Abstract This paper looks at the differences between two new technologies, quantum and biological computing, examining how they can be used in different fields. It examines problems experienced in the development of these computing techniques but also shows how much of an impact they would have on current technology. The writer explains that instead of using microchips, a quantum computer uses a liquid of appropriate molecule which is more accurate.
From the Paper "Quantum and Biological computing are two technologies which are on the forefront of advancement in computers today. Both technologies are relatively in their infancy, but so far there have been a good amount of promising results in both research and prototypical experimentation. The reason behind the quest for a different type of computing system is not simply for the purpose of advancement for the sake of advancement; but rather because conventional microchips are nearing the apex of their computation ability for certain applications. There is a lot of competition in the field of quantum computing, both for the financial gain, and scientific breakthroughs which would result in a practical quantum computer. The field of Biological computing is one which does not hold the promise of quantum computing, as far as practical application; But does open new doors into the realm of computing without being tied to digital circuits and all the limitations they possess. Conventional computers can be improved by further miniaturization of circuits, but the major roadblock is that transistors and electrical wiring can ultimately only be made as slim as the width of one atom. Once again business and science are teaming up in order to benefit each other, and bring about the next great evolution in computing technology."
Abstract An argumentative paper, exploring the chemical make up of uranium, showing that it is extremely difficult to dispose of this material in a complete way. It looks at current disposal practices in the world and analyzes their pros and cons.
From the Paper "Radioactive material is defined as having atoms with extremely excited outer electron shells. This makes them unstable, excitable and an efficient means of providing energy to a population that can afford a nuclear power plant. The main source of this energy is Uranium. This is a naturally occurring element found in rocks and seawater. It is the most heavy element in the periodic table, having 146 neutrons and 92 protons in its stable form. The instable form has 143 neutrons and this is the kind that is used in cores to create energy (UIC website)."
Tags: disposal, nuclear, radioactive, sun, waste, water
Abstract This report compares the silicon-based computer and the emerging DNA-based computer. The study focuses on the major components involved in both, their method of use, and general reasons for use, all centered around the engineering and biological principals that are critical to the success of the DNA-based computer. Detailed and scientifically rigorous statements of the principles are provided along with a detailed definition of key terms, which can be found in the glossary at the end of this report. Sample problems and calculations are provided throughout the report to illustrate the method of use and abilities of this new way of computing. Based on the computing abilities and potential of the DNA-based computer, a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the social and ethical concerns associated with the technology is presented.
Table of Contents
Abstract
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Overview and Background
3.0 Major Components Involved
4.0 Method of Use
5.0 General Reasons for Use
6.0 Advantages and Disadvantages
7.0 Social and Ethical Concerns
8.0 Conclusion
References
Glossary
From the Paper "The abilities and power of computers to this day have increased, almost exponentially, since the dawn of their creation. Every year the speeds of microchips more than double while their size continues to shrink. This exponential growth of silicon chip speed and inverse of size has come to be known as Moore's Law . As advancements in micro silicon chip production continue, however, more and more obstacles are faced due to the increase in complexities of the problems for which they are required. More computing power is required while costs need to be controlled. The answer to this is to build a radically different type of computer that uses DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) as oppose to silicon to store and manipulate data. The practicality of this new design is still far off, however, it is believed that this new technology can produce DNA-based computers that would be far superior than today's supercomputers at a fraction of their size and, ultimately, their costs. A part-by-part comparison of both the silicon-based computer and the emerging DNA-based computer under the conditions of the major components involved in both, their method of use, and general reasons for use, will be discussed. Also, their potential in society will be evaluated based on their advantages and disadvantages in regards to storage abilities, cost effectiveness, and reliability of use, as well as, social and ethical concerns involving their effect on the future of computing, society, way of life, and potential misuses of this new technology. This report describes and evaluates the emerging technology of DNA based computers based on their engineering and biological principals, and provides a comparison of this prospect to the silicon-based computers used widely in all areas of today's society."
This paper tries to externalize the feasibility and optimality of the development of a nuclear fusion reactor as a source of energy for future consumption.
