The year 2020 has begun and with CES 2020 we have already seen lots of advancements in smartphone technology. Folding phones and laptops is already a reality while 5G smartphones are getting a common thing. Due to the growing competition between smartphone companies we are witnessing some great smartphones at a low price. Apart from $1000 phones, there are many budget-friendly phones that can leave you confused if you want to buy a new phone this year. Choosing the best phone within your price range seems more like a dilemma now.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is a great phone and affordable at the same time. Despite being so inexpensive it has premium Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Redmi Note 8 Pro uses a gaming processor with liquid cool technology, Wi-Fi X anteena, and cortex-A76 architecture. It is powered by a powerful GPU that can run high-intensity games at a sustainably high frame rate. The device has a huge 4500mAh long-lasting battery that comes with an in-box 18W fast charger. With looks and feel like a dream of 4-sided 3D curved back, it has a 91.4% screen-to-body ratio. Due to its curved back, it fits comfortably in your hand.

It starts with 6G RAM and multifunctional NFC flagship experience which can handle all challenges easily. With a 3.5 mm headphone jack you can charge your phone while listening to the phone. The splash-proof coating protects the device against accidental splashes and spills that increases phone life and strength. The Redmi Note 8 is the first phone to come up with a 48MP quad-camera. It delivers high-resolution images for up to 3.26m tall poster printing. 64MP ultra-high-resolution camera almost doubles the number of pixels up to 8K resolution. The Redmi Note 8 Pro can also shoot slow motion videos up to 960fps. With a macro lens, you can take up to a 2cm close-up. For the selfie, it has a 20MP camera that comes with AO portrait mode with blurred background adjustments.

 

The higher education sector experienced a tumultuous and controversial year in 2019. Several scandals emerged pertaining to college admission procedures. Aside from that, the new challenges facing modern higher learning institutions came to the fore. As the new year starts, many of these issues will spill over to the rest of the year. 

Technology and other issues as well will define the learning sector. So what are some key trends likely to define 2020? Let us analyze them below.

Online Education and Adult Learning

 

Without a doubt, one of the main changes to take place in the higher education realm is the entrance of many online education institutions. The number of adult learners has also increased dramatically in recent years. The technology of the 21st century has everything to do with the new changes, particularly in the online learning realm. 

 

Over the course of the year, more and more online-focused institutions will come up. According to information published on allensbach-hochschule.de, online learning might become the most preferred mode of learning for nontraditional learners.

The Impact of Deregulation

 

 

In recent times, various changes made in the higher education sector during the previous regimes were changed. The effects of these changes are likely to be experienced in 2020. Among the key issues that will come about as a result of deregulation will be reduced monitoring of institutions. This might result in lower accountability levels and general degeneration of quality. 

Laws regarding sexual conduct and offenses have also been recently changed. These laws have sought to narrow down the definition of issues that can be regarded as sexual harassment. 

Alignment of Education and Industry Requirements

 

As per recent initiatives by the current regime, there will be more focus on enabling students to get a real-life experience of what the market is like. To do this, various institutions in the business world and employment realms have been tasked with partnering with educational institutions to give students a feel of the working environment. The ultimate goal of such programs is to help align the curriculum with the market workforce needs. 

The year will thus see increased partnerships between big companies and higher education institutions. 

The Exit of Colleges and Increased Mergers

 

 

A number of colleges have been exiting the market in recent times. There are many reasons behind this phenomenon but the main challenges today are a result of rising costs. It is much harder to keep the smaller colleges around as they do not have the benefit of economies of scale. This is why there have been numerous mergers happening all over. In 2020, this trend is likely to persist particularly in areas where finances are scarce. 

 

Conclusion

 

2020 will have many other defining trends. For the most part, though, the recent regulations and their effects will dominate the trends in the education realm. Considering the severity of the recent controversies surrounding admission procedures, the focus is likely to be more on implementing standards that reduce manipulation of the system.

 

 

 

CES is always a great event to welcome the New Year and year 2020 wasn't different. There wasn't many smartphones at the event, but a handful products surely made a splash due to being innovative and technologically advanced. Here are some of the top devices that deserve a mention.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 fold is a foldable version of the laptop. It is really cool to experience a laptop that looks like a tablet or monitor when laid out flat and becomes a regular laptop when half-open. The folded version is only 13-inch device that is small enough to carry inside a jacket. It has an ultra-think Bluetooth keyboard that slots in between the screen when folded eliminating the gap inside.

