Sunday, August 23, 2020

Nepotism in the Workplace

Nepotism in the Workplace Presentation Nepotism can be characterized as the act of settling on work choices based on relationship. It can likewise be characterized as employing or advancing a family member or companion, regardless of whether there are other qualified contender for the position. Nepotism in the work environment isn't extraordinary, since this is a training that doesn't have any widespread law connected to it. Be that as it may, as of late, states have passed laws to decrease this training, since it has numerous moral issues associated with it. This paper will try to characterize nepotism and it would to the worldwide, provincial and neighborhood associations where we have seen doubts of nepotism. It will be hard to demonstrate that nepotism does in truth happen in any association; in any case, in light of the connection between people recruited and their relations, we have doubts of the events of nepotism. Nepotism is both found in the private and open part. In any case, in view of research, it is increasi ngly predominant in the open segment. This paper will likewise show how nepotism can be adverse the organization on an entire, in light of the fact that there are numerous outcomes which bring about nepotism. A few outcomes that will be inspected incorporate, family struggle in the work place, low staff spirit, loss of skilled representatives, utilization of the activity to do unscrupulous acts, utilization of position to serve their own advantage and to the impediment of the organization and penetrate of privacy. Nepotism is clear in family claimed organizations for the conspicuous reasons. Families would need to pass the business from age to age and this implies the benefit will remain inside the family and will be acquired by relatives. Outcomes of Nepotism Despite the fact that there are results of nepotism an expert of this demonstration can make steadiness and coherence in the association and this will allude to all the more family possessed organizations. Congruity in such a case that it family claimed, the business will proceed by going from age to age. Steadiness in light of the fact that, there will be progression arranging which can bring about the organization being fruitful. On the other side of the coin, the results out gauge the experts of nepotism. It makes disappointment among representatives. At the point when representatives are disappointed they may have an inclination that their difficult work and devotion are not acknowledged or perceived by the association. Nepotism can likewise bring about the organization losing capable representatives. This can thus influence the associations merchandise and ventures. Nepotism can likewise cause misrepresentation in the association. Moreover, relatives may carry their contention i nto the working environment. Representatives will be unable to isolate home and work life. This is most found in situations where married couples cooperate and may think that its hard to cooperate. This may cause a diminishing in the assurance among staff individuals. A complete breakdown in correspondence can result along these lines, which will stream down to different workers inside the organization. Imbalance of representatives is another issue coming about because of Nepotism. As a result of this factor, representatives will in general show their disappointment by low creation of work which has credited to issues in the work place as far as maintaining discipline among workers. Order is an issue since workers accept that since there is no equity in the association there is no compelling reason to follow any approach or method. Penetrate of privacy is another outcome of nepotism. This will happen as a result of the absence of dedication among workers. Representatives may consider this to be a lucky time for them to rehearse untrustworthy acts, since they accept in light of the fact that they were recruited by a nearby or relative any training is refreshing in the association and they may utilize this to further their potential benefit to engage in any sort of exploitative conduct. Where nepotism is pervasive For evident reasons nepotism is normal in family possessed organizations and this can be seen in the more positive terms. Nepotism in family possessed organizations can bring about congruity in that the business will be given from age to age. There might be no moral issues engaged with the employing relatives inside a family claimed business. Nepotism is common in the administration workplaces. For instance in the United States of America, Vice President Cheneys spouse and his child in-law Phillip Cheney were recruited by President George Bush and were given significant level situation with the administration. The positions given were Assistant Secretary of State and Chief Counsel for the Office of Management and financial plan consciously (Congress, USA Today, 2007). President Bush was profoundly censured for this, on the grounds that many accept that were progressively qualified people who fit the activity. In Cuba Fidel Castro was President of Cuba for more than forty years. His sibling Raul Castro is currently President and has been