Abstract This paper examines how, in the United States, the accidental affliction of death caused by fires and burns occupies the fourth place. It attempts to show how smoke alarms are the chiefly efficient, initial cautioning device existing for the home and how they give precious time to run away from a fire. Generally, fires can propagate quickly through a home, and people may have as little as two minutes to run away following the alarm sounds. The possibility of dying in a housing fire is reduced to half when a functioning smoke alarm is available.
From the Paper "Though heat detectors are put into use for residential purposes from 1921, "the field tests have shown that they are not as efficient as smoke detectors in sensing fires in the home" and the Section 16, Chapter 3 of the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook asserts that genuine fire tests in suburban occupancies have shown that considerable amounts of smoke have come before the considerable amounts of heat in approximately all cases. Most of the residential fires belong to the slow burning flame type and the most important point is that they are not of the soaring heat building type. (Smoke Detectors in the Home: A Matter of Life & Death) Most of the serious home fire happens when the people are fast asleep at night. Reports show that most people die due to smoke and poisonous gases rather than the fire itself. Many people at night do not know that there was a fire."
Abstract This paper briefly explains how the old water system worked in the Roman Empire. It looks at the different water sources and rivers, which were prominent at the time, and the architectural uses of aqueducts.
From the Paper "The aqueducts that Rome used for its water supply came from sources above or around the Tiber River or the Anio Valley. The first aqueduct was built in 312 B.C.E. and named in honor of its originator, Appius Claudius. It marked a major milestone because the previous water supply only came from wells, cisterns, springs, or the Tiber River itself. As the city became more populated, the demand for water grew, and thus more aqueducts were created."
Abstract This paper explains how and why hazard mitigation is our best defense against the power of tropical storms. The paper also describes and explains the technology and design used for hazard mitigation and that the use of technology and engineering are the best ways to integrate mitigation into buildings.
From the Paper "On August 24th, 1992, Hurricane Andrew appeared on the horizon, off of Florida's south eastern coastline. Winds of over 170 miles per hour blasted through Florida's peninsula while a seventeen foot storm surge caused severe coastal flooding to many of the major roadways and utilities (Provenzo, 2002). Figure 1 shows the pressure that can be created, per foot, by blowing winds. Florida would bear the brunt of the storm as it moved due west bisecting much of southern Florida, on August 25th, the storm finished movement over the peninsula, and turned north to Louisiana, a low lying area (Provenzo, 2002). The hurricane then would move north, and slowly dissipate as it reached the interior of the United States of America. When the storm was over, many families were in shock to see most of their houses destroyed, and many of the roadways inundated with standing water. The cost of the Hurricane in the United States was $26.5 billion in damage in the United States, of which $1 billion occurred in Louisiana and the rest in south Florida (Provenzo, 2002). The cost in human lives would also be high for the United States, twenty three people would die the day the hurricane first hit land, and thirty one people would die in the days after the hurricane initially made landfall. Eighteen of the 54 direct deaths attributed to Hurricane Andrew occurred during the recovery phase (Cook, 1995). Of those identified, eight were stress-induced heart attacks, three were either people falling in damaged buildings or hit by debris while cleaning up, and two were children who died in fires in damaged homes. This large number is placed into perspective when also confronted with the fact that nationwide, hurricanes annually account for an average of 17 deaths. The vast majority of the damage in Florida was due to the winds. Many of the house designs at the time overlooked the additional costs of adapted the most up to date techniques of home construction, which have a chance to mitigate the threat of a hurricane (Cook,1995). Those that did utilize construction techniques capable of coping with high winds returned to find many of their homes destroyed. Debris that reached over 85 miles an hour crashed into the house, puncturing the sides and allowing high pressures of wind to enter destroying the main structure by applying pressure from the inside out. Many people believed there seemed to be no way to cope with the power of the hurricane after hurricane Andrew. The aftermath of Hurricane Andrew jumpstarted the industry of engineering a home to survive the high powered winds, devastating storm surge, and heavy weighted debris that can accompany a hurricane. Many of the newest home designs would be tested, not in a computer, or in a wind tunnel, but in the middle of four hurricanes. One of the worst hurricane seasons ever recorded would occur twelve years after Hurricane Andrew, in September of 2004. Mitigation represents our best defense against the power of tropical storms, and the use of technology and engineering are the best ways to integrate mitigation into buildings."