Abstract This paper discusses the inevitable need for developing alternative sources of energy in order to bridge the gap between the rapidly increasing fuel demand and the depleting resources available. This paper tries to analyze the potentials of nuclear fusion reactors as a reliable alternative to overcome this energy crisis. Though the theories propounded are still in the state of infancy, they hold relevance for satisfying the fuel demand in the future in both on earth as well in space stations. Fusion, explains the author, is a source of the sun's energy that offers a clean, potentially limitless source of electricity and power. Hence a magnetic fusion reactor by using plasma would manage to bring about the nuclear fusion reaction in a controlled way.The author shows how plasmais a new state of matter in which most of the atoms are ionized due to some sort of 'violence' and breaking away of the originally bound electrons. Within the plasma, colliding deuterium and tritium nuclei fuse into helium nuclei and release energy to be converted into electricity.
From the Paper "The concept of generation of usable energy from the nuclear fusion reactor is still at its state of infancy. Though both Bose and Einstein , in 1925 predicted the condensation of atoms into super dense states but still even after 76 years of extensive research the idea of a nuclear fusion reactor has not been physically implementable. Though nuclear fusion is the primary governing factor in the nuclear reactor design but a number of complex systems and their analysis need to be incorporated for its success. Currently, a number of significant projects are being pursued individually by the developed nations like the SST project, the Magnetic Mirror project and the combined efforts of scientists and governments from all over the world pooling their intelligence and resources to develop the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)."
Abstract The paper examines how port planning involves technical, operational, economic, social and environmental aspects. The author shows how the projects range from terminal rehabilitation until altering the whole area into a communal park, involving several different aspects in economic, social, cultural, ethical and environmental goals.
From the Paper "The Land Use Coding Manual has classified land use based on the people-oriented activities. A port or harbor should meet this expectance, that the land use should be maximized in a concentrated manufacturing center, which will give sufficient income not only to the harbor but also to the local people. In the more detailed plan, ports and harbors are usually planned to be the good housing and within convenient public access for cargo, shipping, fishing and docking business, and other related industries. Any decisions have to refer to support this goals, such as infrastructure development, providing effective traffic line in the area, closing less incompetent facilities and deciding which area will be the center of public, recreational, and/or manufacturing activities."
Abstract The author of this paper shows how the technologies critical to the U.S. for new weapons systems have become increasingly available in the global marketplace and thus are accessible to its potential adversaries as well. The paper provides an extensive review of the artificial intelligent systems currently used by the U.S. military aviation and their advantages.
From the Paper "It is CIE's job to determine what these actions mean right now, in the current situation. This explanation is formed based on current understanding of intent, situations in the external world, and knowledge about acceptable behavior in the cockpit.
"Understanding crew intentions is really only one function of CIE that ensures human-centered RPA behavior. CIE also dynamically identifies conflicts between the current crew intentions and RPA activities as posted by RPA's internal Task Network Architecture (TNA) scheduler. The TNA is the mechanism that coordinates RPA aiding activities. CIE can identify potentially counterproductive RPA behaviors and transmit an indication of conflict and also type of conflict so that the RPA Task Network can possibly identify a way to complete its scheduled tasks without being counterproductive to the crew's objectives."
Abstract This paper talks about the ways in which the shuttle is designed to overcome basic heat transfer problems during launch, orbit and re-entry. The main points in this paper are the active and passive systems in the TPS and the history of the shuttle design.
From the Paper "10...9...8...Patiently the Space Shuttle waits on the launch pad...7...6... everything is in place...5...4... all functions are working properly...3... the conditions are comfortable on the coast of Florida, and the temperature is nice and warm...2...1... IGNITION! (Figure #1) The sudden burn of the rockets jolts the humongous craft to life. As streams of flame shoot out its lower portion, the craft begins to inch skyward. In no time its speed has increased, and it begins hurtling through the air towards its mission. While still inside Earth's atmosphere, the airflow over the Shuttle begins to warm the craft's surface, until it becomes "white hot." Then, the craft breaks free of the atmosphere's restraints, plunging into the freezing void of outer space. The Space Shuttle must be able to withstand these temperature extremes and still accomplish its mission objectives. After the mission, as the craft returns to Earth, it again encounters tremendously high temperatures as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere. The Shuttle encounters a lot of atmospheric resistance and slows itself down through this phase, then finally glides to a comfortable rest at Edwards Air Force Base in sunny Southern California, where the astronauts and craft must prepare to begin the process all over again. These intense hot and cold extremes drive scientists and design engineers as they work to control the internal temperature of the space shuttle throughout the various phases of its journey. They do this by using many creative systems such as specially designed tiles and radiator systems, to both reflect and radiate heat that would otherwise be dangerous to the craft and crew."
