Abstract This paper takes a look at the two men who worked together, merging data from chemistry, physics, and biology to produce the DNA model the double helix, which earned them the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology.
From the Paper "The Cambridge setting is where Watson first met Francis Crick, a man that was as influential to the discovery of the double helix structure as Watson himself. Watson and Crick soon began having daily lunches to discuss the many aspects of DNA. One point of view that brought them together was their mutual stress on DNA over proteins, which many scientists thought proteins to be more important. Watson and Crick shared an attraction to DNA, and when they wound up in the same University of Cambridge lab, they bonded. To summarize the events after their collaboration, "They used several models and a trial and error method to make their historical discovery" (Portugal 264). Watson drifted from pure science into administration. As director of the molecular-biology lab at Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., he turned it into a scientific powerhouse. He also served as "head of the Human Genome Project, absorbing some fallout from the high-energy ethical debates whose fuse he and Crick had lighted nearly four decades earlier" (Watson 1). "
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at the history of the automobile. The author discusses the early era, and inventors such as Elwood Haynes and Henry Ford. The paper also discusses the Stanley Steamer, the Duryea Motor Company, and Ransom Olds. The paper includes other inventions related to the horseless carriage, and how cars have changed American society.
From the paper:
"The automobile is said to have been a menace and a blessing, it has been worshiped and reviled, celebrated and scorned. The automobile is an invention that has had tremendous impact on society. The automobile has taken diverse segments of the American population; farmers, small town residents and urban dwellers and given them access to the same opportunities and experiences. Automobiles have given us motels, shopping malls, drive-through, vacations, commuting, and of course, suburbia. The concept of the automobile is one of the most profound and important chapters in the development of American society."
Abstract This paper defines what solar cells are, how they are created and the technological history behind their development. It provides scientific theories to support this information and explains the uses of solar cells in today's technology.
From the Paper "A solar cell is any device that directly converts the energy in light into electrical energy through the process of photovoltaics. Unlike batteries or fuel cells, solar cells do not utilize chemical reactions to produce electric power, and, unlike electric generators, they do not have any moving parts. Solar cells are also called solar batteries and, as the term solar implies, they are in most cases designed for converting sunlight into electrical energy.
"In the basic structure of a typical solar cell, light enters the device through a layer of material called the antireflection layer. The function of this layer is to trap the light falling on the solar cell and to promote the transmission of this light into the energy-conversion layers below. Such materials as silicon oxides or titanium dioxide are employed as the antireflection layer in solar cells."
Abstract This paper details a brief history of boron composites from its earliest applications to recent developments. It studies the application of boron in composite epoxies and fibers and the use of these materials in airframe manufacturing. It includes figures showing usage of Boron composite. It concludes that boron has been very successful in aircraft manufacturing if the costs can be brought down.
From the Paper "Compounds of boron, most notably from unfinished borax ore, known as Tincal, were exported from Tibet in olden times. Historically, boron has been used for refining gold and silver in Arabia, ceramic glazes in China, and embalming in Egypt.
"Boric acid, a mild antiseptic, was isolated in the laboratory by chemistry professor William Homberg in 1720. Sir Humphrey Davy, a British chemist, and two French chemists, Joseph Gay-Lussac and Baron Louis Th?nard, discovered the element, boron, in 1808 concurrently. However, it took another 155 years before science turned its focus from borax to boron, and began to reveal the secrets of this mysterious and valuable element."
Abstract This essay looks at how Mary Shelley's " Frankenstein" is a story that is the possible precursor of a modern cloning experiment gone bad. The author discusses the ethical problems related to human cloning, and how the monster created by Dr. Frankenstein serves as a warning against mankind's efforts to interfere with nature.
From the Paper "The story of Dr. Frankenstein and his unfortunate monster illustrates how much havoc could be wreaked on society by anyone person who attempts to "play God". In the nineteenth century, there was a far greater belief that the creation of life was the province of God alone. Now technologically advanced science is a multi-billion dollar industry and the progress of genetics in the last decade is far outpacing the legislation that society has to monitor its application. Even in 1818, Mary Shelley raises the idea that we, as a society, were in grave danger of becoming far cleverer and more scientifically able than we were wise. It is for these reasons that Mary Shelley makes some of Dr. Frankenstein last words, in Chapter XIII, read like a terrible warning to mankind, one that stands against cloning today: ?Man," I cried, "how ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom! Cease; you know not what it is you say."
