This paper discusses China's Three Gorges Dam Project (TGDP), projected to become the worlds largest dam, nearly four times larger than the Hoover Dam.
Abstract This paper explains that the Three Gorges Dam Project is located at Sandouping, along the Yangtze River in the Three Gorges, which is one of the world's most famous scenic sites and includes the dam, which is composed of the spillway, intake dam and non-overflow dams, two power plants and the navigation facilities, which includes a ship lock and a ship lift. The author points out that there are many issues involved including the sensitivity of the huge numbers involved in the reservoir displacement and the impact of such a large population movement on the economy and society. The paper relates that, despite the monetary risks concerned in investing in the dam, the structure is an economic "showpiece" that invites outsiders to establish speedily vital business networks, which paves the way for future dealings such as with The Caterpillar Company.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Local Land Owners Bottoms Up Approach
The Quality of Resettlement Land
The Particular Problem of Steep, Infertile Slopes
Outward Look
Government Policies: Upward Look
Historical Perspective: A Backwards Look
Expected Returns and Drawbacks
From the Paper "Additionally, the dam's supporters expect the 26 giant generators to account for close to a tenth of China's energy output. The hydropower is stance as a more efficient and cleaner source of energy than the sulfur-laden coal that is at present used in the area. Some engineers estimate that the dam will annually generate an amount of energy equivalent to the burning of forty million tons of coal. Thus, if successful, the dam's energy output will be environmentally beneficial over the current release of destructive sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide gas emissions. This cleaner supply of energy will be accessible within a 1,000 kilometer radius of the dam, as far as Shanghai and Guangzhou."
Abstract The writer of this report specifies what consumers look for when considering the purchase of a new vehicle. This paper examines and rates the various luxury automobiles on the market today. While durability, fuel efficiency, invulnerability and appearance are what people are drawn to, safety is still the number one consideration when purchasing a new car.
This paper also contains a test results chart.
Topics covered in this report include:
Introduction
Comparisons
Vehicle Cockpit
Safety
Price
Engine and Power
Overall Driving Experience
Summary
Recommendations
References
From the Paper "Safety equipment on the Suzuki includes dual air bags along with four three-point safety belts. Each seat has four head restraints that do not lock in their raised position. The Infiniti is equipped with dual air bags and four three point safety belts. The four head restraints are high enough even when lowered and they lock in place. Lexus comes with dual air bags and three-point seat belts with adjustable height positions. The head restraints on the Lexus are fixed and are high enough."
Abstract The paper reviews the growth of civil engineering principles from the 19th century into 20th century business practices. The writer details the history of Colorado River flooding, and shows why there was a need to dam the river. The writer examines the players in the planning and bidding for the project, and explains how they successfully landed one of the largest construction contracts of the era. The paper describes the complex architectural and building challenges of the project. The writer concludes that the Hoover Dam, as an attempt by man to control the forces of nature, epitomizes the spirit of civil engineering in modern America.
From the Paper "What makes Hoover Dam such an important milestone in dam construction and Civil Engineering's part in it? "The beginning of the Boulder Canyon project in 1930 with (now) Hoover Dam as its principal feature marked a significant advance in engineering for dams. The whole project was distinguished by extraordinary planning and achievement. The various phases of investigation, planning and design of this multiple-purpose project transcended all previous efforts." [6] The massive size and great height of Hoover Dam exceeded all past conceptions for dam design. Large-scale generation of hydroelectric power for general industrial and public use at places far removed from the project area was included as a major feature of the project plan."
Abstract This paper studies the Nash-Cournot model, created in 1995 following the deregulation of the Swedish government's electricity market. It is a simple numerical model to explore the relationship between the Cournot-equilibrium price and the number of firms and the size distribution of firms on the market. The model shows that given the current structure of firms on the supply side of the Swedish electricity market, deregulation is not a sufficient condition for equilibrium prices close to marginal costs. The author of this paper applies the Swedish model to the British electrical system.
From the Paper "In their work they use a simple numerical model to explore the relation between the Cournot-equilibrium price and the number of firms and the size distribution of firms on the market. The model shows that given the current structure of firms on the supply side of the Swedish electricity market, deregulation is not a sufficient condition for equilibrium prices close to marginal costs. Furthermore, they found this to be true in most nations under a Socialist type government such as Sweden's as well as capitalist nations where government regulation of the electrical market is present."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the circumstances that brought about the development of guidance system weapons in 1944. This paper also discusses in-depth the influential role satellite communication technology had and continues to have in most areas of warfare as well as the importance of global positioning systems (GPS).