in the situation from since 2008 to introduce. Raul was given the situation of President with no races by the individuals of Cuba. On account of the absolutist initiative style showed by Fidel and his sibling Raul. Many consider this to be a demonstration of nepotism. According to Grenada, we have seen proof nepotism in the administration parts, in that people have been utilized as a result of their alliance and connection to government authorities. Research was led on some private possessed organizations in which we saw, a dad, spouse, little girl and child in-law were utilized inside a similar association. Staff individuals are of the conclusion that these people were employed in light of the family connection. Test Violation The guidelines test This test manages the response of your partners, on the off chance that somebody settled on a choice within the sight of a worker, for instance to utilize your sister-in-law to take up the situation of chief of deals. There will be no doubt or concern, if the business is a little family run business. Since the choice would work and be completely reasonable considering family possessed organizations are regularly passed from age to age and the congruity depends on the passionate ties inside the family. Anyway inside any administration association, if a similar choice was made a few partners may begin feeling offended. They may begin thinking if there is an extortion plot really taking shape, and will without a doubt voice their assessment and this will make disappointment. First page test: What might it resemble on the off chance that we read about it in a paper, blog, and twitter? Imagine a scenario in which the features read President of Wal-Mart advances his nephew as C.E.O. This will no uncertainty make doubt in the psyches of partners. Additionally if there is some degree of disgrace or clumsiness about the news, one can accept there is some degree of nepotism included. Special case test: This test looks to respond to two inquiries. 1. Imagine a scenario where everybody did it. On the off chance that each entrepreneur chose to utilize people that are identified with them or people that are companions, that would cause numerous ramifications, for instance the abilities or capabilities that might be required at a specific time, a companion or a family may not have them, which will bring about wastefulness. Likewise that would imply that the principle necessity to acquire a vocation would be on monetary standing who you knew, rather than being decided on capacity or legitimacy. 2. Imagine a scenario where they did it to us. There is no uncertainty that on the off chance that somebody was denied a vocation since he isn't a companion of the businesses child, however had all the capabilities and aptitudes important to do the activity would be viewed as out and out unbelievable. What's more, this would be outlandish for anybody to sit and comprehend. Moral Approach The utilitarian methodology This methodology manages demonstrating the best great with the least conceivable mischief. As it identifies with nepotism this methodology is extraordinarily damaged, since nepotism is explicitly connected to profiting just the relatives or to dear companions of a specific individual and regularly makes disappointment most of partners. For instance, in a firm where the current Vice President might be repudiating the choice made by the leader of that association, the President may try to get the Vice President terminated with the goal that his companion may turn into the new Vice President so the choices presently made by the President can advance the go beyond without any problem. (this lone advantages the President and the new Vice President) Equity and reasonableness approach This methodology manages the inquiry, Are we perceiving the privileges of those effect? There is no uncertainty that every worker ought to be dealt with similarly; there ought to be no indication of partiality in the work place. Thusly it would not be moral for a business to concede an occupation to an angling amigo as opposed to advancing a representative that is gifted, capable and loaded up with experience that can unhesitatingly fill the empty position. It is critical to note for this situation, there will be a chain response included in light of the fact that another worker might be searching forward for the individual above him to be advanced, so he will at that point fill the new empty position. In this manner when somebody outwardly is utilized to fill the situation, there will be a chain response of frustration inside the association. Sorts of Nepotism Certifications nepotism: This type of nepotism is now and then disguised yet could be hazardous to both an individual and an association. In this circumstance individuals are given more kudos for going to a class and passing however can't have any significant bearing what they have realized. In short qualification nepotism implies giving somebody more credit since they are guaranteed (Young, 2008). They were with us through various challenges nepotism: This type of nepotism is generally unreasonable and could make a great deal of disorder. New entertainers in an association will in general understand that old entertainers (the individuals who have been with association from origin) are given special treatment by the board. This unmistakably shows old representatives are not held to a similar worker responsibility measures as the new ones (Young, 2008). Referral nepotism: Referral is a work which is said to b