Abstract This paper argues that whitewater parks can transform a dull, slow-moving river into a whitewater haven that is a kayaker's dream and an engineering feat. It looks at the economic, environmental, and recreational benefits of such a creation and concludes that these man-made water parks are to everyone's benefit.
From the Paper "In 1972 a whitewater park was built in Augsburg, Germany for the Munich Olympic Games. Since then whitewater parks have become very popular in the United States and other countries (7). There are already over 40 whitewater parks built all over the world. There are almost 20 proposed whitewater parks in the building or planning stages currently in the U.S. Internationally there are at least four parks currently in the same stages (2). Gary Lacy, a pioneer whitewater engineer said "I'm just as surprised as anyone else at how popular these parks are in the community in general and the whitewater community," (1). There are two proposed whitewater parks in Pennsylvania, one in Johnstown, and another in Williamsport (2). Although no information could be obtained pertaining to the Williamsport project, through a discussion with Ben Faas the design engineer for the Johnstown Greenhouse Park and Stonycreek River Whitewater Improvement Project some design questions were answered. Mr. Faas said, "Whitewater sports are growing and growing now a days and kayakers especially need a place to play in the summer months, and a whitewater park is just the answer!", "This is the first whitewater park that I have ever worked so I am coming up with the preliminary designs and Gary Lacy, an experienced whitewater engineer from Boulder, CO is making all of the refinements." Mr. Faas spoke of the benefits that will follow the completion of the whitewater park (5)."
Abstract This paper looks at the history of electronic music and how this history can help explain the way music is made today. The paper describes the different types of electronic music, the instruments used to make electronic music, composers of electronic music, the development of the synthesizer, and how computers are used to generate music.
Outline
Changing Instrumentation
Electronic Music
The Development of the Synthesizer
The Music
Computer Music
From the Paper "Electronic music has become a staple in popular music, a vital part of experimental and avant-garde music, and an occasional means of performing classical music. Different types of electronic production are also common for music in films, television programs, and commercials. Electronic music has been produced in some form for more than a century, but it has become more common with the creation of the synthesizer and other electronic instruments, and even more common as these and similar devices have been computerized and digitized. The synthesizer can simulate an entire orchestra or just one or two instruments. The adept user can produce a wide variety of sounds, composing in studio or in performance. A single user can thus use this system to produce short or long works, including adding a soundtrack to a silent film at minimal cost and without the need for a studio full of musicians. The synthesizer was produced after decades of experimentation with electronic music as different composers sought ways to express themselves in this manner."
Abstract This paper provides a brief study of the role of the submarine from the First World War through to the Second World War and the developments that were seen during this period. It focuses on American and German capabilities in submarines, which gave a greater understanding of the might of these submersible vessels, especially at the time of hostilities.
From the Paper "The entry of the United States in a combative role in the First world war was delayed until 1917. The United States deployed twenty four diesel powered submarines off the United States East Coast and overseas in the Azores and Ireland. The role of these submarines were mostly to escort Allied merchant shipping and counter the threat present in the form of German submarine threats. The submarines of the United States failed to sink any of the German submarines. Still the number of attacks that they manage to repulse by near misses demonstrated the capacity of the submarine to be an effective in an anti-submarine role. The German skill in the use of submarines called U-boats during First world War demonstrated the vital role that submarine would have in future global conflicts. (Part 6: World War Two Subs)"
This paper is an extensive discussion of Critical Path Method (CPM), a technique for analyzing projects by determining the longest sequence of tasks (or the sequence of task with the least slack) through a project network."