Insta360 One R

This is not just a regular wide-angle 4k action camera, but has modular structure that lets you switch out the lenses. It allows users to switch out not only the lenses, but the sensors as well. This is a huge breakthrough in cam industry. Rather than just popping a different lens on a stock body, each lens module comes with its own sensor, meaning you always have the right sensor for the lens you're using.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook

The Chromebook surely steels the show at CES 2020. It is a powerful chromebook with a beautiful design and body. It includes a stylus, that uses a convertible design and the metal chassis is sleek and well-made. If you have been looking for a chrome book this year, you should pay attention to this one.

OnePlus Concept one

OnePlus appeared at CES event for the first time, and it truly made an entrance with the concept one. The device has a design nothing like before. The device is ostensibly a OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren edition with a new exterior. The Concept One uses electro chromic glass over the cameras on the rear side which allows them to disappear when not needed. No one has used the elctrochromic glass on mobile devices before and certainly would be a game changer.

Skyworth Q91

There were many TVs at CES but the Skyworth Q91 is one of the biggest and cheapest TV. A 75-inch 8K IPS LED TV from a storied television maker for under six thousand U.S. dollars is worth paying attention to. The Tv has integrated 8K AI image processing Engine, Dolby Atmos 2.1.2, a soundbar with Wonder Audio Sky Echo, a camera for web-conferencing, and SwAIoT for connecting all your smart home products to your TV, no matter if they're Skyworth products or powered by Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

 

For college and university students – writing a research paper is an inevitable assignment. You may feel the pressure or stress in regards to completing the paper on time or writing it if you have no experience of writing similar papers in the past. In this article, you will learn how to improve your research paper writing skills and reduce anxiety and stress the next time when you write the assignment.

A research paper is an original essay about your ideas regarding a specific topic and response to information from various literary sources. Let’s briefly look at the writing skills essential to writing an excellent research paper. 

Writing Skills

 

The skills of writing discussed here are meant to provide students with the foundation in both the process and mechanics of writing. These skills can be quickly learned progressively by learners hence building upon their fluency and confidence. The students can always improve their grammar and mechanic skills gradually as they write. 

 

Practical writing skills are not only essential for education but also for the workplace outside the classroom environment. The following skills are crucial for writing an excellent research paper.

 

Time Management

 

You have to organize your schedule correctly to ensure that every part of the research writing, such as topic selection, research, and writing, is done appropriately. The deadline for your work does not matter if it’s a month later or due in a week, ensure all parts are allocated sufficient time. Also, ensure you complete early enough to get time for proofreading and any mechanical errors.  

Good Research Skills

 

Since you are writing a research paper, you have to support your ideas and analyses using reputable sources. You need to find trustworthy sources such as material from the library and journal articles. These sources should be referenced appropriately according to the required style guide (e.g., MLA, APA, or Harvard). It would be best if you familiarized yourself with this writing style guides by searching online for information about that guide. 

 

Topic Selection

 

You need to portray your idea or thesis statement to the reader to understand what the paper will cover or convey. The thesis has to be supported by other secondary statements and evidence to substantiate the overall claim of the article. Research materials would greatly help to prove your claims or support your stand on a particular matter.

 

Understanding Your Audience

 

The audience is a critical factor for consideration in your writing. Most often, your papers are read by your professors or classmates. Your writing style and argument need to match the level of understanding of your target audience.  

Organization Skills

 

A well-organized paper is essential in the overall writing process. Crafting a compelling, well-structured essay will significantly enhance the delivery of the information. Research papers and dissertations depending on the discipline have a basic structure of title page, abstract, introduction, background, methods and materials, results, discussion and conclusion. Ensuring information is well-organized into its respective sections will eliminate the repetition of information. Organizing your notes well during the research process will also help you when compiling the reference list. 