The development and use of magnetic levitation (maglev) propulsion systems in North America and around the world as an alternative mode of transportation.
Abstract With air travel and the highways becoming increasingly congested, the need for an efficient, fast and comfortable mode of alternative travel has been felt in many countries of the world. One of the possible solutions is the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System or high-speed trains called the Maglev train (short for magnetic levitation). The recent question mark over the safety of air travel and the fear of flying created among the general public by the events of 9/11 has renewed interest in the Maglev technology. This paper discusses how the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System works and briefly overviews its history of development. The different types of designs developed so far, the cost of developing such systems, and the potential for its expansion and use in transportation systems in the United States and all over the world is also discussed. The author uses photographs and plan drawings to illustrate points.
From the Paper "We all know that the opposite poles of a magnet attract while the like poles repel each other. This is the basic principle on which the Magnetic Levitation Propulsion System works. In magnetic propulsion systems, powerful electromagnets are used. The three basic components of a maglev train system are: A large electrical power source, metal coils that line the track or guide-way, and large magnets attached to the underside of the train. There is no conventional engine in maglev trains. Instead, the force for propulsion is achieved by a combination of the magnetic fields created by the electrified coils in the tracks (called the guideways) and the guideway walls."
Tags: James, R., Powell, Gordon, T., Danby, Transrapid, Amtrak
Abstract Discusses an experiment of the shielding of radiation. The experiment uses fluid flow measurements and the method of continuous flow to determine the coefficient of viscosity. Includes the calculations and results of the said experiment as well as diagrams. Discusses the conclusions and several human errors that happened when carrying out the experiment.
From the Paper "There are two different ways water can flow this can be either streamline or turbulent. When a liquid has a streamline its particles flow in regular and smooth paths called streamlines. In this type of motion the viscous drag opposing the flow is proportional to the average velocity of the liquid. In turbulent flow, the particles have irregular motion therefore the viscous drag is proportional to the square of the velocity. "
Abstract This paper explores the reasons for the shift from a hub-based token ring system to an Ethernet system. The author discusses the desire for increased speed, greater bandwidth and general updating of the system to be more compatible with other contemporary systems.
From the Paper "The Ethernet originated as a laboratory project at Xerox Corporation in 1974. It was developed as an inexpensive way of sending information quickly between office machines connected together in a single room or building thus serving in essentially the same way that a local area network functions but it rapidly became a standard computer interconnection method in large measure because of the speed at which it is capable of transmitting data, which is 10 megabits per second. The Ethernet originally required a coaxial cable as its communications medium, but this is no longer the case."
This paper discusses the role that the Federal Highway Act of 1956 played in helping to determine what shape America would take over the last half of the twentieth century.
Abstract This paper examines the largest public works project of its time, the Federal Highway Act of 1956. The paper looks at the the historical events that led up to President Eisenhower's signing of the Act. It then goes on to discuss the positive impact that it would have on the U.S. economy, looking at such topics as employment, land development, travel, retail competition and lower consumer prices and freight prices. The paper then examines the negative impact the Act would have on the economy looking at such areas as mass transit, mass migration, travel and air pollution. The final are that the paper deals with is the cultural impact. The author feels that based upon their analysis of the Act, it had a fundamentally positive affect in shaping America over the past fifty years.
From the Paper "The construction of this system has provided Americans with access to valuable land, which encouraged construction and development of real estate including residential, industrial and commercial. Residential properties created as a result of the interstate system most often comes in the form of single-family homes. All over the country residential areas run alongside interstate highways. The system has created a variety of commercial development including roadside businesses, such as hotels and restaurants. The interstate system also aided in the development of industrial properties including nuclear power plants."