23,160 words (approx. 92.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 249.95
Abstract This paper identifies and evaluates the salient features of critical paths and critical chains to offer an insight into the potential problem areas and methodologies or options that can be used to understand and evaluate the problem. The author points out that CPM encourages managers and project members to draw graphically and identify various activities, which need to be accomplished for project completion, but in more extensive projects, these graphs and chains become very complex. The paper is based on a literature review methodology. Tables and Graphs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Purpose
Importance
Scope
Definition of Terms
Limitations
Objective
Literature Survey
The Critical Path Method (CPM)
Advantages of Using the Critical Path Method
Disadvantages of Critical Path Method
The Critical Chain and Understanding the Theory of Constraints
Advantages of Using the Critical Chain Analysis Method (CCAM)
Disadvantages of Critical Chain Method (CCM)
Comparison between CPM and CCPM Scheduling Methods
Leadership Role in Any Project Management and Scheduling Activity
The Human Element Project Teams and Decision Making
Changing Face of Projects and the Role of CPM and CCPM
Discussion
The Human Element
Training and Educating the Project Worker
Scheduling of Task and Worker Performance
Interpersonal Relationship in Project Team and Their Impact on Performance
Technical Issues of Application of CCPM and CPM
What CCPM Offers to CPM
Conclusion and Recommendation
From the Paper "Organizations today are also increasingly using virtual project management teams. They are procuring expertise and materials from all corners of the world. Therefore, CPM and CCM process are even more complicated than in the past. These environments also create their own problems and bottleneck that have to be also considered when studying and process or situation. The need to increase profits and revenues has forced many establishments to try to optimize their resources. Every organization is created to serve and develop specific functions, procedures, and responsibilities. If these goals are achieved properly, the long-term stability of the organization is accomplished; and, in many cases, guaranteed. Increasing efficiency and productivity have always been key factors in implementing any change."
Abstract This paper explains a project management study based on theoretical information from an extensive literature review in project management, the oil and gas industry and the laws and regulations of Singapore to select the best-practiced methods for tank farm management in the U.S. and U.K., which are suitable inferences to the requirements for tank farm management. The author points out that upgrading the tank farms is an important undertaking for any refinery wishing to improve their facilities and manage the risks of operating a highly risky industry because more stringent environmental regulations can help reduce many disasters and help companies focus their attention on areas that need improvements and changes. The paper stresses that every project is unique depending on the conditions that exist both within and out of the organization undertaking the project; therefore, upgrading a tank farm requires that the organization understand the final objectives of why the upgrade is essential and needed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Statement of the Issue
Importance
Limitations
Definition of Terms
Assumptions
Review of Project Requirements
Creation of a Project Team for the Purpose of Modernizing the Tank
"FarmProject" Team Selection
Project Team Stages
Decision Styles and Team Leadership
Managing a Tank Farm and the Variables affecting the Management
Petroleum Storage Classification
Permit Requirements and Government Guidelines in Singapore
Problems associated with Tanks Used for Petroleum and Crude Oil Storage
Identification of the Work Scope and the Work Break Down Structure
Work Break Down Process
Planning and Scheduling
Estimation of Time, Cost and Labor
Request for Proposal Caveats, Quotations and Manner of Contract Awards
Scheduling and Milestone Achievements
Worker Performance and Productivity
Quality Control
Methodology
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Singapore with a total area of 692.7 sq km is one of the most prosperous countries in the world. With well-defined trade and commerce in the region, the country has been able to rival the GDP of countries in the developed world. The Asian financial crisis of the 90's however hit the region negatively. Industries and businesses took some time in recovering from this market crash. Refineries were badly impacted due to the overcapacity that had been built into the process in anticipation of the economic boom of the 1990s in the region. The oil companies, Shell and Caltex have consolidated their operations in Singapore and many other refineries have also undertaken some form of restructuring in the region."
Abstract This paper discusses the wider issues of interaction between public, planning and politics and views the interaction of the three within the context a controversial development proposal - plans for a new football stadium in Guildford. The main inputs from politicians, the people and the planning system are discussed at various stages at the planning process.
From the Paper "Guildford is a town that has seen the relative decline of its football abilities. The application was made as a direct response to the wish of AFC Guildford to progress to the Nationwide Conference League. The club currently play on the pitch at the centre of the running track at the Spectrum Leisure Centre. The track however is not capable of being upgraded to the requirements of the Conference football league. There is an area of green land adjacent to the Spectrum Leisure Centre, which it was felt could possibly accommodate better facilities. With these historical and practical issues in mind the planning application for a new stadium was submitted in February 2004. The stadium would be built by the Trinity Investment Co. Ltd on behalf of AFC Guildford. Such a large scale and controversial issue could not be decided within the normal eight week deadline. The application was concluded in January 2005."
