How Samsung is beating Apple in China

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook believes that "over the arc of time" China is a huge opportunity for his pathbreaking company. But time looks to be on the side of rival Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, which has been around far longer and penetrated much deeper into the world's most populous country.

Read More

World`s highest paid employee

Mr del Missier's pay for 2010 consisted of £10.9m in salary and bonus plus a long-term incentive award of £3.35m, making him the highest paid senior executive of the bank. He was just ahead of Rich Ricci, the other co-head of Barclays Capital, who received £14m in salary and bonus for 2010.

Read More

10 tips on writing a successful CV

When it comes to applying for a new job, your CV could be just the ticket to get you that initial foot in the door and secure an interview – but how do you ensure your CV is added to the interview pile rather than thrown straight in the bin?

Read More

World's Richest Dog

Trouble, the beloved Maltese of

billionaire Leona Helmsley,

became an international celebrity

when Helmsley died and left him

$12 million.

Read More

How to set up your first research laboratory

Building your lab

By the time John J. Curtin, PhD,
was ready to set up his own lab,
he was an old hand. During
graduate school, his mentor
turned to him for help setting up
his lab when he expanded into a
new space, then hired him to set
up another new lab when he
switched universities.
"I set up my own lab very much
the way I set up his," says Curtin,
now director of the Addiction
Research Lab and associate
psychology professor at the
University of Wisconsin–
Madison.
Most new researchers aren't so
lucky. And how to set up a lab
isn't something that grad school
curricula typically cover, say
Curtin and other researchers.
"I had to learn by asking around
when I showed up," says Jeffrey
M. Zacks, PhD, who directs the
Dynamic Cognition Lab and is
associate professor of
psychology and radiology at
Washington University in St.
Louis. But you're better off if
you start preparing even before
you start your job, say Zacks and
others. They urge beginning
scientists to carefully research
their equipment needs, be
assertive during negotiations
with would-be employers and
invest in whatever they need to
set themselves up for productive
careers.
Zacks, Curtin and other early
career psychologists offer more
specific advice:
Determine your needs. Ask your
mentor and other researchers in
your field for the equipment lists
they used to establish their own
labs, says Curtin. Or, start
assembling your own list by
paying close attention to the
day-to-day functioning of labs
you work in during grad school
or as a postdoc, advises Melissa J.
Glenn, PhD, director of the
neuroscience lab and an
assistant psychology professor
at Colby College in Waterville,
Maine. By noting the cost and
vendors of supplies, she says,
you'll be ready to put together a
detailed budget to use when
negotiating with would-be
employers. Keep in mind that the
psychology department or other
departments at the schools
you're interviewing with may
already have some of the
equipment you need, she adds.
Negotiate a start-up package. "A
generation ago, if you got a
computer and a desk, you were
sitting pretty," says Zacks, who
co-wrote a chapter on setting up
labs in "The Compleat Academic:
A Career Guide" (APA, 2003).
These days, he says, most
colleges and universities offer
new faculty start-up packages
that might include funds for
equipment and lab renovations,
access to fMRI scanners or
animal facilities, paid research
staff and other resources.
Packages vary by institution and
even within departments
depending on researchers'
needs, he says. "Some people say
to ask for the moon," says Glenn,
although this was advice she
didn't follow. "I felt really
uncomfortable with the idea of
asking for things I didn't need."
But do be assertive when it
comes to negotiating, she
recommends. She was able to
negotiate a package that
included a pricey microscopy
system by explaining it was a
long-term investment that would
expose students to state-of-the-
art equipment.
Don't skip the details.
Negotiations can be especially
tricky in medical settings, says
Kevin A. Hommel, PhD, director of
a treatment adherence research
lab at Cincinnati Children's
Hospital Medical Center and
assistant professor of pediatrics
at the University of Cincinnati
College of Medicine. That's
because start-up packages aren't
always the norm, and space is
extremely limited. "You might
have to come in with a grant," he
explains. Be sure to dig into the
details and get things in writing,
he recommends. If a position
requires you to spend half your
time seeing patients, for
example, note in the contract
exactly how many billable hours
you'll be expected to spend with
patients. In any setting, find out
how long the start-up package
lasts, if there are restrictions on
the funds and what happens to
money you don't use. Also, ask
what's available in terms of
technical support, such as on-
campus computer programmers,
support staff and grant
preparation assistance.
Get a head start. If possible,
establish your lab the summer
before your job officially begins
so you can start the year ready
to research, says Curtin. If you
can negotiate a summer salary—
which Curtin says is fairly easy
to do as part of your start-up
package negotiations—so much
the better. Even if you can't be
there, order your equipment as
soon as possible. "It can take two
months for stuff to arrive after
you order it," says Curtin. "That's
very frustrating when you're
excited to get started."
Don't hoard your funds. Early
career researchers are
sometimes tempted to hold off
on buying equipment or hiring
staff for fear that they'll use up
their money too soon, says
Zacks. "That's not smart
strategy," he emphasizes. "Failing
to be as research-productive as
you can only hurts your ability
to get that first or second grant."
Instead, use your start-up
package to invest in whatever
you need to launch your
research program.
Gather a great group. Choosing
the right lab personnel—even
volunteers—can be a challenge,
says Hommel, noting that
enthusiasm doesn't always
translate into good work. When
choosing a research assistant, he
supplemented his own judgment
by asking other faculty members
to interview candidates as well.
Because the ability to work well
with others is so important, he
now insists that anyone hoping
to work in his lab do group
interviews with lab members.
Retention is also important, says
Glenn. To keep the students
working in her lab, she
encourages them to "take
ownership of some of the
research" rather than merely
take on lists of tasks. "That way
they feel like researchers in a lab
rather than just workers," she
says. "I want them to feel they're
making a meaningful
contribution to the field."
Establish good habits. Taking
the time to set things up
properly in your first year will
serve you well in the future, says
Curtin. Set up a central server
rather than letting personnel
work off their own computers,
and you'll find you may save a
lot of time in the long run. And
develop a lab manual—whether
it's a computer file, Web site or
wiki system—with answers to
questions that come up
repeatedly. "The next time a
student or staff member comes
with a question," says Curtin,
"you just point them to the
manual."

