Abstract This paper discusses the nature, causes and effects and the technological and legal solutions to the increasing problem of the presence of space debris and junk in space. By relating the problem of space debris to a memorable current event, it informs the readers about the possible dangers that future space explorations might face if this problem will be left unsolved. It also looks how technological and legal solutions provide an implication that the problem of space debris are taken seriously by government and astronomical agencies because of the prevalence of mishaps and accidents that have been happening/occurring in space.
Outline
Introduction
What are Space Debris and Junk?
Effects and Threats of Space Debris and Junk
Technological Aspects of Resolving the Space Debris and Junk Problem
Legal Aspects of Solving the Space Debris and Junk Problem
Conclusion
From the Paper "Space debris and junk can pose a tremendous danger to satellites and spacecrafts, whether these spacecrafts are manned or not. In a book entitled, ?Orbital Debris,? authored by the Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems, spacecrafts traveling in the lower Earth orbit, or LEO, are more susceptible to collide with smaller particles, with a one-millimeter diameter (CETS 1995 4). However, there is also a big chance that big-sized particles will collide with spacecrafts and satellites traveling along the LEO region. Collisions between spacecrafts and space junk usually happen in the LEO region because this particular region is highly-populated with space debris and junk. This is logical since most of the space programs and explorations that were conducted by nations on Earth are usually located in the nearest region away from the Earth, which is on the lower Earth orbit."
Abstract The paper describes how many search and rescue dogs with their handlers selflessly tried to save the many humans trapped in the debris and rubble of the September 11th terrorist attack on New York. The paper paints a picture of how these dogs climbed, crawled, jumped and sniffed for a full month, without a thought for their own safety. The paper relates several stories of these canines' heroism.
From the Paper "September 11th, 2001 will go down in history as one of America's greatest tragedies. Yet, from the death and destruction, out of the rubble and debris, came the true spirit of humankind, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. There are so many stories of heroism on that fateful day that it fills the heart with hope. Those trained to respond, those found thrust into the situation with no preparation, and all of the support from millions of people around the globe showed that tragedy could bring out the hero in everyone. And this was not limited to just those of the human persuasion, but canines as well."
This paper discusses the issues of building multistory buildings on areas of landfill, areas of dumped discarded items such as debris and garbage, using Battery Park City, New York City as an example.
Abstract This paper reports that one way that builders are finding available land is by using places previously thought unsafe or unsuitable to build on, such as landfill sites. This paper explains that landfill sites can safely be used to build high-rise buildings, provided the density of the landfill, the size of the foundation pieces and the deepness of the foundation pilings are taken into consideration. The author points out that there have been no reported problems from the settling of the landfill site on which Battery Park City was built.
From the Paper "First, it is important to understand what landfills are and why they are here. Landfills are areas where the city or other municipality has dumped discarded items such as debris and garbage. The city often dumps large items there, as well, and eventually the landfill reaches its capacity. Landfills are important because debris and garbage has to go somewhere, but many people remain concerned that landfills are dangerous, and that hazardous materials are being dumped into landfills, which could harm people in the future. When someone decides to build on a landfill site, as the one in Battery Park City, the question of stability comes up. After all, they are essentially building on garbage and debris, which seems likely to shift and move as it settles."
Abstract This paper focuses on key elements of ocean pollution: Oil pollution, toxic materials, dangerous debris and deposits and withdrawals. The author gives an overview of the efforts underway to prevent further pollution of the world's oceans.
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the arrest and charge of Constable Robert Hagan regarding the stolen pieces of the Space Shuttle Columbia. The writer explores several aspects of the case, including what Hagan is charged with doing and what his possible punishments might be.
From the Paper "For society to function properly it must be able to place the utmost trust in those it chooses to protect and to serve its members. The ability to trust police officers and others who are charged with leading the moral path is essential to the continued growth and development of the nation. When a trusted official breaks the law it sends shock waves through society. Constable Robert Hagan II has been charged with stealing from the United States government. His case has made national news because he is a trusted elected official and as such expected to hold himself to a higher standard than the average resident. His case is being watched closely by media and laymen alike as he goes through the process he was supposed to help implement and uphold."
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 Created millions of years of ago through geologic action, the Ogallala aquifer is a vast underground reservoir that runs west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains. This paper examines the evolution and deposition of the aquifer and discusses problems facing it today.
