Posted November 27, 2019
The German brand demonstrated in Los Angeles a hybrid i8 performed by Ultimate Sophisto Editions. In total, th...
American researchers have been trying to find out whether addiction to smartphones can lead to depression or whether it is people prone to depressive symptoms that present favorable conditions for this type of addiction.
Researchers have found that heavy smartphone dependence is linked to increased risks of developing depressive symptoms and loneliness.
In recent years, studies linking smartphone addiction and depression, especially among adolescents, are increasing. But is it really our tendency to remain staring at the screen that causes depression or vice versa? Is this theory valid in both directions? These are the questions asked by American researchers from the University of Arizona (United States).
The authors of the study define addiction to the smartphone as: a constant desire to use the object, which can result in a feeling of discomfort in the event of deprivation. " There is a problem when people are so dependent on the device that they may feel anxious if they do not have access to it and use it to the detriment of their daily lives ," said Matthew Lapierre, assistant professor in the communications department of the University of Arizona and lead author of the study.
Professor Lapierre and his team interviewed 346 adolescents in two stages, over a total period of 3 months. Published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, the study selected participants aged 17 to 20 years. The researchers proposed that the volunteers assess their feeling of lack on a scale of 1 to 4, by responding to a series of statements, such as " I panic when I cannot use my smartphone ".
Participants also answered questions designed to gauge their feelings of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and how often they use their phones.
Identify the causes of addiction to limit the time spent on the smartphone
By analyzing the responses of the volunteers, the researchers found that a strong dependence on the smartphone was linked to increased risks of developing depressive symptoms and loneliness. Their research therefore confirms what has been demonstrated in several previous studies: namely that intensive use of the smartphone tends to isolate and promote anxiety.
In light of these results, the study authors believe that it could be useful for those concerned to assess their relationship with their devices and to impose limits if necessary. " If someone uses their smartphone as a bulwark against stress, they can for example try other healthier approaches, such as talking to a close friend for support or doing meditation exercises ," suggests researcher Pengfei Zhao. , co-author of the study.
Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed what features the sixth-generation Apple smartwatch will have. He is often right in his predictions, so his information in most cases is trustworthy.
Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the next generation of Apple Watch will look slightly different from the existing one. Nevertheless, the company intends to equip the new product with a more efficient processor and provide it with more reliable protection against dust and water. Apple also plans to use more advanced communication modules in the Apple Watch Series 6, making Wi-Fi and cellular networks faster and more stable.
Most of the changes will be related to the filling of the watch. The engineers of the watch company are faced with the task of developing a logic board from a new material - liquid crystal polymer. Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier use polyimide.
Of course, the most important question: when will the Apple Watch Series 6 go on sale? Unlike the iPhone, the Apple Watch does not have a strict reference to the date when the company introduces a new model, however, Ming-Chi Kuo calls the second half of 2020 the most probable period. By this time, Apple will have to solve several engineering problems that will allow Apple to create a more advanced device (otherwise there is no sense in its development).
Smart watches Apple Watch Series 5 were presented recently - in September 2019. Their main difference from all previous models is the presence of a screen, which can be all the time. The autonomy of the watch at the same time remained at the level of a full day. In Russia, this model costs from 32,990 rubles and above, depending on the modification and configuration. The version with cellular support in our country is not for sale due to the lack of full-fledged operator support for eSIM technology.
Another reminder of the always up-to-date 1950s design is the development of the Fifty Fathoms collection. The vintage clarity and simplicity of the shapes presented in Basel's Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe is combined with a demonstration of modern achievements in the choice of materials. The deep blue dial is surrounded by a blue-gray ceramic welt with integrated deformation-free Liquidmetal marks. The 1315 automatic caliber enclosed in the case is equipped with a silicon balance spring.
And the flagship of the “armada” Fifty Fathoms this year was the chronograph in a case made entirely of blue ceramic. The uniform color of the surfaces is a special achievement of the masters of the brand. To create a blue case, ceramic powder was pressed into the mold, and to obtain blue buttons and a crown, ceramic in the form of granules fell into the press. After that, the mold was placed in a furnace, where first, at a low temperature, the bonding agent was removed, and then at high temperature the ceramics “quenched”. It was possible to get a uniform and bright color only after three years of experiments. But the result was worth the effort — what better way to talk about a company’s connection to ocean exploration than a marine watch?
Towards even more recyclable packaging
With the enlargement of the blue bag, almost all packaging will be recycled The polystyrene yoghurt pot will be recycled into new polystyrene, the PET tray will be recycled into new PET ... Even packaging made of different types of plastic will find a recycling stream. The objective of Fost Plus is not only to find a recycling solution for all packaging, but also to favor high quality value-added recycling. The more recyclable the packaging is, the lower the Green Dot will be. The more expensive the recycling line, the higher the Green Dot for this type of packaging. The objective is to evolve towards the simplest possible packaging consisting for example of a single type of plastic. The challenge ? Keep all the most useful features of the packaging to keep the product as efficiently as possible and not increase the amount of packaging.
Research, innovation and time
It is not in two shots of a spoon that you can replace one package with another. Easy solutions can be catastrophic. For example, replacing a plastic keyboard with a cardboard box with a plastic coating for wet products can cause serious problems in the carton recycling business. Less plastic maybe, but so much more non-recyclable packaging. Research and development work is therefore absolutely necessary. Many companies are working behind the scenes. In order to streamline the work, Flanders' FOOD and other competence centers will present at the end of this year a roadmap for the packaging of the future which places a strong emphasis on circular or bags packaging.
Another example: Valipac will launch a project to develop inks used on plastic films that have less negative impact on recycling. But it is not enough to find solutions, we must also introduce them to the market. However, adapt packaging machines requires huge investments. It will take time to see these new packaging on the market.
With eco-modulation, research and innovation, all the elements are in place so that all packaging is 100% recyclable by 2025 , as we are committed to as a sector, together with our companies and our partners.