Friday, August 21, 2020

Laukemia Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Laukemia - Term Paper Example This factor doesn't help the typical platelets to complete their work. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and later spreads all through the body. For the most part, a bone marrow test is completed to recognize leukemia. The two grown-ups and kids can build up this malady. â€Å"Although leukemia regularly is believed to be a youth ailment, truth be told, the malady strikes 10 fold the number of grown-ups as children.† (Leukemia Facts and Figures, n.d.) Though precise purpose behind an individual to create leukemia isn't known, numerous noteworthy clinical preliminaries have been done on the improvement of Leukemia. Consistently, around 250,000 individuals are being recognized to have created leukemia and more than 200,000 of them bite the dust (Vogt, 2010). The treatment strategies for this illness are medical procedure, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone treatment. In spite of the fact that there are numerous tests to analyze leukemia, the conclusion itself might be postponed b ecause of deferred indications or manifestations which take after different conditions. The analysis of leukemia may change as indicated by the sort of leukemia that has created in an individual. Measurements state that â€Å"in the United States around 2,000 kids and 27,000 grown-ups are determined every year to have leukemia† (Leukemia Information, 2011). Endurance rates have expanded significantly in the prior years because of upgrades in treatment. Side effects of this sickness may not be observable ordinarily, especially in ceaseless leukemia, however individuals may get indications like tiredness, incomprehensible weight reduction, and fever on occasion. Different indications of leukemia like migraines, joint agony, and torment in the gut because of developed spleen may likewise be taken note. Kinds of Leukemia has been isolated into different gatherings. Leukemia is a term covering four types of ailments of the blood and bone marrow. These incorporate â€Å"acute lymp hocytic leukemia and intense myelogenous leukemia†. These two kinds of leukemia progress quickly while the other two sorts, â€Å"the incessant lymphocytic leukemia and interminable myelogenous leukemia, progress slowly† (Leukemia, n.d.). Intense leukemia epitomizes quick increment of youthful platelets. Moment and important treatment is required in intense leukemia because of this quick turn of events and development of the unusual cells. The intense type of leukemia is generally normal in kids. Ceaseless leukemia is found in those that progress generally moderate when contrasted with intense structures. The ceaseless leukemia cells are unusual white platelets that take numerous months or years to advance. The cells are delivered substantially more in number than ordinary cells. Ceaseless leukemia is observed for a specific measure of time before instating treatment in order to ensure the most extreme convenience of treatment. This type of leukemia is all the more regu larly found in old individuals yet happens in any age. Leukemia is additionally isolated into different sorts (What is Leukemia? What causes Leukemia, 2009): 1. Intense lymphocytic leukemia: This type of leukemia is increasingly normal in small kids. This sickness is likewise found in more established individuals who are 65 years or more. The standard treatment for this sort would be chemotherapy and radiation. The pace of endurance is 85% in kids and half in grown-ups. 2. Interminable lymphocytic leukemia: This is most as often as possible found in grown-ups more than 55 years old. This sort is rarely found in kids. The pace of endurance is five years and is found in grown-ups. It isn't treatable. 3. Intense myelogenous leukemia: This structure is more effortlessly found in grown-ups than kids and in men than ladies.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Physical and Social Development in Children - 550 Words

Physical and Social Development in Children (Research Paper Sample) Content: Physical and social development in childrenNameInstitutionDate Physical development starts from conception and determines other aspects, such as social development, which may depend on the physical development. Primary, for social development, a child starts to develop ethics, morals, and beliefs and socializes with other people in their environments. Therefore, the level of physical development will determine social behavior of a child (Bee Boyd 2012). For instance, social behavior for adolescents will be different from social behavior of a preschooler or a scholar. The more complex physical development in a child the more complex his/her social behavior will be. At initial stages of development in a child, social interaction is passive in comparison with the adolescent