Read More

Nigeria: Dangote Sugar Withdraws Investment From Algeria

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has pulled its investment from Algeria and is planning to make more acquisitions of local sugar farms to boost its backward integration programme and benefit from the Federal Government Sugar Master Plan.
DSR had planned to expand its operations to Algeria with a 1.1 million metric tonnes of sugar refining facility in that country. However, chairman of DSR, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, disclosed last Monday that the plan had been halted and all the equipment shipped back to Nigeria.
In his address to shareholders at 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, Dangote explained that the decision to pull out the investment stemmed from unfavourable policies by the Algerian government that would impede the achievement of the goals with which the investment was targeted.
However, he noted the acquisition of Savannah Sugar Company (SSC) in Numa, Adamawa State by DSR has positioned the company to operate sugar refineries in Nigeria.
"Our target is to achieve local production of 1.5 million metric tonnes of raw sugar per annum by year 2018 harvest season. In addition to Savannah, other sites will be acquired and the necessary steps taken to ensure that our foray in backward integration project becomes a good part of our success story," Dangote said.
Reviewing the performance of the company for the year ended December 31, 2012, he said despite the challenging operating environment, the company posted a remarkable performance.
According to him, turnover stood at N106.868 billion, while profit after tax was N10.735 billion in 2012 compared with N107.2 billion and N7.244 billion respectively in 2011.
"This performance is an indication of the positive outcome of the various changes and strategic initiatives implemented in the company during the year under review. Our emphasis is now on growing new markets for higher volumes, a more improved bottom-line, increased market share and value creation for all stakeholders," he said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director of the DSR, Abdullahi Sule, said the focus was to grow its market within Nigeria and Africa with high quality products, reinforced and effective supply chain and information management system.
"We will continue to build our existing competencies to enable us set the needed platform for continuous market expansion, volume growth and delivery of desired benefit to all stakeholders," Sule said.
Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201305151171.html

