஜடட் அரசு அதிகாரியின் சான்றொப்பமும் முத்திரையும் வைக்கப்பட வேண்டும். சான்றிதழ்களை முன்கூட்டியே வாங்கி வைத்துக்கொண்டால் கடைசிநேர அவசரத்தை தவிர்க்கலாம்.

Reading can help prevent Alzheimer’s. 

A recent study found that people who read are two and a half times less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Syndrome later on in life. Although this does not mean that reading will prevent the disease, it proves a slight relationship between reading and prevention.

Being a reader means you’re more likely to learn something new every day. 

An education professor, Anne E. Cunningham wrote a research paper and discovered that reading frequently does actually make you smarter. Not only does it help you retain knowledge, but it helps you to remember that knowledge later on in life. Whether or not you realize it, reading stockpiles your brain with new information, and you never know when it may come in handy.

People who read are more likely to vote, exercise, and be more cultural.

A study by the National Endowment for the arts concluded that reading makes you more engaged throughout life, taking advantage of any activities that may spring up during your life. 

Reading can be therapeutic.

According to Cristel Russell, a behavioral researcher, reading can help with any stress or turmoil occurring in your life. If you’re going through a break-up, or simply just need to relax, try a new book. 

Reading enhances your memory.
Every time you read something new, your brain ‘makes room’ to fit it in. With these new spaces, you can take advantage of any new information that may arise.

Reading helps to boost your analytical thinking.
Reading helps you to recognize various patterns that occur in writing. If you are looking for a law or medicine career, this is important!

Reading expands your vocabulary, so you’ll sound like a genius. 
The more you read, the more words you will come across. The more often you read these words, the more likely you are to understand them, and use them in your own writing and speaking.

Fiction books increase your ability to empathize with others.
A study done by the University of Buffalo has concluded that access to possible realities and fictional story lines opens you up to new emotions and feelings. It also helps you to empathize with people, by understanding different culture.

People who read are more likely to get ahead when it comes to their careers, and life in general. Honor Wilson-Fletcher said that reading “opens doors and makes life easier, so at the end of the day it doesn’t matter what you read. What’s more, it really can make you feel good!” This is very true, and it outlines how important it is to read, if you want to live a successful life.

Yes reading is a pleasure……………