 

Grammar Skills

 

Even if your idea is excellent, research is substantial, you managed your time well and understood your audience – you need to ensure that your writing is clear and straightforward. Use the correct formal tone, proper grammar and avoid using words that can be rendered as jargon. Also, ensure that your document is free from any grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes. You can employ the services of a plagiarism checker software to ensure the content is unique and non-plagiarized.

A great paper must have a clear writing, excellent grammar, and the stylistic approach must be consistent throughout the article. 

 

Step-by-Step Research Paper Writing Guide

 

Follow these steps to write an excellent paper:

 

1. Select a Topic - The topic should interest you and be not too narrow or broad to find materials to substantiate your thesis or claim. Avoid technical or super analytical issues that might prove a challenge to write about. 

   
   

2. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement - The thesis statement needs to reflect what the entire paper argues for and supports. 

   
   

3. Research to find relevant sources that will aid in your discussion and support your thesis.

   
   

4. Create an outline – An outline will ensure that you stay on track and organized in your writing. The framework comprises the introduction, body and conclusion. 

   
   

5. Create your first draft. – Using the outline as your guide, it's time to fill in the research content, highlight relevant quotes, paraphrases, and summaries that substantiate your claim.  

   
   

6. Revise and edit your draft – Ensure your ideas and claims flow coherently throughout the paper. Proofread, edit, and correct any grammatical and typographical errors.   

 

The last stage of preparing your paper for the audience is the presentation phase that involves creating a presentable final printout – neatly typed and uniformly spaced margins.

 

Remember: writing a research paper is not as difficult, as it seems once you get to understand the method and writing skills. It entails a lot of work and time. However, no need to worry - maintain self-discipline by allocating enough time for all the sections, taking enough breaks, stay organized and, most importantly, do not forget to cite your sources. 

 

Amazon crowdsourced last-mile delivery drivers have faced a handful of challenges, but the company is now providing any entrepreneur with an ambition to do more in delivery service. The company is determined to improve last-mile delivery, and it is providing drivers with an opportunity to establish their own delivery business. For instance, those working for Uber can now decide to switch their taxi service to Amazon delivery service. 

Those who will join the new Amazon program will benefit from access to the company's delivery technology, vehicle leasing, insurance, hands-training, and discounts on a suite of assets and services. FedEx and UPS are the major players, but the entry of Amazon will see whether it stands a chance. The company, though, means business, and it's clear solving last-mile delivery is its top priority. 

Amazon is ready to try anything

For now, Amazon is not afraid to try any venture until one of them sticks. When other companies are looking for strategies that favor them cost-wise and not so much concerned with the improvement of last-mile delivery, Amazon is busy learning and trying all kinds of things before anyone else gets a new idea. 

With that determination to try what works for the last-mile delivery, Amazon and few startups concerned will get it in the end. 

Benefits will only accrue over time

Amazon plan to cut out the middle-men will no doubt save them money and get more flexibility over delivery options and schedules. But it seems this benefit will only accrue with time. Order volumes and densities, plus long travel times between deliveries in various parts of the country, do not justify such an investment.

Amazon may realize technical solutions, like self-driving vehicles though it remains some way off for now. There is a twofold danger for the traditional delivery firms. The first one is the likelihood of losing business from Amazon, and this will start slowly in the beginning, but progressively increase as Amazon continues to roll out more of its delivery services. 

The second one is the rate at which Amazon will be providing delivery to businesses is more likely to be at a reduced price. What does that leave other delivery firms? They will shut other firms out by losing consumers and lose shares in their most profitable and lucrative markets while having to provide a national service with all the expense of rural area delivery. 

Improving the last mile will save more than just money

When the last mile is enhanced, the possible improvement you will get is saving money, handle the inventory more efficiently, and also save time. In the next couple of years to come, many alternatives will be introduced along the way. But delivery needs vary from one to another, and many will be adopted for a specific population, geographic, and customer needs.

Conclusion

Before Amazon improves the last mile, they have first to solve problems consumers are experiencing with their mode of delivery. For instance, prime members getting delivery of Amazon orders from UPS are a very reliable service. But Amazon prime vans have unending issues where they drop packages at the wrong address, leave visible boxes in front of closed garage doors, fail to tuck package out of view, and much more. 

These signals lack the interest to solve critical last mile issues consumers are going through as it is not easy to track down who owns the Prime Van franchise.