Abstract The paper discusses how Carl Sagan revolutionized how the world looked at space and the search for intelligent life beyond our planet. The paper talks about Sagan's popular PBS television series "Cosmos" and his novel "Billions and Billions", specifically focusing on the chapters on abortion, religion and science.
From the Paper "Born in 1934, Sagan grew up in a working-class Jewish neighborhood of New York and attended urban public schools in New York and New Jersey. The University of Chicago provided him scholarship support when he entered in 1951, and he continued there for graduate work, receiving his doctorate in astronomy in 1960. After two years as a postdoctoral in biology at Berkeley and Stanford, he joined the Harvard College astronomy faculty as Assistant Professor until 1968 and then moved to Cornell University to become Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Laboratory for Planetary studies."
Abstract The paper explains the anatomy of attenuation and how it is used in ultrasound scans to determine to a higher degree the image quality of a CT scan. The paper looks at several studies on CT imaging results and the use of attenuation-corrected images.
From the Paper "Attenuation means a reduction in intensity and amplitude in a radio signal. Radio signals are used in medicine in the medium of ultrasound. Measured in decibels (dB) per unit length of medium, attenuation is represented by the coefficient of the medium in question (dB/cm, dB/km, and so forth) (Zagzebski 3).
"Attenuation is used in ultrasound physics and is the reduction of the beam amplitude, as a function of the distance it goes through the medium being imaged. One has to account for attenuation effects because reduced signal amplitude affects the image quality. By adjusting the amplitude to account for the attenuation in the ultrasound beam going through the medium, loss of energy at the desired depth is achieved (Bushong 2)."
Abstract The paper presents the thesis that the physicists instrumental in the design and development of the nuclear atomic bomb held a level of pride in their accomplishment as well as regret for its potential for destruction, death and war. The paper describes the Manhattan Project and examines the personal moral standards of the scientists who developed it. The paper shows how regrets were certainly held by Bethe, Oppenheimer, Haber and other scientists and physicists sharing in the atomic energy and weaponry projects.
Outline:
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
The Manhattan Project
Moral Responsibility of the Physicist
Hans Bethe
Julius Robert Oppenheimer
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work entitled: "Invisible: Atomic Bomb Efforts in the US, USSR and National Socialist Germany" relates that governments and physicists both came to realize "simultaneously...that their discoveries had military potential. If any nation could harness the energy of nuclear fission in an explosion, a super bomb would be possible." (Open Society Archives, 2007) The second World War erupted in Europe in 1939 and the publications concerning nuclear subject matter "disappeared from scientific journals and the race to the nuclear bomb was on." (Open Society Archives)"
Tags: peace, Manhattan, Project, Bethe, Oppenheimer, Haber
Abstract This paper discusses the development of nuclear technology in Iran. It discusses the reasons that Iran gives for the developments and the views of the rest of the world regarding the issue. The paper focuses on the potential threat posed by Iran if it has nuclear power capabilities. The paper then looks at the options for addressing the threat that is posed by Iran.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Military Threat of a Nuclear Iran
Non-Military Threats of a Nuclear Iran
Options for Addressing the Threat of a Nuclear Iran
From the Paper "However, unlike the Iraqi nuclear reactor destroyed by Israel in Natanz, the Iranian nuclear network comprise hundreds of individual facilities located underground in hardened bunkers and spread out throughout much of the country. It is, therefore, possible that without U.S. tactical assistance, Israel might eventually have only one option for preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons: namely, a pre-emptive nuclear strike of its own. Given the inevitable blame that the U.S. will share throughout the rest of the Muslim world for such an attack, even without direct U.S. involvement, it might behoove this country to provide assistance to enable Israel to destroy the threat using the latest U.S. conventional (i.e. non-nuclear) technology capable of achieving the objective without the unavoidable death of millions in Iran."
Abstract This paper discusses the life and discoveries of Galileo. It specifically discusses the conflict of Galileo's discoveries with the Catholic Church. It looks at his work in the sciences of astronomy, physics and mathematics and his adoption of the Copernican astronomical theory. The paper also looks at the Catholic Church's reactions to his views.
From the Paper "In the end, Galileo forever changed the the sciences of astronomy, physics and mathematics. Despite the attempts by the Church to silence his revolutionary work, Galileo continued. His work, was evaluated and validated by observers across Europe, in England, German and France. And, it would be Galileo's work that would encourage experimentation in physics, to test mathematical and physical laws. Sadly, it wouldn't be until more than 300 years later that the Church would recant their views, with Cardinal Paul Poupard, the head of an investigation by the church into Galileo's theory, statement in 1992 that said, "We today know that Galileo was right in adopting the Copernican astronomical theory" (qtd. Brauchli )."
Abstract This paper discusses the history and uses of remote sensing. The paper specifically focuses on how remote sensing is used in agricultural applications from row crop to forage management, but also discusses its application in the fields of forestry and urban development. The paper looks at how remote sensing can be an invaluable resource for many business and professionals and how it has become a large part in how many people conduct their business. The paper concludes that remote sensing technology has evolved greatly over the last 30 years since the launching of the first space remote sensing satellite. One would believe that in the future, there will be many more advances and applications of this highly advanced technology to improve our knowledge of the earth. Several color images are included with the paper.