Read More

Nigeria Loses U.S.$6Billion Annually to Crude Oil Theft

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday disclosed that the country loses $6 billion annually to crude oil theft.
PENGASSAN's President, Mr. Babatunde Ogun, made this known at a joint forum with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in Lagos.
He said that Nigeria also lost N105 billion to theft of refined products.
"This is a threat to our national security and our democracy. If this kind of huge amount of money gets into the wrong hands, it can destabilise our democracy and national security," Ogun said.
He blamed the incessant loss of billions of money on vandalism of crude oil and petroleum products' pipeline.
He express regrets that security forces had been unable to arrest the unwholesome practice which led to fire disaster in Arepo and Ogun and the subsequent shut down of Nembe Creek Trunk line by Shell.
"An estimated 60,000 barrels per day of crude oil is stolen at Nembe Creek. Agip also suspended production in Bayelsa because 60 per cent of its production of about 90 barrels is stolen per day."
He said it was sad that no one had ever been caught or prosecuted even when the miscellaneous offence Act provides for life imprisonment for anyone who stole crude oil, petroleum product or vandalised pipelines.
He advised government to beef-up security and warned that the oil and gas sector would suspend production of crude oil and supply of petroleum products if nothing was done.
Ogun called on government to deal with the insecurity problem in view of the resurgence of kidnapping and continuous bombings.
The president urged governors and local government chairmen to channel their security votes to step-up intelligence gathering and surveillance to nip crime in the bud at the planning stage.
In a related development, an oil pipeline security outfit has said that surveillance on pipelines in the Niger Delta region will not be achieved when majority of the youths remain unemployed.
The Chief Executive Officer, Yaful Integrated Services, Mr. Luke Eneriene, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt.
Eneriene said that militancy and oil bunkering were crimes that should be handled in the same way.
"The same way amnesty was granted to stop the activities of militants, so will jobs be created for youths to stop bunkering in the region.
"Our duty as a company is to ensure total elimination of oil pipeline vandalism and bunkering, especially in some parts of the Niger Delta coast stipulated in our terms of contract.
Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201304010928.html

Read More

Explanation: How Brain Training Can Make You Significantly Smarter

As many people hit middle age, they often start to notice that their memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be.  We suddenly can't remember where we put the keys just a moment ago, or an old acquaintance's name, or the name of an old band we used to love.  As the brain fades, we euphemistically refer to these occurrences as "senior moments."
While seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have a detrimental impact on our professional, social, and personal well-being.
It happens to most of us, but is it inevitable? 
Neuroscientists are increasingly showing that there's actually a lot that can be done.  It turns that the brain needs exercise in much the same way our muscles do, and the right mental workouts can significantly improve our basic cognitive functions.  Thinking is essentially a process of making neural connections in the brain.  To a certain extent, our ability to excel in making the neural connections that drive intelligence is inherited.  However, because these connections are made through effort and practice, scientists believe that intelligence can expand and fluctuate according to mental effort.
Now, a new San Francisco Web-based company has taken it a step further and developed the first "brain training program" designed to actually help people improve and regain their mental sharpness.  Called Lumosity, it was designed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford University.
Lumosity, is far more than an online place to exercise your mental skills.  That's because they have integrated these exercises into a Web-based program that allows you to systematically improve your memory and attention skills.  The program keeps track of your progress and provides detailed feedback on your performance and improvement.  Most importantly, it constantly modifies and enhances the games you play to build on the strengths you are developing--much like an effective exercise routine requires you to increase resistance and vary your muscle use.
Does it work?
Apparently it does. In randomized, controlled clinical trials, Lumosity was shown to significantly improve basic cognitive functions. One study showed students improved their scores on math tests by 34 percent after using Lumosity for six weeks, significantly greater gains than those made by other students in the same class, who were not training with the Lumosity program.
The company says its users have reported clearer and quicker thinking, improved memory for names, numbers, directions, increased alertness and awareness, elevated mood, and better concentration at work or while driving.
While many of the games at Lumosity are free, a modest subscription fee is required to use the full program over the long term.
However, Lumosity is currently offering a free trial of their program to new users so that you can see how well it works before you decide to subscribe.  The trial is completely free (no credit card required) and the company believes the results will speak for themselves.
Click here to try for yourself.
Source: http://www.howlifeworks.com/health_beauty/brain_training?ag_id=291&wid=2598B1FB-FEB3-4820-88A7-6A9B8291BCD3&did=2685&cid=1005&si_id=795

Read More

Unilever Rewards Retailers to Encourage Patronage

Unilever Nigeria Plc, makers of Knorr and Royco seasoning cubes, has rewarded 55 retailers in the ongoing Visibility Challenge organised to reward its loyal consumers in the savoury market in 42 markets across the country.

The highlight of the contest, which ended its first phase, came when one market woman won the grand prize of a Kia Picanto car. The winner was one Mrs. Kehinde Ganiyat Abari, who confessed to have been a loyal consumer of Knorr brand for decades.
Speaking at the award presentation held at Oke-Arin market in Lagos, the Regional Sales Manager, Mrs. Nkechi Omozeje, said the initiative was one of the numerous ways fashioned out to reward its partners among who are the retailers.