stages. Physical development, on the other hand, depends on the cognitive development of a child. As the child develops physically, the desire to experiment with his/her body increases and at puberty some teens become sexually active and may indulge into such practices as masturbation (Bee Boyd 2012). This research paper explores physical development in children and its relation to their social development. At early months of development, a child develops a sense of selfness. The baby starts to coordinate different sources he/she has about his/her actions and their impacts of his/her actions. For instance, at 6 months a baby is able to pick up light toys and throw them out (Bee Boyd 2012). They keep on throwing the objects at their caregivers to see how the adult reacts. If the adult keeps on smiling while picking the objects, then the child feels encouraged and will continuously keep on throwing the object. Babies develop self-efficacy sense at about one year and they realize that they can control some specific events in the world. At one year the baby can stand and even walk while supporting itself on chairs or walls (Bee Boyd 2012). They can play games with their caregiv ers and will keep on playing repetitive games as long as the caregiver smiles and plays along with them. At this stage, the baby is hesitant towards playing with strangers and develops anxiety towards them. At advanced stages of development, the child achieves self-awareness. Caregivers can help their babies to attain self-awareness by placing a mirror in front of the toddler; this allows free exploration by the baby. At the age of 21 months, a baby can recognize itself when in front of the mirror and refers itself by name (Bee Boyd 2012). Upon self-recognition, the baby insists on doing things by itself and develops a sense of ownership. Therefore, at this stage a baby develops attitudes towards his/her objects and does not want strangers to touch them. Moreover, at this stage the baby develops social emotions, such as embarrassment and pride. A child will develop a sense of pride when he or she is able to build a block of tower, and shame in case his or... Physical and Social Development in Children - 550 Words Physical and Social Development in Children (Research Paper Sample) Content: Physical and social development in childrenNameInstitutionDate Physical development starts from conception and determines other aspects, such as social development, which may depend on the physical development. Primary, for social development, a child starts to develop ethics, morals, and beliefs and socializes with other people in their environments. Therefore, the level of physical development will determine social behavior of a child (Bee Boyd 2012). For instance, social behavior for adolescents will be different from social behavior of a preschooler or a scholar. The more complex physical development in a child the more complex his/her social behavior will be. At initial stages of development in a child, social interaction is passive in comparison with the adolescent stages. Physical development, on the other hand, depends on the cognitive development of a child. As the child develops physically, the desire to experiment with his/her body increases and at puberty some teens become sexually active and may indulge into such practices as masturbation (Bee Boyd 2012). This research paper explores physical development in children and its relation to their social development. At early months of development, a child develops a sense of selfness. The baby starts to coordinate different sources he/she has about his/her actions and their impacts of his/her actions. For instance, at 6 months a baby is able to pick up light toys and throw them out (Bee Boyd 2012). They keep on throwing the objects at their caregivers to see how the adult reacts. If the adult keeps on smiling while picking the objects, then the child feels encouraged and will continuously keep on throwing the object. Babies develop self-efficacy sense at about one year and they realize that they can control some specific events in the world. At one year the baby can stand and even walk while supporting itself on chairs or walls (Bee Boyd 2012). They can play games with their caregiv ers and will keep on playing repetitive games as long as the caregiver smiles and plays along with them. At this stage, the baby is hesitant towards playing with strangers and develops anxiety towards them. At advanced stages of development, the child achieves self-awareness. Caregivers can help their babies to attain self-awareness by placing a mirror in front of the toddler; this allows free exploration by the baby. At the age of 21 months, a baby can recognize itself when in front of the mirror and refers itself by name (Bee Boyd 2012). Upon self-recognition, the baby insists on doing things by itself and develops a sense of ownership. Therefore, at this stage a baby develops attitudes towards his/her objects and does not want strangers to touch them. Moreover, at this stage the baby develops social emotions, such as embarrassment and pride. A child will develop a sense of pride when he or she is able to build a block of tower, and shame in case his or...