Table of Contents:
Applications of Remote Sensing in Field Crops
Remote Sensing in Other Applications
From the Paper "Remote sensing can be very useful for many applications. It provides a unique perspective of from which to observe large regions. Remote sensors can measure energy at wave lengths which are beyond the range of human vision. (ex., microwave, ultra-violet, and infrared wave lengths.) This energy, called electromagnetic radiation, is emitted in waves that are able to transmit energy from one place to another. For example, this paper, plants, animals and air are reflecting and emitting a wide range of electromagnetic waves. Remote sensing is possible from nearly any site on earth."
Tags: radiation, electro-magnetic energy, satellites chlorophyll, drainage areas
Abstract The paper discusses the radiological health program (RHP) that has been mandated to control the uses of radiation and to protect the public's health and safety and the environment from accidental and avoidable radiation exposure. The paper also examines the response to the Chernobyl accident and the ensuing establishment of the international nuclear safety program (INSP) and highlights the advancements that have been made in the technology of nuclear safety.
From the Paper "Health is a key factor in the scope of any kind of nuclear services or work. Many steps are taken to ensure that each individual is protected as much as possible when involved in dealing with any type of radiation. A program called The Radiological Health Program has been established to set guidelines and regulations that protect the public and keep all involved safe.
"The Radiological Health Program (RHP) has been mandated to control the uses of radiation and to protect the publics' health and safety and the environment from accidental and avoidable radiation exposure. This has been accomplished through the registration of radiation (x-ray) machines, licensing of radioactive materials, inspections, and enforcement actions, to ensure total regulatory compliance."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and looks at writers who have made a profound impact on the response to the disaster. The writer notes that the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, Soviet Union in 1986 was one of the worst disasters of the 20th century, and it has had horrible effects on the people who lived anywhere near the nuclear plant. The writer points out that many writers and artists have had a profound impact on the response to Chernobyl. The writer discusses that some writers are still contributing to that impact with continuing coverage of the aftermath of Chernobyl and how it has affected the citizens of Russia and worst of all, how it has affected their children, and continues to affect the area, more than 20 years after the disaster.
From the Paper "Most of the families are extremely poor, and have little hope for the future. Authors De Jong and Knoth corroborate this poverty and hopelessness in their photo-essay that chronicles children and adults throughout the Belarus region. Some have committed suicide, others have abandoned their newborn children at hospitals because of their health conditions, and few have moved away, because they do not have the resources to do so. These authors graphically illustrate how horrible the disaster was, the magnitude of the radiation, and how radiation lingers throughout the region, but the people go on living their lives just as they did before. They bathe, fish, and hunt in contaminated rivers, eat contaminated food grown in contaminated soil, and live in towns and villages too contaminated to support life, yet the government does nothing."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of nuclear waste. The paper specifically discusses the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project in Nevada and the opposition to the development of this project.
From the Paper "Nuclear waste has been a growing problem since the spread of nuclear power plants in the 1950s and 1960s. The power plants rely on radioactive rods to generate nuclear power, and when the rods are spent, they are still highly radioactive, and must be stored somewhere. Currently, the spent rods are stored around the country in many different storage facilities, but for safety, the government wants to consolidate the storage in a remote facility built especially to handle large amounts of nuclear waste. While the idea sounds plausible, there have been numerous problems with the site chosen for the storage facility since its inception. "
Abstract The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of Iran and its nuclear development program and the tension that it is creating within Western nations. The paper notes that the Iranian government has been involved in nuclear enrichment and development for years, and has hidden the program for eighteen years. The United Nations Security Council has ordered Iran to stop nuclear enrichment, which Iran has refused, saying it needs nuclear power, and needs to control its use inside its borders. The paper comments that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been involved in monitoring the situation in Iran and safeguarding nuclear sites in compliance with an international agreement, but Iran has refused to honor the UN and IAEA requests that it stop nuclear enrichment programs and stop building on a heavy water nuclear plant. The paper describes the debate and disagreement about how to deal with Iran and their nuclear program.
From the Paper "While the IAEA is satisfied with some of Iran's policies, including Iran's experimenting with plutonium and the incidence of high-enriched uranium particles in the country. However, there are other issues that have not been resolved, including, "Iran's acquisition of centrifuge technology, contamination by highly-enriched uranium of samples taken at a university in Tehran, [and] Iran's possession of a document describing procedures for using uranium metal in hemispheres for a nuclear device and Iran's activities concerning polonium." While Iran has answered some of these lingering questions, they have not answered all of them, which makes many wonder about the exact intentions of the Iranian government, and leads them not to trust the government and to question its true intentions."