From the Paper "Although the atomic bomb was a revolutionary new weapon, it played no part in World War II until the end, and cannot be said to have had a profound impact on the actual conduct of war since. The effectiveness of nuclear weaponry is so extreme that, were it to be used, the results would be incalculable loss of life and destruction that could produce a complete change in the world as we know it today. It could also be said that the significance of the atomic bomb was in the elimination of warfare among the developed countries, but that has not happened. Instead, wars have continued almost unabated in one part of the world or another since then."
Abstract This paper explains that most countries outside North America classify aerial platforms as being electronic devices, basically set-top and other types of devices, primarily for use in enhancing television reception. The author points out that the more sophisticated devices are used at remote production sites where top-notch quality transmission back to a central location via satellite is required; these aerial devices can be either land-based, as in a stationary studio application, or carried aloft via aircraft, even in outer space to deliver aerial amplifications. The paper relates other uses and methods of delivery are shipboard where they are used for search and rescue types of operations, as in air crashes at sea; the most frequent application is "hired out" aerial platforms used by production companies for movies and similar projects.
From the Paper "Yet another greatly successful program of "aerial platform" use is in the tracking of the whale herds in their migration treks through the open ocean. By the use of these platforms, the government of the United Kingdom has been able to set up within the European Union a consultative forum on whaling so that this valuable World Asset and several species are no longer hunted to extinction. As a result of the successful efforts in the Atlantic Ocean, the nations of the Pacific Rim are in negotiations now to establish a similar program within their waters to intelligently harvest whales, an important part of the diets of several Asian nations. The biggest obstacle so far is the cooperation the Russians as since the fall of the Soviet Union this Russian Industry has been all but unregulated by anyone."
Abstract This paper examines how, although the development of wind energy is increasing at about 40% annually with supporting legislation in several major countries, there are two main questions to be answered---cost and the amount of land needed. The author points out that almost every region of the U.S. has some areas of good wind energy and states, lying on the Great Plains from Texas to North Dakota, have a huge wind electricity-generating potential, which far exceeds its current electricity consumption. The paper points out that environmentalists have found that wind energy can create problems of noise, land erosion, visual clutter and the killing of birds who fly into the rotating blades.
From the Paper "One needs to look into the future for the real impact that wind energy can make in the U.S. There are models already in place which give some indication, up to the year 2006, what might develop in these next years. It would add some 10,000 MW of new wind energy generating capacity. There would be a regular schedule for installation, which was begun in 1997 with 100KW of additional availability, and culminating by the year 2006 in the addition of 2000 MW annually. There is a reason for accelerating installation year by year. First, while it will take time to organize installation activity, they cannot be negotiated and erected overnight. It will also require a stepped-up production, whether in the U.S. or overseas (Denmark, as was mentioned earlier, is not the major manufacturer and distributor of wind-energy turbines.)."
Abstract The paper begins by explaining basically what radar is and for what it's used. Then the paper recounts the history of radar's development, both theoretically and practically. From the history of radar the paper returns to the question of how it works, but analyzes the physics in depth, and breaks down the operation of each of a radar system's components. The paper finishes with a review of modern applications of different types of radar systems.
Table of Contents:
The History of Radar
Robert H. Rines - American Father of Radar
How Radar Works
The Radar Transmitter System
The Oscillator
The Modulator
The Transmitter
The Antenna
Types of Radar
Simple Pulse Radar
Continuous Wave Radar
Phased-Array Radar
Secondary Radar
Modern Radar
References
From the Paper "Parallel developments occurred in a number of countries. The highest frequency at which then-current technology allowed substantial power to be generated was about 30MHz, the top end of the HF band. UK radar development proceeded rapidly from 1935 so that by 1937 the first operational (HF) radars of the Chain Home series were demonstrated. These frequencies were in place at the outbreak of World War II and played a decisive role in the air defence of Britain during the War. Wartime radar development quickly moved on to shorter wavelengths as devices were developed to allow generation and control of the power, but the Chain Home radars remained in service, as originally installed. The Chain Home radars, operating between 25 to 30MHz, on occasions indicated returns from extreme ranges, due to ionospheric reflection beyond the horizon. But they were intended as line-of-sight radars and long-range returns from the distant ground via an ionospheric reflection were generally only a source of confusion. During the War some attempts were made to use the ionospherically propagated signal for long range detections of convoys but no success was achieved (or could be expected) and tests were dropped."
This paper defines and explores the various methods of surface hardening which is a useful method for restricting the hardening of steel components which may at times be intricately shaped to certain areas and specifications.