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Air And Water Pollution Essay - 1282 Words

Air and water pollution is one of the biggest problems the environment faces today. It is one of the highest leading cause of death. Air and water pollution has been affecting the environment for many years causing many diseases among people especially children. I will study and examine the early childhood growth between two countries which are Australia and Tanzania. I will discuss how clean and polluted their air and water is for each country. Their access to clean water. I will also explain the effects that can occur when water is contaminated. How children are affected when they don t have access to primary essentials and how each country and their environment and living condition might threatened a child s life. Hazardous†¦show more content†¦But in recent studies it has shown that in some communities in Australia struggle to meet water standards. (Schwarzenbach et al., 2010) has recently shown that drinking water in some parts of Australia has shown to be contaminated with uranium, faecal bacteria and nitrates. (Schwarzenbach, R., Egli, T., Hofstetter, T., Von Gunten, U., Wehrli, B. (2010).Meaning those who don t have access to clean water in Australia will likely become sick or catch a disease affecting not only their growth but a child growth as well. Water is important to the human body. As we not only depend on it to live it helps our cells to function properly. Not having clean water can hinder our development but can affect our organs as well.As that being said low income communities in Australia will most likely have less access to clean water as opposed to those who are of high income. (Health, J., Kim. (2004) found that air pollution can cause chronic effects on the d evelopment of a child that can lead to many illnesses like asthma and bronchitis as a result of living in high-ozone country meaning high pollutant than those who live in a low-ozone country.Committee on Environmental Health, J., Kim. (2004). In Australia, food security is considered to be an important social determinant of health and a significant public health issue at national and state levels. Food insecurity is, however, especially important to child and familyShow MoreRelatedAir and Water Pollution essay4881 Words   |  20 PagesINTRODUCTION OF AIR POLLUTION The chemical composition of the atmosphere today is so different as compared to the atmosphere that existed before the Industrial Revolution, 1760 – 1830. To define air pollution, we should first consider all those sources that release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and alter its chemical composition. First of all, all anthropogenic (man-made) emissions are air pollutants. Next, is the natural emission which can be divided into biogenic and geogenic. BiogenicRead MoreEssay on Low Health Expectancy1034 Words   |  5 PagesSTUDENT ID: 200860429 MODULE CODE: FC501 3T ANDREW NUMMEY Module Code: FC501 3T Class Group: Group B Assessment Title: Essay Assessment Title: What are the factors which contribute to low health expectancy in developing countries? Discuss possible solutions to reduce this problem. Tutor Name: Andrew Nummey Student ID Number: 200860429 Date of Submission: Friday 2nd December 2011 Word count:966 STUDENT ID: 200860429 Read MoreThe Effects Of Global Warming On Earth882 Words   |  4 PagesMany cause and effects are happening in the world because of the global warming in the whole environment. Frist, most scientists agree that the main cause of the current global warming is from burning fuels on earth. One of the main sources of air pollution is burning fossil fuels like oil, gasoline, and coal. These fossil fuels come from the fossils of ancient plants and animals that lived on earth millions of years ago. Fossil fuels are burned to create energy so that we can drive cars and trucksRead More Environmental Effects of Fossil Fuel Exploration and Extraction937 Words   |  4 Pagesexploration and extraction in this essay refers to an industrial process of prospecting the petrochemical resources and transferring it to consumable goods. The environmental effects of this process could be varied; this essay will focus on air pollution, land subsidence and the degradation of water quality. Initially, air pollution is considered as a negative effect of exploring and extracting the fossil fuels due to the increasing content of carbon dioxide and air dust. Since fossil resources wereRead MoreCritical Sources For The Pollution1207 Words   |  5 PagesCritical Source for the Pollution When there is a pasture that can be used freely, all the farmers who raise cows would bring as much cows as they can to feed them and take a benefit from it. Without rule or law it is human’s nature to behave selfishly and try to get more advantage for oneself. According to Hardin’s article, â€Å"The tragedy of the commons†, he addresses that commons in our society exists in many different ways and these commons are becoming tragedy to our lives. This tragedy, actingRead More Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use Essay606 Words   |  3 Pagesenvironmental impacts that occur from their use. These problems; such as acid rain, oil spills, climate change, global warming, etc., are not only occurring with fossil fuel usage, but are also increasing due to the increase in the use of