Robotic and automatic welding development at the Marshall Space Flight Center

Welding automation is the key to two major development programs to improve quality and reduce the cost of manufacturing space hardware currently undertaken by the Materials and Processes Laboratory of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Variable polarity plasma arc welding has demonstrated its effectiveness on class 1 aluminum welding in external tank production. More than three miles of welds were completed without an internal defect. Much of this success can be credited to automation developments which stabilize the process. Robotic manipulation technology is under development for automation of welds on the Space Shuttle's main engines utilizing pathfinder systems in development of tooling and sensors for the production applications. The overall approach to welding automation development undertaken is outlined. Advanced sensors and control systems methodologies are described that combine to make aerospace quality welds with a minimum of dependence on operator skill

Evaluation of Combustion Processes for Production of Feedstock Chemicals from Ammonium Sulfate and Ammonium Bisulfate

The combustion of ammonium bisulfate and ammonium sulfate solutions in hydrocarbon/air flames was studied under varied flame conditions. The objective of the study was to optimize the recovery of sulfur value from aqueous waste streams containing these salts. Combustion of ammonium sulfates yielded different sulfur species such as sulfur dioxide (SO2 ), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbonyl sulfide (COS). The types of sulfur species obtained and their yields were dependent on the flame stoichiometry. When combustion was carried out in stochiometric flames or in flames with excess oxygen, the sulfur present in the salts was quantitatively converted to SO2 . However, these flames also produced nitrogen oxides (NOx ) above the 200ppm level. Combustion of ammonium sulfates in the sub-stoichiometric (oxygen-deficient) flames resulted in the formation of reduced sulfur species, particularly H2S. This species accounted for nearly 90% of the total sulfur present in the salts. Introduction of a secondary air stream in cooler regions of the combustor led to quantitative oxidation of H2 S and other reduced species such as COS to SO2. The SO2 obtained through the secondary oxidation contained nitrogen oxides at comparably lower levels

Confronting the Limits of Dialogue: Charlottesville, 2017

Chapter 3: Confronting the Limits of Dialogue: Charlottesville, 2017 in Libraries Promoting Reflective Dialogue in a Time of Political Polarization. ISBN 978-0-8389-4652-

IHOC Summary For Members - Helping Your Child’s Doctor Helps Your Child

IHOC’s goal is to improve the health of children. For example, many children in Maine do not get their vaccines on time. So IHOC will work with doctor’s offices to help more children get their vaccines on time. This will help protect all children in the state, by reducing certain contagious illnesses

IHOC Summary For Providers - Improving Health Outcomes for Children in Maine and Vermont

In February 2010, Maine and Vermont were awarded a five-year child health quality improvement grant. The project focuses on using quality measures and information technology to improve health outcomes for children. The goal is to improve timely access to quality care for children who are insured by Medicaid

Immigration Enforcement and Fairness to Would-Be Immigrants

This chapter argues that governments have a duty to take reasonably effective and humane steps to minimize the occurrence of unauthorized migration and stay. While the effects of unauthorized migration on a country’s citizens and institutions have been vigorously debated, the literature has largely ignored duties of fairness to would-be immigrants. It is argued here that failing to take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized migration and stay is deeply unfair to would-be immigrants who are not in a position to bypass visa regulations. Importantly, the argument here is orthogonal to the debate as to how much and what kinds of immigration ought to be allowed

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: Scaffold-Based Solutions

Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a surgical technique utilized for repair of articular cartilage defects. The originally described technique for autologous chondrocyte implantation involves applying a liquid suspension of the cultured chondrocytes to a cartilage defect and sealing the defect with a periosteum or collagen patch. Scaffolds for housing chondrocytes were introduced to allow for increased ease of delivery and application, to avoid leakage of chondrocytes out of the defect, and to allow for an implant that more closely mimics the non-uniform tissue architecture of healthy articular cartilage. In this chapter we describe the design, clinical outcomes, and commercial availability of various scaffolds reported in the clinical literature for autologous chondrocyte implantation

BLOGS: ANTI-FORENSICS and COUNTER ANTI-FORENSICS

Blogging gives an ordinary person the ability to have a conversation with a wide audience and has become one of the fastest growing uses of the Web. However, dozens of employee-bloggers have been terminated for exercising what they consider to be their First Amendment right to free speech and would-be consumer advocates face potential liability for voicing their opinions. To avoid identification and prevent retribution, bloggers have sought to maintain anonymity by taking advantage of various tools and procedures - anti-forensics. Unfortunately some anonymous bloggers also post content that is in violation of one or more laws. Some blogging content might be viewed as harassing others - an area known as cyber-bullying. Law enforcement and network forensics specialists are developing procedures called Counter Anti-forensics that show some promise to identify those who violate the law. However, these techniques must be used with caution so as not to violate the rights of others

Employee Blogs: Protected Speech Or Grounds For Discharge?

Posting and reading blogs is one of the fastest growing uses of the Web.  Blogging gives an ordinary person the ability to have a conversation with a wide audience.  Dozens of employee-bloggers have been “dooced” (terminated) for exercising what they consider to be their First Amendment right to free speech.  An important legal issue with significant implications for both employers and employees is to what extent are employee blogs a form of protected speech.  The First Amendment, employment at will, and laws protecting employee speech are discussed.  Suggestions are made for procedures employees should follow to safely blog.       &nbsp

INFOSEC: What Is The Legal Standard Of Care?

The convenience of conducting personal business in the comfort of one’s home attracts millions of individuals to shop, pay bills, and bank online. In the process, sensitive personal and financial information is disclosed and the exchange of this information creates a risk of identity theft. Providing effective cyber security is an issue with significant implications for companies.  Failure to provide adequate security for consumer information may subject a company to legal action by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  Information vulnerability, recent security failures and the standard of care are discussed