From the Paper "The main concern for the Ogallala is the fact that the aquifer has been cut off from most of its natural recharging sources (Ogallala pp). The Rocky Mountains have not supplied the aquifer for more than a thousand years, and the High Plains climate today is classified as semi-arid, receiving only fifteen to twenty inches of rainfall annually, most of which is subject to a high rate of evaporation due to the dry air and high winds (Ogallala pp). Moreover, many of the rivers, such as the Platte, Canadian, and Arkansas, actually drain the aquifer since they have water tables below that of the aquifer (Ogallala pp)."
Abstract This paper examines how city recycling programs are a growing trend in the United States, especially in cities with progressive-minded mayors. It looks at how many cities are taking legal steps to control the pile-up of construction and demolition debris.
From the Paper "Chicago's decision was part of a growing interest in green building and in making the city environmentally friendly. Every new building has to conform to standards of environmental quality as set forth by the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The standards include recycling C & D debris. The Chicago Center for Green Technology got an award for its building (Grzeskowiak, 2006). Our city could do the same. Tallahassee, Florida recently renovated their Solid Waste Administration building to conform to green standards (Grzeskowiak, 2006). "
Abstract The paper discusses the options that are available to companies to manage and prevent disasters whenever possible. The paper explains that developing advance-warning systems can prevent extensive loss to life and in some cases, precautionary measures can be undertaken to prevent damages to property. The paper also shows how the best defense humans have against natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes and storm is public awareness and offering the public sufficient time for evacuation. Some aerial photos are included with the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
Tornado Trend Analysis
Confirmation of Fatalities and Injuries
Estimation of Damage to Homes, Business & Infrastructure
Debris Removal for the Purpose of Regaining
Taking Care of the People Impacted by the Tornado
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) makes provisions for federal funds to be provided on a high priority basis to help mitigate hazards at local levels. In addition, the act also calls for identification and assessment of natural disasters that can disrupt the normal functioning of governments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great severity. The act defines an "Emergency" as any occasion or instant for which, in the determination of the President, federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States. (FEMA.gov, 2003)"
Abstract This paper presents a detailed case study and report on the technical issues that need to be considered in facade retention with internal demolition of the Edward England Potato Warehouse in Cardiff, Wales. The writer describes the site and the problems it presents to those interested in preserving or developing it. The writer also outlines the essential equipment and steps for installing a facade retention system, and for internal demolition and the erection of a new internal frame. In addition, the writer discusses alternative options such as refurbishment and total demolition. This paper contains a figure and a table.
Outline:
Introduction
Site Investigation
Desk Top Study
Walk over Survey
Geotechnical Survey
Performance Evaluation
Long Term Monitoring
Defects list
Pre Specification Survey
Facade Retention System, Restrictions and Demolition
Facade Retention: Information Required
Restrictions
Facade Retention Ideas
West Bute Avenue Elevation
East Water Front Elevation
South Park Elevation
North Herbert Street Elevation
Cleaning, Repair and Protection
Demolition
Implications of Basement and Underpinning
Underpinning
Implication and Consideration of Basement Installation
Method Statement
Conclusion
Appendix A: Ariel Photograph of site
From the Paper "In order to provide detailed design solutions for method of facade retention for a building, essential information must be gathered and analysed first. The information needed includes: condition of the facade, bearing capacity of the soil, wind load factors, deflection limits, wall thickness of facade and impact load (for minimization). Scientific calculations will be made to determine placement, size and type of retention system and system foundation to provide ample support for facade during demolition, and avoiding facade damage and collapse. As so much technical information is required to design a solution, the following section simply discusses possible solutions and ideas to complement site conditions."
Abstract The paper examines paramedic protocol that addresses how paramedics can avoid health and safety risks through careful awareness and following safety procedures. The paper explores three areas of health and safety issues; health risks, physical risks as well as psychological risks.
From the Paper "Paramedics have the unenviable position of being constantly exposed to disease and bacteria. Their job occupation forces them into situations that present both a biological risk and physical risk such as explosions, falling debris and rubble or other compromising positions. In such a risk filled job, paramedics must follow many strict procedures and protocol in order to remain safe. This paper will attempt to analyze the problems that paramedics have to deal with on a daily basis in relation to their own personal health and safety."