Abstract This paper provides an extensive background and analysis of transportation methods and their supporting systems and services on a national, regional and local basis. The author stresses the importance of safety and that as technology continues to advance, new safety systems and standards will continue to develop.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History of Transportation
Transportation Today
Safety Devices
Department of Transportation
Travel on Land
Travel by Ship
Air Travel
Railroad Travel
Keeping Transportation Safe
Bibliography and Endnotes
From the Paper "Today, there is a vast array of transportation choices, commercial airliners, trains, automobiles, subways, buses, motorcycles, motor homes, ships, boats, or bicycles. Depending on the amount of time and money we want to spend, there are many choices involved in travel.
But with these increased means of travel come change in global markets, environmental challenges, transnational security threats and a communication and information revolution. Every mode of transportation has individual risks, safety issues, laws, and problems. And each mode of transportation has agencies that deal with them."
From the Paper "The Mars Global Surveyor is an American spacecraft which went into orbit around Mars on September 12, 1997 to conduct a detailed photographic survey of the planet beginning in March 1998. The spacecraft used a formerly untried technique called aerobraking to turn its initially highly elongated orbit into a circular orbit by dipping into the outer atmosphere of the planet. This was a $273 million project that began sending important data about the planet's surface at a quarter of the cost of the Mars Observer mission, which had failed in 1993 (Lawler, 2000).
Mars has long been a particular goal for space exploration. The planet has excited the human imagination, perhaps because of the many literary and dramatic works that suggested civilizations on Mars, and certainly because of the long-ago.."
Abstract Description of the form of the Egyptian pyramid. Symmetrical perfection. The tomb as the center of a complex of buildings. Purpose of pyramid as a monument to a dead king (Cheops). Construction of the pyramid; materials and equipment used. Stone architectural achievement. Labor of slaves. Cultural, social and religious significance.
From the Paper THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
The pyramids of Egypt are, of course, the best-known and most famous. "They were the tombs of kings, and sometimes queens and other important persons. Most have the perfect symmetrical form of those at Gizeh." (No author 87) Many of the pyramids, or tombs, are over 5,000 years old. However, "the pyramid in its fully developed form was not an isolated structure, but part of a complex of buildings enclosed by a wall which was supposed to be the residence of the deceased king during his life after death." (Goedicke 40)
In looking at this complex, one can see that the center was the tomb itself, the pyramid which served as the monument to the dead king. Of course, pyramids were constructed during the lifetime of many of the Pharaohs (or kings) who planned very ..."
Abstract North Korea has been intimidating the United States with a series of nuclear threats since October 2002, when U.S. officials stopped the supply of heavy oils to the North in retaliation of its confessed production of nuclear warheads, violating agreements signed in 1994. Shortly after, North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NTP) and agreements with the United Nations. The paper shows that while there is little proof that North Korea has nuclear weapons, it is strongly suspected that it does. The paper discusses the North Korean weapon issue.
From the Paper "Many world leaders are suspicious about North Korea's withdrawal from the NPT for many reasons. For one, it is a well-known fact that countries developing clandestine nuclear weapons programs take many measures to conceal information about these programs from the rest of the world (NTI, 2003). Therefore, without membership in the treaty, North Korea has made it difficult for world leaders to obtain information about the country's weapon capabilities."
Abstract This paper discusses how ISO 9000, the International Organization for Standardization certificate, is implemented in business worldwide. It examines the history and origins of this organization and explains why it is important to consumers.
From the Paper "Proof of a quality system usually cannot only rely on the company?'s internal quality measurements. This can prove to be bias and untrue, so companies look for a third-party certification program that will show proof if the company actually does have a quality system in place. ??Up until a few years ago, there were no viable third-party certification schemes available (Tricker, p.10).?? However, with an increase in demand for quality assurance, during all stages of the manufacturing process, there began the requirement for businesses to have a recognized set of standards. Having the proper third-party certification program can offer the ability to have a set of standards for company?'s worldwide to be compared to. The third-party certification program can let other companies know that there is a set of testable standards in place that can be trusted. It can also provide confidence to a consumer that the certified company has a high-quality system for their manufacturing processes."
Abstract This paper introduces the book, "Invention by Design" by Henry Petroski, published in Cambridge, MA, by the Harvard University Press in 1996. Specifically, it discusses what in the book is relevant to the mechanical engineering program, the author's main points, and whether these points are valid or invalid. It looks at how Henry Petroski's book takes engineering to a level that just about anyone can understand and makes it interesting even to the layperson. This book is not only an excellent introduction to the many facets of engineering; it is also a fascinating look into engineering by example, from the simple paper clip to the complicated Boeing 777 aircraft. It also shows how it is a fascinating look into what makes good engineering and what engineers actually do.
