Getting a Grip on Garbage

Getting a Grip on Garbage Getting a Grip on Garbage Getting a Grip on GarbageResearchers have explored many questions when it comes to space travel Where will humans live? What kinds of foods will they eat? And more. But answering the question of how humans will dispose of all the garbage they create in space? Thats a question that hasnt been given very much thought, until now.Hao Jiang, a graduate student at Stanford University, is part of a team that has taken the research done at the school on the Eublepharis macularius, or the gecko,and looked at ways it can be applied to space refuse.Sticky SituationThere welches the gecko adhesive work done at Stanford and a lab alumnus graduated and went to NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, taking the technology with him, he says. When you want to bestattungs something or recycle space junk, things are floating in space and there isnt any existing technology to handle it well. With gecko adhesives, maybe it could be different.The gecko, known f or the stickiness of its limbs, has long been a fascination for researchers, and Jiang and his team used the gecko as the model for their device.The gripper, inspired by the gecko, has a large array of modules to work with, he says. Upper level above it, is like a non-linear wrist that can take care of loading conditions. Eventually were looking to put in a robotic arm to interface with this gripper. For the gripper, if the astronaut is holding it, it has a handle affixed at the wrist and they attach the gripper to the target object, such as space junk, and it has a sensor to detect when it contacts with the object or aligns with the object, and it tightens at the wrist. When you grip, it feels stiff grasping and after that, you feel like the object is together with you so you can move the object around.Researchers combined gecko-inspired adhesives and a custom robotic gripper to create a device for grabbing space debris. Image Stanford UniversityThe object sticks to the target beca use of the silicon material used on the devices adhesive pads, he says, but adds that what really matters is the microscopic structure of the silicon, similar to how the geckos hair structure is the key to its stickiness.You dont need to push with significant force for this, you just need a light touch, says Jiang. To make sure the load is as even as possible, they use a pulley system for the pads.To test how much force or movement the grippers can handle, the team went over to the Jet Propulsion Labs Robodrome, where two robots, each weighing 800 pounds, were floating on an air-hockey-like floor, simulating zero gravity. The gripper was attached to one robot and the team used it to drag the other robot around.The device was also tested extensively on zero-gravity airplane flights. We did 80 flights with about twenty to thirty seconds of zero-gravity time and then we tried to float the target object and grasp the object with the gripper, he says, Reaching even 2Gs, there was a letti ng go and grasping of objects, ones that were similar to a fuel tank, beach ball, and ice cube. The results so far show a good deal of potential.Eric Butterman is an independent writer. For Further DiscussionWhen you grip, it feels stiff grasping and after that, you feel like the object is together with you so you can move the object around.Hao Jiang, Stanford University

Here are 8 common business trip mistakes you should avoid

Here are 8 common geschftsleben trip mistakes you should avoidHere are 8 common business trip mistakes you should avoidBelieve it or not but many employees think business trips are simply free holidays but there is always a purpose and its never to party.Just because you are away from the office and perhaps out of the watchful eye of the boss or manager doesnt mean you can let standards slide.All too often there is a lack of focus on the purpose of the trip itself, with many workers viewing it as a fun trip rather than a business opportunity. This is particularly true for younger teams although even for managers and experienced execs it can be an issue, although they really should know better.Its worth reminding staff that just because they are away from base they still represent the company and the same standards that are expected in the office still apply on the road.Researchers from workplace expertsLondonOffices.comhave investigated the most common mistakes made by employees trav elling on business and how best to avoid them.They found that many executives viewed business trips as a option to let their hair down away from home and for many this led to a fall in professional standards.Issues identified ranged from failing to prepare properly for meetings and being unclear on the purposes of the trip to getting horribly drunk and turning up for meetings late and reeking of alcohol.1. Being underpreparedPreparation is pivotal to a successful business trip, so make sure to research, plan and write the itinerary in advance.Another suitable precaution is to print out any relevant documents beforehand, as Wi-Fi can be unreliable, and reconfirm plans before departure, to avoid wasted time and costly cancellations.2. Booking a poor hotelRead plenty of online reviews to pick out the best hotel for your needs, but consider contacting them directly for a better price, and check the location dont stay off the beaten track and then spend the mornings stuck in local commut er traffic.3. Making a poor first impressionAvoid getting off on the wrong foot, dress appropriately know the context to avoid smart-casual when formal is necessary or vice versa. Greet with a firm but friendly handshake and smile, to show crucial confidence and consideration.Crucially dont overdo it in the hotel bar the night before a big meeting as turning up late, hungover and stinking of lager is definitely not going to impress.4. Getting the meals wrongUse online reviews to take the host to a restaurant with an appropriate atmosphere and cuisine to start fruitful relationship, but avoid dining in an expensive Michelin starred restaurant or draining the hotel mini-bar and only order room service as a last resort.It is also advisable to have breakfast in the hotel for time efficiency dont skip this meal and be under-fuelled for the busy day ahead.5. Forgetting about receiptsBusiness trips shouldnt hit employees in the pocket, so retain all relevant receipts to forward to accounts if it is not company policy to fully reimburse expenses, they can still be used for personal tax deductions.6. Being unproductive.Never forget that the trip is for business not leisure stick to the itinerary or the daily agenda will be unachievable. Dont waste time on minor tasks that could be completed via e-mail or phone, when other face to face priorities are more pressing.It might be a great idea to take the client out for a meal or a drink but that doesnt mean its ok to get hammered. Remember to act professionally at all times.7. Staying in a comfort zoneDoing business in a fresh location is a perfect opportunity to network with potential new clients or colleagues and to seek out personal development opportunities.A top tip is to ensure you have a healthy amount of business cards in your jacket or bag.8. OverworkingSpending a night or several travelling for business should not mean that regular hours are extended neglecting sleep, food or water does not create a healthy busin ess brain.Of course the company agenda remains the priority, but perhaps consider looking into the local entertainment options in the evening.This article originally appeared on YourCoffeeBreak.co.uk.