Abstract An inertial navigation system is comprised of gyroscopes, accelerometers and some type of processor. A gyroscope is a sensor that is able to measure rotation rates with respect to an inertial plane. Mechanical spinning-mass gyroscopes, though, are difficult to handle and require a high level of maintenance. Similarly, ring laser gyroscopes produce lock-in phenomena and require ongoing mechanical fine-tuning if they are to retain sensitivity at small rotation rates. This paper provides an overview and discussion of inertial navigation systems, the principles of interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes and their application to commercial aviation. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Principles of Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscopes
Relationship of Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscope Principles to Commercial
Aviation
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
References
Appendix A
From the Paper "In 1908, Sir Hiram Maxim published a book discussing his experiments in aeronautics. He described a gyroscopic stability augmentation device connected to the fore and aft elevators of a large, highly unstable airplane built and tested while tethered during the 1890s [1]. This device is believed to be the first example of aircraft automation and was patented in England in 1891. Early on in their flight experiments, Orville and Wilbur Wright also recognized the severe instability of their aircraft and independently developed stability augmentation devices. In 1913, Lawrence Sperry developed a more advanced gyroscopic stability augmentation system, which was demonstrated in flight [1]. The Sperry name was associated with aircraft automation for the next 60 years. Sperry automatic pilots (known as "autopilots") became available during the 1920s. In 1918, H. J. Taplin patented a nongyroscopic two-axis stabilization device that relied on differential aerodynamic pressures. This device was successfully flown in the United States in 1926 [1]. To date, with this sole exception (as far as is known), all successful autopilots during this period are believed to have utilized the gyroscopic principle. In 1933, a viable three-axis autopilot that was actuated solely by hydraulic and pneumatic power was an essential part of the equipment installed in Wiley Post's Lockheed Vega, Winnie Mae, for his solo around-the-world flight [1]."
Abstract The study provides a thorough understanding of what prefabricated buildings are, what they were like in the past and where they are headed in the future. The changes that have been made in prefabrication over the last 60 years are remarkable and are discussed in the paper. It explains that the learning that has taken place should be noted because there have been many new advancements that are worthy of discussion and consideration. Includes tables and graphs.
Outline
Chapter One
Introduction
Background
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Validity and Uniqueness of the Data
Rationale for the Study
Overview of the Study
Chapter Two
Review of Related Literature
The Past - Britain
The Present - Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur
Chapter Three
Methodology
Research Design and Approach
Population and Sample
Collection of Data
Data Analysis Procedures
Summary
Chapter Four
Analysis of the Data
Chapter Five
Summary, Recommendations, and Conclusions
Works Cited
From the Paper "Construction is something that has always been with society. From the first primitive men that worked at creating huts and other dwellings to live in to the high-rise condominiums and million-dollar mansions that are built today, there has always been the need and the desire to build. Originally, it was a job that only men did, but there are female construction workers now, too, and there have been for some time. Some see this as a lowering of standards, while others see it as progress. The same is true of prefabrication. While many believe that this type of construction is not as secure or as long-lasting as 'traditional' methods, others feel that there is much that can be done with prefabricated buildings.
From the prefabricated buildings that were built in Britain during World War II until now much has changed, and all of this will be discussed in Chapter Two where the literature is reviewed. Despite the rising interest in prefabricated buildings and housing, however, there are still many that either do not like this method of construction or do not understand it. Many still think of it as mobile homes, or 'trailers' and do not realize the benefits that can come from other methods of prefabricated buildings. Prefabricated housing does not have to mean mobile homes. It can mean modular homes as well, or any home or building where part of the construction is done off-site and the pieces assembled on the job site."
Abstract This paper provides instructions and descriptions of a BCL-145XL Bearcat police scanner. The instructions described show how to perform the step-by-step programming of the scanner. The technical description details the scanner and its purpose. Definitions that are needed to understand the process are included. The report is broken down into three sections: the instructions, which describes the major and minor programming process steps; the technical description, which provides insights into the scanner itself; and unfamiliar terms and definitions.
From the Paper "Scanners allow individuals to listen in on tomorrow's news as it is happening. Because there are constant dramas unfolding from domestic abuse to a police chase of a bank robber, scanning can be exciting and often fun. There is a serious side to scanning as well. There are professionals such as news teams, private investigators and even ambulance chasing lawyers who use scanners to get the scoop on the competition. The key to using a programmable scanner is to get the necessary frequencies and program them into the scanner so that you can listen in to what you actually want to hear."