She said it was necessary to extend this kind of gesture to them, knowing full well that they remain the interface between the company and the consumers. She added that the reward scheme was a sign of good relationship that had existed between it and the retailers adding that it was a mark of appreciation for the support received on the part of the retailers.

She said: “It is a way of expressing our appreciation to our numerous consumers. We want to acknowledge their support having been with us through thick and thin. That is why we are giving something back as a mark of appreciation”.

Buttressing the significance of the activation, its Sales Director, Mr. Kweku Boateng, said the whole essence of the exercise was to show appreciation to retailers the same way it has shown to wholesalers. Boateng said unlike in the past when only wholesalers get some forms of encouragement on the basis of their patronage with Unilever, the reward was a means of informing them of their support.

He said” In this promo, we are targeting retailers. We want to show that they occupy a pride of place in our business hence the need for the contest.”

The Knorr/Royco Visibility activation contest, which lasted for four weeks, runs in 42 markets across Nigeria with winners emerging through the various divisions of its markets. These divisions include Lagos, West, South Central, South East, Middle Belt, North West and North Central. Apart from the grand prize, other prizes that were won range from deep freezers, refrigerators, coolers and other consolation prizes.

Meanwhile, to participate in the competition, retailers are expected to have a minimum of ten cases of any Unilever seasoning product and get awarded points for the creative display of these products within their shops.
In a related development, the company, as part of its continued efforts to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with all its stake-holders, recently organised an elaborate customer forum for its trade partners. The event took place at Festac in Lagos.

The forum was aimed at rewarding trade partners across the country that performed outstandingly well. It also gave trade partners and Unilever an opportunity to discuss more ways to improve their partnership.

Customers were rewarded with gift items ranging from a brand new Hyundai SUV, Flat screen TVs, all-expense paid trips to Dubai, washing machines, freezers and lots more for their impressive performance over the given period of time.

Speaking at the occasion, Managing Director Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Thabo Mabe, said “we are going to continually be with our partners at every given point in time. We would continue to give them a listening ear and try to understand what challenges they are going through and how we can better partner them to make sure at the end of the day, business is mutually beneficial to all stakeholders”.

Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/unilever-rewards-retailers-to-encourage-patronage/147535/

Read More

The Average Yearly Salary of an Airline Pilot

Airline pilots fly jet and turboprop-powered aircraft to transport people from one location to another. These individuals are highly trained professionals: first officers (also known as "copilots" or "FOs") must hold at least a commercial pilot certificate and an aircraft type rating, while captains must hold an airline transport pilot certificate with a type rating. Although many have the impression that airline pilots receive high salaries, that is usually not the case.
  Regional airlines, also known as "commuter" or "connector" airlines, act as feeders for the major airlines, taking passengers from smaller cities and ferrying them to major hubs. Pilots typically begin their careers at the regionals before advancing to the major airlines. Average starting regional airline pilot pay ranged from $17,000 to $26,000 per year, according to a June 2010 article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Regional airline captains earned an average of $76,000 per year as of June 2009, according to Bloomberg.
Major airlines fly large passenger aircraft between major hubs, both domestic and international. These carriers employ pilots with upward of 5,000 hours of total flight time. Although these carriers pay more on average than the regionals, regional airline captains often take a pay cut to move into a major airline FO position. According to The Wall Street Journal, the average starting salary at major airlines was $36,283 per year, while the average top airline captain annual salary was $165,278 as of June 2009.
Although average salaries reflect the mid-point of pilot earnings, airline pilot annual salaries cover a wide range, from as little as $16,000 per year (equivalent to a full-time minimum-wage job) to over $200,000 as of 2010. The biggest influence on pilot salary is seniority. Both regional and major airline pilots receive yearly pay raises. However, if a pilot leaves her airline for any reason, she will move to the bottom of the seniority scale, taking a pay cut.
In addition to seniority, other factors have an influence on pilot pay. Pilots at large cargo airlines such as UPS, FedEx and DHL earn the highest salaries in the industry (over $200,000 per year as of June 2009), while pilots flying for low-cost major air carriers see the lowest top salaries in the industry. Additionally, aircraft type plays a role in pay, with pilots of smaller, less-prestigious aircraft earning significantly less than those flying large aircraft capable of crossing oceans.
Source: 

Read More