Abstract This paper details the varying techniques of surface hardening which is a general term that is broadly defined as a useful procedure for restricting the hardening of steel parts. This well-researched paper focuses on three particular surface hardening methods which are commonly used in the steel industry to maintain quality assurance and quality control. Table of Contents: Letter of Transmittal General Surface Analysis Process Organic Analysis Process Imaging and Inorganic Analysis X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy Conclusions Bibliography and/or References
From the Paper "In accomplishing surface hardening a variety of techniques are employed, many age old while others involve the latest of technologies. In addition many of the techniques mentioned are proprietary in nature thus a thorough discussion of them, in many cases cannot be accomplished. Moreover, there are many resource references for even time-honored techniques whereby laboratories, manufacturers, universities and other institutions charge high fees for access to the information concerning processes. This pricing structure along with other security measures are necessitated by attempted and often-times unauthorized spread of the processes to potentially hostile nations of the United States and other countries."
Abstract The paper explains how the automobile changed the world by bringing people closer together and allowing the population to spread outside the cities. The writer brings examples of various major automobile manufacturers, focusing on the American manufacturers. The paper explains that initially, automobile companies were scattered around America but by 1905, Detroit had taken the lead, never to relinquish it. In conclusion, the writer states that in one hundred years we have gone from the Model A, which won the race at Gross Pointe with an average speed of 43.5 miles an hour, to NASCAR where the average speed can reach well over two hundred miles an hour. The writer posits that automobiles have made the world a better place in which to live.
From the Paper "However, the company was short lived. Ford wanted to improve the vehicle, but the stockholders balked and the company dispersed in 1900. Ford turned his attention to racing. In 1901, Ford built a twenty-six horse power engine. He entered the vehicle in a ten-mile sweepstakes race at Gross Pointe race track outside of Detroit. The race featured "several of the nation's outstanding drivers, including Alexander Winton" (Lewis, David Lanier, Ford 1903-1984 Beekman House: New York, 1983, P 10). Winton was the defending champion. Ford won the race with an average speed of 43.5 miles an hour. The victory was covered nationwide by the press, and several of the former stockholders of the old Detroit Automobile Company were in attendance. The stockholders saw the commercial advantaged of the new vehicle and The Henry Ford Company was formed. However, once again Ford and the stockholders didn't see eye to eye and Ford "left after only three months, taking with him a $900 settlement and the uncompleted drawings of a new racing car" (Lewis, David Lanier, Ford 1903-1984 Beekman House: New York, 1983, P 10). Ford continued to build a name building racing cars, and in 1903 with the help of ten investors he formed the Ford Motor Company. The company received little fanfare. "Ford was but one of 15 Michigan companies and one of 88 firms in the nation introducing automobiles in 1903, and neither the amount of its capitalization nor its prospects for future success were particularly noteworthy" (Lewis, David Lanier, Ford 1903-1984 Beekman House: New York, 1983, P 10). Ford's first production car was the Model A built in 1903. Ford's dream was to build a car that was inexpensive so everyone could afford one. He wished to build a car that cost only $500. Ford's prowess on the race track continued to increase the fame of the company."
Abstract This paper explains that business management must (1) define the ISO 9000 standards and its relationship to the business, (2) present conformance with the guidance standards, (3) evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of seeking quality system certification and (4) define the reasons for non-registration of a quality management system. The author suggests that management should assign to a person or a group the task of reviewing the ISO-9000 series of standards including all latest revisions to the plan. The paper relates that, based on data from other business models, the suggested methodology is confirmed as a workable process to institute compliance with quality assurance and control in whatever portions of ISO-9000 are applicable Table of Contents Introduction and Importance of the Study Generic Management System Standards ISO - 9000 and ISO 14000 in Plain English What are the ISO Standards? What is Quality? Conformance and Guidance Standards Importance of Quality System Certification Reasons for Registration Elements of the Standard Keys to Identification The Year 2000 Revision of ISO - 9000 Available New Texts Discussion of Revisions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Review Of Related Literature Methodology Methodology as a Training Tool Methodology of a Transition Planning Guide Data Analysis Text References Internet References Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Given the global importance of the quality management system standards, many national standards bodies are already working on the translation issue. ISO itself will publish the new standards in English and French, but if national language translations of the standards are currently available from your National Standards Bode, we expect that they will have the translation of the revised standards ready at the time of publication by ISO or very soon thereafter. For further information contact your National Standards Body."
This paper discusses the history of the development of sanitation and safe water supplies especially for urban areas including present day environmental laws.
Abstract This paper explains that the importance of the growth and development of modern plumbing and sewerage has only been realized with the growth of the cities and the development of technology. The author describes the development of methods for supplying water to cities such as Chicago, New York City Philadelphia. The paper relates that the discovery of the direct relationship of disease and waterborne bacteria led further to the growth of plumbing; today the goal of every community to have a safe water supply is supported by many local, state and federal agencies and legislation.