A thorough review about whether the listed status hinder the facilities manager/building surveyor and the residents that live within the property when it comes to building works carried out on their property.
Abstract This paper determines whether the listed building status within local authority housing assists surveyors and the residents, or whether it in fact hinders them. There are, quite likely, good and valid arguments for either side of this issue. These are addressed, and the feelings and beliefs of those affected by the listed building status of their homes and businesses is very important. It is also possible that the listed building status both helps and hinders in several ways. If this is the case, it is important to discuss this and show in what ways these individuals are helped and in what ways they are hindered, so that an overall designation and determination of help or hindrance can be found.
Chapter One
Introduction
Background
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Objectives of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale for the Study
Overview of the Study
Chapter Two
Review of Related Literature
Chapter Three
Methodology
Research Design and Approach
Population and Sample
Collection and Tabulation of Data
Data Analysis Procedure
Limitations of the Study
Chapter Four
Analysis of the Data
Chapter Five
Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Bibliography
From the Paper "Also necessary to consider is that what might be seen as helpful to one person might be seen as a hindrance to someone else, and this is also an area that has purpose and should be considered. Even if it appears that listed building status helps the Facilities Manager/Building Surveyor and the residents, there are likely some among that group of individuals that will see it as a hindrance. The point is that not everyone will agree on the same thing and there may be other issues that affect only some of the individuals that are involved with listed buildings. Because of this, a determination of whether listed building status is a help or a hindrance for those involved with it can only be made in a general way, and cannot be made as something that should be considered as specific to every person that may be involved with this status in various ways."
Abstract This paper analyzes and simulates the performance of the frequency modulation (FM). The paper begins with an introduction to FM modulation and provides a full mathematical background information in regards with the FM. (This includes FM spectral analysis and introducing and simulating the role of the Bessel function and the frequency sidebands). The FM bandwidth requirements is discussed and simulated by using the MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation model and initialization steps are completely demonstrated and the results are discussed. The effect of adding noise to a FM modulated signal is analyzed and the results are presented. (This includes analysis of threshold effect and the mathematical relationship between signal to noise and carrier to noise.) The results of practical measurements are presented at the end of each part. The paper includes figures and graphs.
Contents:
1. Abstract
2. Frequency Modulation
A. Description:
B. Why Modulation?
C. Modulation Types
D. FM Modulation
E. FM Spectral analysis
3. Determining Kf (the deviation constant)
A. DC Method
B. Time Domain method
C. The Spectrum Analyzer Method
D. FSK Method
4. Effect of Band-pass Filtering
Simulating the Effect of Band-pass Filtering using SIMULINK
5. Effect of Adding Noise to an FM Signal
6. Conclusion
7. References
From the Paper "As explained before, in FM modulation, there is a linear relation between frequency deviation and voltage variation. (At the receiver site, demodulator use this property to extract the message from the modulated signal). In other word, this means that if we sketch the graph of modulated signal frequency versus message signal's voltage for an arbitrary FM system, the slope of the graph would be a constant value and would be equal to Kf (deviation constant)."
Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to analyze different aspects of Pulse Code Modulation including sampling theory, aliasing, quantizing and effect of non-uniform quantization. Each part of the paper begins with the theoretical analysis; then the simulation results are presented. Finally the practical measurement results are demonstrated and discussed. For better analysis and subjective evaluation of quantization process, a Java-MATLAB application is developed (the source codes are included). Finally in the conclusion, the main points of each part are summarized.
Outline
Introduction
Pulse Modulations
Pulse Code Modulation
Sampling
Nyquist Sampling Theorem and the Aliasing Distortion
Zero Order Hold (ZOH)
Effect of Output Pulse Width
Aliasing Distortion
Variation of the Output Filter Bandwidth
Quantization
PCM Quantization Analysis: Java-MATLAB Software Application
Peak clipping
Quantization Distortion
Spectrum of Quantization Noise
Non-Uniform Quantization
The i law
Quantization Distortion for a Companded System
Conclusion
References
Appendix A: Java Software Source code
From the Paper "Sampling is the first step in any pulse modulation system. In fact by sampling, a signal is represented by set of discrete samples. If the frequency of the sampling is high enough, the original signal can be recovered from the samples. This concept will be examined with more details later. From the mathematical point of view, the sampling process can be considered as the multiplication of the message signal by a train of Dirac impulses. "