From the Paper "Another critical issue in the book is how the case studies are presented. Each study begins with a bit of history, and then moves into the critical issues involved in the design and engineering of the object, such as the sewers of Paris as a precursor to the evolution of water quality engineering. Had the case studies taken a different approach, the book might not have met its goal of "making sense of many of the interrelated aspects of engineering," but because of these critical inclusions, the book not only meets, but exceeds its goals. It is clear that engineering is a vital force in the modern world, and that just about every action the engineer attempts can be critical in some form or another."
Abstract This paper explains that synthetic diamonds have the same unique qualities as natural diamonds, hardness, density, superlative strength, and thermal conductivity. The author points out that synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory, avoiding the high costs of mining, transportation, foreign taxes, and tariff issues. The paper relates that the future of synthetic diamonds is limitless, especially their use as radiation sensors, light emitters, and unwettable coatings.
From the Paper "In addition to the time saved, there is also a cost issue. Natural diamonds are produced in a limited number of countries, including Australia, Botswana, Russia, and Congo Republic. There is only one mine found in the United States. Since Americans are the consumers of over 50 percent of the world's diamonds, this produces a costly problem. The costs of mining in foreign countries are high. According to De Beers mine, a leading producer of natural diamonds in South America, 250 tons of ore would need to be excavated to find one stone that would be large enough to equal a one-carat diamond."
Abstract This paper discusses the company, Cisco Systems, and its unique capabilities in the technology arena. It talks about the company's history and its competitive advantage in its industries.
From the Paper "The search for talented high-tech workers has grown fierce as the numbers of eligible workers that meet this need are few. One company, Cisco Systems, has perfected a way to not only attract these employees, but also to retain them as well. The company went public back in 1994 primarily as a manufacturer of routers for the Internet and communications market. It has blossomed into a communications giant that is involved in some aspect with almost every technology field."
This paper argues in favor of the use of cochlear implants, which are prosthetic devices that enable the deaf to hear much better than previous innovations, such as hearing aids.
Abstract This paper explains the position supporting cochlear implants for deaf individuals. Generally, when successful, these implants can make deaf people, especially young children, much more able to distinguish auditory phenomena and, therefore, represent progress against the condition of deafness that is assumed to be a disability. The author points out that the argument opposing cochlear implants is more of a cultural than biomedical one; many members of the deaf community are content with their unique culture and do not regard deafness as a disorder to be cured. The paper concludes that the cochlear implants can enhance the lives of deaf people by allowing them to hear and not be segregated into a deaf word; therefore, the author favors the use of these implants.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Supporting View
Oppositional View
Personal Position
Conclusion
From the Paper "Personally, I think this issue needs to have more public advocacy so that people can really explore the arguments from both sides and see objective portrayals so that they can make up their own minds about supporting or opposing cochlear implants. Most of my personal feelings on this issue support cochlear implants from the perspective of
someone who is not deaf and therefore might not have the sort of empathy for the deaf community that someone inside or involved with this community may feel. That is, I feel dissonance personally at the notion of someone not wanting to hear if they are deaf because it seems that it would be much more convenient to recognize speech and other things in daily life."
Tags: signing, progress, segregation, dissonance, children
This paper discusses how "green" cars are designed to reduce emissions, thereby lessening problems of ever-increasing air pollution, which causes asthma and lung cancer.
Abstract This paper explains that "green" cars are vehicles that drive just like any other vehicle, except they are at least 90% cleaner-burning than the standard vehicle on the road, thereby emitting a lower amount of pollutants into the air. The author points out that the most popular models, which are mass-produced on the market right now, are called 'hybrids' because these vehicles have hybrid motors that use a mix of a gasoline engine and electric motor with a large battery that keeps energy flowing to the electric motor with no need to "plug" it in to recharge; when the cars get to "cruising" speed, they switch to the electric motor, letting it do most of the work. The paper stresses the financial benefits, which add to the environmental and health reasons to buying a "green" car; the actual purchase price does not vary too much from the regular gas-burning model, and the savings annually in gas can be tremendous. Tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Current Quality of the Air We Breathe
Health Consequences of the Deteriorating Environment
Explaining the Need
Future Predictions of our Environmental Destruction
Identifying Those at Risk
"Green" Cars
What They Are
How These Vehicles Can Help "Clear the Air"
Financial Benefits from These Vehicles
Where Can They Be Found
Different Makes and Models Available
Concept Cars on the Way
Other Solutions
From the Paper "While companies like Honda and Toyota are more aggressively bringing hybrids to market, GM decided last year to focus its most advanced hybrid technology on its largest, least-fuel-efficient, high-volume vehicles models. It plans for them to reach showrooms in 2007. The Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrids have been rated at averaging 60 miles per gallon, which has captured the attention of many producers, designers, engineers and consumers. This is encouraging because automakers are taking notice of the problems with our environment and actually coming up with ways to help fight for the cause."