The Worst Interview Questions Employers Ask

The Worst Interview Questions Employers AskThe Worst Interview Questions Employers AskUnfortunately, employers sometimes ask einstellungsgesprch questions that are irrelevant or make you uncomfortable. Sometimes its a case of an einstellungsgesprcher not knowing what they shouldnt be asking during a job interview. Other times the employer knows better, but still asksinappropriate interview questionsor says something he or she shouldnt say to try to get more information from an applicant. In either case, it can be awkward when youre asked a question the hiring manager shouldnt be asking, or when youre asked something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Whether its not relevant to the job or your qualifications, or its personal, it can put you in a challenging situation. The Worst Interview Questions There are many interview questions that employers should not ask, either because they areillegal, or because they are rude or irrelevant. Below are a few of the worst interview question s that employers have actually asked job candidates. These are organized by category. Questions About Your Age Questions about how old you are can be extremely uncomfortable. These questions can work both ways you can be considered too old, or too young and not mature enough to do the job. Mostage-related questionsare illegal if age has nothing to do with the job (an exception would be if you have to be a certain age to legally perform the job). Some uncomfortable age questions and comments include How old are you?You are young enough to be my daughter.Are you thinking about retiring?How do you feel about working for a younger manager? Questions About Your Ethnicity, Race, or Nationality You are required to provide proof of your ability to work legally in the country, but questions about race, color, ethnicity, birthplace, and/or national origin are illegal unless directly relevant to the job. Unfortunately, there are hiring managers who will ask behauptung questions. Uncomfortable questions related to ethnicity, birthplace, etc., include What race do you identify as?Are you going back to your country anytime soon?Is English your native language?Where are you from?Were your parents born here? Questions About Your Religion Questions about your religion or religious practices are illegal unless directly relevant to the job. Some uncomfortable questions people have been asked related to their religion are Are you very religious?What is your religion?Will your religious practices affect your ability to do your job? Questions About Your Personal Life or Your Body Some interviewers will ask questions about your personal life, or make comments about your body, which are clearly inappropriate. These are all, unfortunately, real questions that employers have asked, or comments employers have made to candidates Do you have any problems going out drinking with the office on Fridays?Where do you live?What did you live on while you were out of work?You are so cute.I want a receptionist who looks like a Playboy bunny. Questions About Your Personal Relationships Unless it specifically relates to the requirements of the position, an employer should not ask you about your marital or family status, or any of your other personal relationships. Examples of some of the worst questions on this topic include Are you dating someone?Are you pregnant?Are you married?Do you have small children?Do you have childcare arrangements lined up?Are you a parent?If you have kids, how will you do this job when your spouse is deployed (question for someone with a military spouse)? Other Uncomfortable Questions There are many other kinds of uncomfortable questions and comments that you might hear during an interview. These can range from questions about your sex/orientation, to any disabilities you might have, to particular comments about your personal life. Here are a few real questions and comments that job candidates have shared I need someone who will deal with everyone when they start crying.How is your marriage working? The stress of the long hours required might not be good for your marriage.How would your spouse feel about you relocating for work?Tell me what you think about the individuals you just met with?Wed love to hire you, but we want someone who will be here long term.I need someone who will stay to shut off the lights every night.Why have you been unemployed so long? What Employers Shouldnt Do During an Interview There are also some things the interviewer shouldnt do. Here are a few examples of inappropriate interview behaviors that job seekers have encountered. Employers should not Give the applicant a big hug.Pat the interviewee on the head when offering her the job.Keep the interview going until there is nobody else left in the office.Interview outside on a 90-degree August day.Ask the candidate if he would like to go for a drink after the interview. How to Respond to Inappropriate Interview Questions What can you do if your e asked questions that an employer shouldnt ask? Questions about your age, ancestry, citizenship, credit rating, criminal record, disabilities, family status, gender, military status, or religion can only be asked if they are directly related to the job. One way to answer illegal or inappropriate questions is to simply state, This question does not affect my ability to perform the job. You might then try to reroute the conversation to your relevant skills and abilities. Before accepting the job, consider if you really want to work for someone who asks such personal or inappropriate questions during the interview. It is likely that their behavior will not improve once you are a paid part of the team. Heres more advice onhow to handle inappropriate interview questions. Its Your Turn What Applicants Shouldnt Say or Do Just like with an interviewer, there are some things you shouldnt share with the interviewer if you want a chance at moving forward with the interview process. Here a re25 things you should never say at a job interview. There are also things you shouldnt do that are related to how you present yourself. Check out thetop 15 things you shouldnt do when youre interviewing.