fossil fuels. This essay will vaguely explain the area of environmental impacts from fossil fuel use, and will attempt to change, or further increase your understanding of the very se rious environmental impacts that occur from fossil fuel use. One of the biggest environmentalRead MoreGlobal Water Pollution: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions Essay530 Words   |  3 PagesWater pollution has become a huge problem in many countries all over the world. It is known that water is a very significant factor in life, but if this water becomes contaminated, it will be very dangerous for the humanity and wildlife. Pollution is defined as to make fetid or unclear and dirty (American College Dictionary). So, water pollution means the change in the water composition to be dirty or unclear. This essay will examine the causes of water pollution, the effect of that issue in lifeRead MoreEssay about Can the World Sustain an Increasing Population?925 Words   |  4 PagesEzeh, Bongaarts and Mberu (2012) states that increasing population is a threat to individuals and societies by bring problems based on unsatisfied demand. The â€Å"increasing population† in this essay can be defined as net rising in birth rate during a period, especi ally in the poor developing countries. This essay will argue that the world cannot sustain an increasing population. The reasons for this are firstly, limited nature resources can hardly maintain huge population and environment may be polluted;Read MoreImportance Of Environment Pollution Essay1021 Words   |  5 PagesRemarek. Subject: Lang and com (Expository essay) Date: 03-11-2017 â€Å"Environment pollution† Environment pollution is a much familiar topic in the present time. We are deeply related to environment pollution. It is the biggest problem in Bangladesh even the world. The environment is refers everything in our surroundings. It means air, water, soil, people, plants and animals etcRead MoreMan s Quest Always Conquers, Outdoes And Destroys What Nature Has Created By Emily Dickinson903 Words   |  4 Pagesactivities like chemical testing and deforestation, the Earth became loaded with pollutants. Pollution is a serious problem because it causes global warming, acid rain, famine, water shortage, disease, genetic mutation, and many different types of problems. Most environmental pollution is the result of human activities such as deforestation, automobile emissions, radioactive waste, fuel combustion, etc. in my essay, I will prove that man’s quest always conquers, outdoes and destroys what nature has created

Some COMPUTSER history Essay Example For Students

Some COMPUTSER history Essay The Analytical and Difference Engines (1835-1869): The English mathematician Charles Babbage (1792-1871) never got to build his invention, but his design had an uncanny resemblance to the modern computer. Ada Lovelace, Lord Byrons daughter, wrote eloquently about the device and was historys first programmer. The ABC (Atanasoff Berry Computer) (1938): John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry designed the first electronic digital computer at Iowa State, and urged the university to patent their design. Nothing was ever done and millions in potential royalties were lost. The project was abandoned in 1942 without building the computer. The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) (1946): was built at the University of Pennsylvania by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert. Recognized as the first operational electronic computer, it could perform 5,000 additions per second, weighed 30 tons, and required 1,500 square feet of floor space. UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer) (1951): The worlds first commercial computer (a total of 15 were sold) gained public recognition when it was used by CBS to predict Eisenhowers 1952 presidential election. The original UNIVAC was officially retired on October 3, 1963, after 73,000 hours of operation, and is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution. The IBM 360 (1964): The 360 series pioneered the concept of upward compatibility whereby a user could upgrade from one computer to the next without having to reprogram existing applications. The machine was viewed as an enormous financial gamble, but paid off handsomely as it gave IBM a dominance in mainframes which it has never relinquished. Altair 8800 (1975): The January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics featured the Altair 8800 on its cover: the first personal computer and a machine that the hobbyist could build from a kit. 2000 adventurous readers sent in their orders (sight unseen) for a kit that cost $439. The Altair had no keyboard or monitor and no available software and was programmed by switches on the front panel. Apple II (1977): The Apple Il was a fully assembled home computer in an attractive case, complete with keyboard, connection to a TV screen, color, memory to 64Kb, and BASIC interpreter. The machine was to launch the personal computer revolution and vault its founders, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, from garage to glory. IBM PC (1981): IBM was neither first nor technologically innovative, but their announcement put the personal computer on the desks of Americas business people, just as Apple had put the computer in the home. By 1985 IBM had manufactured its three millionth PC, and had spawned an entire industry in the process. Apple Macintosh (1984): The Macintosh was far from an instant success, but once Apple got the bugs out and added an internal hard disk, laser printer, and expanded memory, the machine took off. Its ease of use and graphical interface offered an entirely different perspective on computing. The PC Today (1996): The march of technology is relentless and astounding and todays PC runs rings around its predecessor. Today you can buy a Pentium processor with 16MB of RAM, a 500MB hard drive, a 15-inch super-VGA monitor, a quad-speed CD-ROM, and a sound card, all for approximately $2,000. Words/ Pages : 515 / 24