From the Paper "The first types of privies developed by men were of wood. From this came better structures made of metal. To a certain extent, they became the hallmarks of men of high esteem in the society. This is also reflected in the shape and facilities that are available in the bathrooms of the well-to-do today. The toilet was first called an outhouse. There was a certain Mr. William Byrd in 1730. He was the chief magistrate of the colonial court. His outhouse was made of brick in contrast to the then general construction of wood. Here the privy was semi-circular in shape and had five holes of different sizes. Thus the status of the individual was also probably measured by the privy. Thomas Jefferson was one of the few who had an indoor privy, and this was operated through a system of pulleys."
Abstract This paper defines cloning as the production of a group of genetically identical cells or organisms, all descended from a single individual. The members of a clone have precisely the same characteristics, except where mutation and environmentally caused developmental variation have occurred. The first recorded cloning experiment took place in 1938, when a German scientist experimented by transferring a nucleus from an adult cell to an enucleated egg which resulted in the successful creation of an identical twin. This paper details the various types of artificial and natural cloning which include: Molecular cloning, cellular cloning, embryo twinning, natural regeneration, primary reproductive mode and supplementary reproductive mode. The writer of this paper also discusses the moral and ethical controversy surrounding genetic cloning.
From the Paper "Some examples of cloning from nature are the primary reproductive mode and supplementary reproductive mode. The primary reproductive mode occurs in species whose reproduction is strictly asexual; each population consists of one or more clones, depending on the number of individuals in the colony there was to start. Such species include all bacteria and blue-green bacteria, most protozoans, algae, some yeast, and even some higher plants and animals, such as dandelions and flatworms. Supplementary reproductive mode occurs in some algae, which reproduce sexually and asexually. Those individuals formed by asexual reproduction, called zoospores constitute a clone. In the club mosses and some higher plants, a runner, or stem, grows horizontally along the surface of the soil and at intervals produces roots and upright stalks. When the sections of stem between stalks disintegrate, the separated individuals constitute a clone."
Tags: genetic, engineering, cloning, research, animal, experiment, controversy, ban, human
This well-researched paper examines not only whether Japan has the capability to create nuclear weapons but whether or not Japan already has these actual weapons.
Abstract This in-depth paper explores the sometimes fragile alliance between Japan and the U.S. and ponders whether or not Japan is capable, from a technical standpoint, of creating nuclear weapons. This paper delves into the possibility that Japan may already have nuclear weapons in its possession. A large number of Japanese citizens and successive governments have favored continuing the alliance with the U. S. which involves enormous reliance on American security and military power to protect Japan from attack. This paper defines article 9, the renunciation of war, of Japan's Peace Constitution. The writer also discusses the economic benefits in developing and maintaining nuclear weapons. This well-researched and informative paper considers some of the means Japan could employ to gain greater military autonomy which includes completing the development and production of advanced weapons such as the FSX fighter. This paper also discusses the various groups and parties that oppose nuclear weapons including the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs.
From the Paper "Considering that the huge military-industrial complex of United States is an often-criticized force in the American economy and that maintaining a similarly high level of expenditures on weapons was a critical factor leading to the economic and political failure of the former Soviet Union, many in Japan are understandably content not to have a defense industry of a comparable magnitude. But there are some Japanese willing, and even eager, to duplicate or surpass American state-of-the-art military technology. Those who wish to see Japan more independent of reliance on the American power, who believe Japan's future is dependent on an autonomous defense establishment, favor the concept of Kokusanka or, indigenization of defense production."
Abstract The paper explains the need for improved traffic safety systems. The paper explains what fuzzy logic is, using the example of how it works to regulate temperatures on an air conditioner. It explains that fuzzy logic is used to measure imprecise and dynamic factors and allows for a reasonable judgement. In conclusion, writer states that fuzzy logic has improved the overall quality of life in other areas and posits that using fuzzy logic to assess traffic systems will result in traffic agencies making better overall decisions regarding traffic safety.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Motivation
Bibliography
From the Paper "Fuzzy Logic allows us to measure imprecise and dynamic factors and allow for a reasonable judgement. For example, an air conditioner employing Fuzzy Logic can automatically regulate the temperature. If it's too hot, it will lower the temperature. It it's too cold, then it will increase the temperature. However, it's difficult to define what is "too hot" and what is "too cold". Also, there's the factor of humidity (dampness and dryness). Fuzzy Logic can control the system by accepting these dynamic variables and generating an optimal temperature output, providing better comfort for the user. Fuzzy Logic is now widely used in consumer electronics, agriculture, and manufacturing systems."