This paper introduces and discusses the Pitts S-2B aircraft, and the history of the company that manufactures this aircraft, along with the inventor, Curtis H. Pitts.
Abstract The following paper examines how the Pitts planes revolutionized aerobatic performance and competition. The writer discusses how flying in the 60's was redefined with the introduction of the S1-S Pitts Special, a small, powerful and agile biplane that dominated the sport during the period. This paper argues that the tiny Pitts was a marked contrast to the large Yak-52 monoplane used by the USSR and other eastern block countries.
From the Paper "Pitts Specials, in all their varieties, are eager to please. And they respond well to a loving touch. They become transparent and take on the personality of the pilot, making him, or her, the composer. The Pitts lets them write the melody as they alone hear it" (Davisson).
While it is still a very popular training and show aircraft, the Pitts S-2B is no longer in production, is has been superceded by the Pitts S-2C. Replacement parts can still be purchased from Aviat Aircraft of Afton, Wyoming. ?To many pilots, their Pitts Special becomes more than an airplane. It becomes a living, breathing entity that completes them both as people and as pilots. Maybe that's the real gift of Curtis Pitts. It's not so much the victories, as what he has added to so many lives. Few people make that kind of contribution to the world. But then, few people have designed the likes of a Pitts Special.?
Abstract The paper discusses Pitts Special planes which are used specifically in aerobatic competitions and have been in operation since 1943 when Curtis Pitts designed his first special plane. The paper examines the features and purpose of Pitts S-2B which is one of the modern versions of the original Pitts Special aircraft.
From the Paper "The range of Pitts Special then grew steadily and some other models were made available which were all used for aerobatic competitions and thus quickly gained popularity in the industry for their unique features and designs. Not only were these planes stronger than many other counterparts, their designs were also developed keeping in mind their purpose. This colorful range therefore attracted media and public attention when they participated in national air-shows and exhibitions. But it is important to know that Pitts Special range became more popular during the 1960s era when Curtis Pitts developed some constructions sets and sold them to amateurs for a price of $125 per set."
Abstract The paper explores the dangers of genetically engineered food products in the marketplace. It traces activities of anti-genetic engineering groups and their relationship with biotech corporations. Legal and political implications of the industry are also studied.
From the Paper "The new biotechnology of genetic engineering initiates thoughts of a glow in the dark bunny, plants that eat poison, plants that contain pesticides and some medicines. New cures for diseases or solutions to problems that plague the world, such as starvation, are the promises made by the many supporters of this technology. However, many people are skeptical, because they know little of the potential side effects it may have on the people who eat or use the genetically modified products. An article printed in the Christian Science Monitor entitled "Europe Invites Biotech Debate" by Peter Ford on September 11, 2001, explains the position of the public and the European Commission concerning genetically modified products while keeping his view of the issue from influencing the way that he writes. Karen Charman, on the other hand, lets her views of government control give her a clear agenda as to how she states the United States? position in this debate in her article, ?Spinning Science into Gold.? Comparing the biotech issues between ?Spinning Science into Gold,? and ?Europe Invites Biotech Debate,? one sees that, unlike European nations, corporations in the United States maintain exclusive control over genetically engineered products. Clearly there is a need for government intervention to regulate corporations."
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses pile tests methods - pile-load tests and integrity tests. The integrity tests include the acoustic test and the seismic test method. For each test the procedure and interpretation are discussed. Real-world cases are investigated and pictures are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are concluded in the end.
From the Paper "In carrying out a maintained load test to determine the load capacity of a pile, it is suggested that it is necessary first to estimate the load capacity so that a suitable loading and reaction system may be provided, and then to define some physical event by which "failure", and hence the ultimate capacity of the pile may be recognized. Among the commonly used definitions of the ultimate load capacity are: First--The load that causes a settlement equal to 10% of the pile diameter. Second?The load at which the rate of settlement continues undiminished without further increment of load, unless this rate is so slow as to indicate that settlement may be a result of consideration of the soil. For example, Qu in Figure 2 could be taken as the ultimate load."