Abstract The paper discusses how Sir Isaac Newton was one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all times with achievements in other domains such as alchemy, chemistry and even religion or philosophy. The paper looks at Newton's work "Optiks," a study which best emphasizes his work on light and color, and his work "The Principia" that explains Newton's three laws and his definition of gravity.
From the Paper "Sir Isaac Newton is one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all times; usually presented by the historical documents of science as the academician who discovered the Law of Gravity, Newton also had great achievements in domains such as optics, mathematics, mechanics, alchemy, chemistry and even religion or philosophy. He was born in 1642 at Woolsthorpe, near Grantham in Lincolnshire, where he started his education. In 1661 he became a student of the Cambridge University and in 1667 a Fellow of the Trinity College, when he discovered his passion for mathematics. He later on became a professor of the university, this period of his life being mainly dedicated to studying mathematics, physics and alchemy. Moreover, he made his first public scientific achievement, the invention, design and construction of a reflecting telescope and he also wrote "Principia", a study of mathematical principles applied on natural philosophy, which was only published in 1687 ."
Abstract The paper examines the history of the hovercraft, its design and recent developments such as the heavy load air-cushioned vehicles (ACVs) and personal hovercrafts. The paper looks at potential developments with this technology and concludes that the technology will likely continue to contribute to new applications such as space exploration.
From the Paper "The concept of a vehicle which would be able to travel on cushions of air was first proposed back in 1877 by the English engineer John Thornycroft, although Christopher Cockerell is credited with the actual invention. Cockerell developed and built the first hovercraft in 1955 (Johnson 550). It was constructed of balsa wood and powered by a small fan, reaching speeds of up to 12 mph over both land and water. It was not until 1959 that the first practical model was built by Saunders-Roe Ltd. who were predominantly an aircraft manufacturing firm. The hovercraft then entered public use in 1962, where the first passenger hovercraft began operation across the Dee Estuary in Scotland (Sebastian 179)."
Abstract The paper discusses the pros and cons of nuclear energy as a source of power. The paper argues that, despite the fears of nuclear weapons proliferation, possible accidents and the management of nuclear waste, nuclear energy will reduce the fear of environmental pollution and will produce power relatively cheaply and in great abundance. The paper concludes that the safety standards will ensure that nuclear technology can benefit mankind.
From the Paper "This essay will explore the notion that the world needs to seriously take a look at the reintroduction of nuclear energy as a source of power generation. Historically, the fears of nuclear power arise from the devastation that the misuse of nuclear energy and the errors in the design and maintenance of nuclear reactors can wreak, have prompted people to take a pause. Nuclear non-proliferation is a worthy goal, and some countries have signed on to it; others haven't. Even countries which have committed to nuclear non-proliferation do so in varying amounts. In this essay, will be discussed the pros and cons of reintroduction of nuclear energy as a power resource."
Abstract The paper presents the thesis that there is nothing man is incapable of doing, not even exploring far beyond the Earth's boundaries, as long as he puts his mind, heart and body into it. The paper overviews the period of time in American history preceding the launch of Apollo 11, describes the design of the Apollo 11 lunar module and the Apollo mission itself and discusses the discoveries made. The paper concludes with the firm belief that this mission proved that humanity is destined for things far beyond their realms.
Outline:
Humanity and the Moon
The Era of Turmoil
The Apollo 11 Space Mission
The Discoveries from the Apollo 11 Space Mission
The Contribution of the Apollo 11 Space Mission to Mankind
From the Paper "It has been nearly 40 years since man placed his footprints on the Moon. For millions of years, people had looked up into the vastness of space, wondering what lay beyond the earth's atmosphere. Space exploration was simply a fragment of one's imagination - a creation of science fiction. On Earth grounds, many a human being had looked up at the Moon, observing its detail and absorbing its essence: how the light played on its surface, its craters, and shadows. How man imagined being on it, exploring if there were signs of life, and sought to discover if the Moon was a picture of the earth's future. Man had wondered: is it ever possible to uncover the vastness of the universe by first visiting the closest neighbour Earth has?"
Abstract The paper discusses how nuclear power offers tremendous potential for human development. The paper focuses on the benefits and dangers of nuclear energy and considers the long-term consequences of exclusive reliance on fossil fuels as well as the dangers regarding operational safety, disposal of nuclear waste and protection from terrorists. The paper concludes that the value of nuclear power outweighs the risks that are manageable through appropriate regulation.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Introduction - Nuclear Energy
The Benefits of Nuclear Energy:
Nuclear Power Plant Safety Concerns
Nuclear Power Plant Safety in the Age of Global Terrorism
Conclusion
From the Paper "Nuclear power is a relatively cheap and abundant sources of usable energy that currently provides approximately one-fifth of all the electric power used in the United States and as much as four-fifths of that used in other countries. The nature of highly radioactive materials has always posed significant safety concerns, but even more so since the onset of global terrorism. While operational safety, responsible disposal of nuclear waste, and protection from terrorists are crucial matters, a comprehensive risk-benefit analysis suggests that the eventual widespread shift to nuclear power is necessary and not associated with greater overall risk of harm than conventional energy sources or production cycles."
