Experimental and theoretical investigation of organically-capped, nanoscale alkali metal hydride and aluminum particles as solid propellant additives

This work reports on organometallic composites containing nanoscale lithium-based hydride and aluminum fuels as solid propellant additives. Theoretical performance is evaluated for bimodal metal propellant formulations containing ‘nMx’ capped fuel additives (nanoMetallix LLC) and 32 ïÿým aluminum. Replacing aluminum with nMx reduces adiabatic flame temperature, condensed-phase products, and hydrochloric acid, with some variants producing specific impulse similar to nanoaluminum-based propellants. Combustion behavior is investigated using high-speed video techniques, including flame emission, laser backlit configurations, and a two-camera ratiometric bandpass emission technique used to detect lithium. Agglomeration behavior of nMx particles at atmospheric pressure is similar to nAl, producing large aggregates that ignite quickly, increasing radiative heat feedback. Spectrally-filtered video identifies lithium vapor around nMx particles on and above the burning surface, suggesting lithium vapor is released close to the surface. Pressurized burning rate measurements indicate nMx-based propellant burning rates are up to ~14% higher than similar nAl-based propellants at and below 6.89 MPa. Above this pressure, nMx propellants exhibit plateau pressure dependence, likely an effect of different capping agents used. Static motor tests show specific impulse improvements over aluminized propellants. This work shows organically-capped nanoscale particles are a promising alternative to nano/micro-aluminum in composite solid propellant formulations

State Antiquity Laws and Admiralty Salvage: Protecting Our Cultural Resources

In this article the author analyzes the constitutional power of the states to vest title to sunken artifacts in themselves. The legal nature of sunken property and the conflicting state and federal claims to which it is subject are examined through an historical presentation of the statutory and common law pertaining to sunken property. The author suggests how the possible conflicts between federal maritime and state jurisdiction can be resolved, both within the framework of the present law, and by enacting new legislation on the state and federal levels

State Antiquity Laws and Admiralty Salvage: Protecting Our Cultural Resources

In this article the author analyzes the constitutional power of the states to vest title to sunken artifacts in themselves. The legal nature of sunken property and the conflicting state and federal claims to which it is subject are examined through an historical presentation of the statutory and common law pertaining to sunken property. The author suggests how the possible conflicts between federal maritime and state jurisdiction can be resolved, both within the framework of the present law, and by enacting new legislation on the state and federal levels

Implementing Innovative Mental Health Supports and Services at a Post-Secondary Institution

In 2020, the Government of Ontario published a report entitled In It Together: Foundations for Promoting Mental Wellness in Campus Communities. This document outlines that the priority of post-secondary institutions should be the health and well-being of students by ensuring that students receive the supports they need to be successful. Most importantly, the document outlines a community approach needed for students to access mental health supports and services on their campuses. Many post-secondary students are becoming increasingly aware of their own mental health needs prior to enrolling at university or college. This has resulted in a culture on post-secondary campuses that is quickly changing, as the mental health needs of students are becoming more demanding and diverse. Not only do students require access to traditional health services such as doctors, nurses and counsellors, but post-secondary institutions need to continually find innovative ways to address students’ mental health challenges. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) will explore a problem of practice (PoP) that asks the following: how can UniversityA can engage students, staff and faculty in supporting the mental health needs of students? To address the PoP, UniversityA will explore changes related to providing innovative student engagement, creative staff and faculty engagement, and a greater focus on diversity-related approaches to providing mental health supports to students. To address these changes, a combination of transformational, servant, adaptive, and distributed leadership approaches will be utilized to lead stakeholders and members of the change implementation team. Lastly, the next steps and future considerations will include funding dedicated to mental health, support for online students, and the continued development of a whole-community approach to support the mental health needs of students

Annotation of Heterogenous Media Using OntoMedia

While ontologies exist for the annotation of monomedia, interoperability between these schemes is an important issue. The OntoMedia ontology consists of a generic core, capable of representing a diverse range of media, as well as extension ontologies to focus on specific formats. This paper provides an overview of the OntoMedia ontologies, together with a detailed case study when applied to video, a scripted form, and an associated short story

Upper Extremity Biomechanical Model for Evaluation of Pediatric Joint Demands during Wheelchair Mobility

Current methods for evaluating upper extremity (UE) dynamics during pediatric wheelchair use are limited. We propose a new model to characterize UE joint kinematics and kinetics during pediatric wheelchair mobility. The bilateral model is comprised of the thorax, clavicle, scapula, upper arm, forearm, and hand segments. The modeled joints include: sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow and wrist. The model is complete and is currently undergoing pilot studies for clinical application. Results may provide considerable quantitative insight into pediatric UE joint dynamics to improve wheelchair prescription, training and long term care of children with orthopaedic disabilities