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Wired Hands - A Brief Look At Robotics Essays - Robot,

Wired Hands - A Brief Look at Robotics NEWSCIENCE Two years ago, the Chrysler corporation completely gutted its Windsor, Ontario, car assembly plant and within six weeks had installed an entirely new factory inside the building. It was a marvel of engineering. When it came time to go to work, a whole new work force marched onto the assembly line. There on opening day was a crew of 150 industrial robots. Industrial robots don't look anything like the androids from sci-fi books and movies. They don't act like the evil Daleks or a fusspot C-3P0. If anything, the industrial robots toiling on the Chrysler line resemble elegant swans or baby brontosauruses with their fat, squat bodies, long arched necks and small heads. An industrial robot is essentially a long manipulator arm that holds tools such as welding guns or motorized screwdrivers or grippers for picking up objects. The robots working at Chrysler and in numerous other modern factories are extremely adept at performing highly specialized tasks - one robot may spray paint car parts while another does spots welds while another pours radioactive chemicals. Robots are ideal workers: they never get bored and they work around the clock. What's even more important, they're flexible. By altering its programming you can instruct a robot to take on different tasks. This is largely what sets robots apart from other machines; try as you might you can't make your washing machine do the dishes. Although some critics complain that robots are stealing much-needed jobs away from people, so far they've been given only the dreariest, dirtiest, most soul- destroying work. The word robot is Slav in origin and is related to the words for work and worker. Robots first appeared in a play, Rossum's Universal Robots, written in 1920 by the Czech playwright, Karel Capek. The play tells of an engineer who designs man-like machines that have no human weakness and become immensely popular. However, when the robots are used for war they rebel against their human masters. Though industrial robots do dull, dehumanizing work, they are nevertheless a delight to watch as they crane their long necks, swivel their heads and poke about the area where they work. They satisfy "that vague longing to see the human body reflected in a machine, to see a living function translated into mechanical parts", as one writer has said. Just as much fun are the numerous "personal" robots now on the market, the most popular of which is HERO, manufactured by Heathkit. Looking like a plastic step-stool on wheels, HERO can lift objects with its one clawed arm and utter computer-synthesized speech. There's Hubot, too, which comes with a television screen face, flashing lights and a computer keyboard that pulls out from its stomach. Hubot moves at a pace of 30 cm per second and can function as a burglar alarm and a wake up service. Several years ago, the swank department store Neiman-Marcus sold a robot pet, named Wires. When you boil all the feathers out of the hype, HERO, Hubot, Wires et. al. are really just super toys. You may dream of living like a slothful sultan surrounded by a coterie of metal maids, but any further automation in your home will instead include things like lights that switch on automatically when the natural light dims or carpets with permanent suction systems built into them. One of the earliest attempts at a robot design was a machine, nicknamed Shakey by its inventor because it was so wobbly on its feet. Today, poor Shakey is a rusting pile of metal sitting in the corner of a California laboratory. Robot engineers have since realized that the greater challenge is not in putting together the nuts and bolts, but rather in devising the lists of instructions - the "software - that tell robots what to do". Software has indeed become increasingly sophisticated year by year. The Canadian weather service now employs a program called METEO which translates weather reports from English to French. There are computer programs that diagnose medical ailments and locate valuable ore deposits. Still other computer programs play and win at chess, checkers and go. As a results, robots are undoubtedly getting "smarter". The Diffracto company in Windsor is one of the world's leading designers and makers of machine vision. A robot outfitted with Diffracto "eyes" can find a part, distinguish it from another part and even examine it for flaws. Diffracto is now working on a tomato sorter which examines colour, looking for no-red - i.e. unripe - tomatoes as they roll past its TV camera eye. When an unripe tomato is spotted, a computer directs a robot arm to pick out the