Book Review of The Myth of the Nuclear Revolution: Power Politics in the Atomic Age by Kier A. Lieber and Daryl G. Press

The Myth of Nuclear Revolution: Power Politics in the Atomic Age is co-written by Keir Lieber and Daryl Press. The authors assess what they refer to as the “central puzzle” of the nuclear age as it currently stands: “the intensity of competition in an era in which victory seemed impossible” (29). They analyze why geopolitical competition persists despite the deterrence developed by the creation and evolution of nuclear weapons. This book aims to solve the Nuclear Puzzle: “if nuclear weapons are such powerful instruments of deterrence then why do so many aspects of international competition in the nuclear age resemble those of the prenuclear era? Why do nuclear powers continue to fear rising powers, strive for superior weaponry, build entangling allies, and covet strategically advantageous territory? If nuclear-armed countries are fundamentally secure from attack, why don’t they act like it?” (120)

Saint Monica’s Model of Catholic Excellence in Augustine’s \u3ci\u3eConfessions\u3c/i\u3e

This paper discusses Saint Augustine’s presentation of his mother, Monica, as a model Catholic throughout his Confessions. Saint Augustine utilized individuals he encountered throughout his life as models of perfect Catholicism in an effort to provide resources for his medieval contemporaries to draw from throughout their own faith journeys. As a convert himself, Augustine drew holy inspiration from his mother, Saint Monica, as he searched for life’s purpose and God’s grace. He presents his mother throughout the first nine books of the Confessions as a human woman – trapped in a loveless marriage, filled with anxiety and fear, yet above all, faithful. Augustine highlights that his mother, despite being a woman and ‘humanly flawed’, received divine visions and had a particularly beautiful relationship with her Creator. This is incredibly important to his contemporaries as it demonstrates not only human potential for closeness with God, but is the direct acknowledgement of a woman as inherently holy despite the patriarchal social and religious context of medieval times. Augustine presents his mother on a pedestal of exemplary Catholic behavior through his account of her visions, steadfast faith for his conversion, and her ability to change the hearts of women experiencing similar marital and societal strife. This paper’s scope is the first nine books of the Confessions and the historical context during those decades of Augustine’s life. This is an analysis of Augustine’s beliefs and motivations as evident through this text as well as a discussion of the importance of female models throughout biblical history

Analysis and optimization of lightweight foundations for portable equipment

The research presented in this document was conducted to identify the optimum design and layout of small foundations known as landing pads. The ultimate goal of this research was to compare the stress performance of varying styles of pads and to determine the best design. It was also important to develop a foundation that was aesthetically pleasing. Experiments were performed in the shop of Astec, Incorporated and on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to determine an ideal shape and examine its structural integrity. Development of these idealized shapes was initiated by performing basic structural analysis on popular shapes currently utilized in the industry. Basic structural analysis consisted of the following : Mathematical estimation of deflection for an isolated cross-section and span length Calculating bending stress with the use of shear and moment diagrams for isolated sections Mathematical estimation of shear stress for an isolated cross-section Determination of an optimum shape was done by performing laboratory experiments and utilizing stress analysis software. For laboratory experimentation, these shapes were re-created by constructing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) models. The models were built to scale and were tested under loading conditions simulating loads applied from portable equipment. The main purpose of these tests was to visually examine the effects and behavior of the pad under load and to determine maximum stresses through the use of strain gages. Displacement was measured in the laboratory with dial gages and compared to design criteria for deflection limits. Comparisons of behavior between PVC and steel were taken into account with the use of stress analysis software also. This was necessary to predict the behavior of the PVC models and provide validity for the software results. The selected shapes were created in a well known stress analysis software package known as STAAD/Pro©. The stress analysis modeler in STAAD/Pro© allowed the simulation of real world testing outside of the laboratory. The models were given properties for both A36 Carbon Steel and PVC. The models were analyzed by applying static loads, which represented both equipment weight and the overturning moment due to wind. Research revealed that the performance of the landing pads depended on subgrade conditions. The ultimate load for each landing pad increased as the stiffness of the subgrade increased. Of the three landing pads with only four stiffeners, the triangular stiffened landing pad performed the best. Ultimately, the STAAD/Pro© software provided results that were consistent with the basic structural analysis methods and the strain gage testing methods used in the laboratory. The laboratory research was not a very effective comparison to the values obtained in the computer aided stress analysis, however. Strain gage locations were determined initially with Ansys DesignSpace©. However, boundary conditions were initially incorrect, so strain gages were not pinpointed at the areas of highest stress. Deflection properties were proportional and relatively small in all pads, and the research and did not determine a clear-cut choice as to which pad should be used

Cost Implications for Including Tsunami Design in Mid-Rise Buildings along the US Pacific Coast

M.S

Evaluating the suitability of the human toenail as a biomonitor for manganese status: the one source cohort

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on October 25, 2007)Vita.Includes bibliographical references.Thesis (M.S.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2007.Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Chemistry.Numerous studies have demonstrated that the human toenail is a reliable biomonitor for the intake of Se and other elements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that Mn intake is reflected in toenail Mn levels. Interest in the status of Mn, a necessary trace nutrient which may also have toxic effects upon overexposure, stems from two recent developments: first, a greater awareness of the role of Mn-based enzymes in human health, and second, a renewed controversy over the use of a Mn-containing gasoline additive in Canada. In order to evaluate the hypothesis, toenail specimens from One Source multivitamin users and matched controls were selected. Using the NAA technique, Se was measured using established methods, and then Mn was measured via a new procedure. The Se results confirmed the accurate classification of the cohort. However, the nail did not demonstrate significant, positive response to Mn supplementation. Several explanations for this lack of response may be offered, including the confounding effect of other, unknown dietary variables; Mn blood level regulation by homeostatic mechanisms; and the masking of endogenous Mn in the toenail by persistent Seleniumexogenous material

State Variation in Railroad Wheat Rates

Wheat shippers in the Central Plains states have no cost effective transportation alternative to railroads. Wheat produced in these areas moves long distances to domestic processing and consumption locations or to ports for export. Wheat shippers in the Great Plains don’t have direct access to barge loading locations and trucks provide no intermodal competition for these movements. Wheat shippers in Montana and North Dakota are highly dependent on rail transport because they are distant from barge loading locations and intra-railroad competition is limited. In North Dakota, the BNSF controls 78% of the Class I rail mileage, and in Montana, the BNSF controls 94%. Montana ships nearly 100% of its wheat by rail.Unlike Montana and North Dakota, the BNSF and UP have roughly equal track mileage in Kansas. The BNSF has 44% of the Class I rail mileage and the UP, 55%. Also, both railroads serve the major Kansas grain storage and market centers. A 2010 USDA study found that in 1988, Montana and North Dakota had the highest rail grain revenue per ton-mile of the 10 major grain producing states. By 2007 this was no longer the case. The overall objective of the paper is to investigate railroad pricing behavior for the shipment of North Dakota, Kansas, and Montana wheat. Specific objectives include (1) develop a model to measure the impacts of railroad costs and competition on rail wheat rates for North Dakota, Kansas, and Montana, (2) identify and measure the major cost determinants of rail wheat prices, and (3) measure intermodal competition by comparing rail wheat rates in captive markets (Montana and North Dakota) to one with more intermodal competition (Kansas). The results indicate that there is little difference in average Montana and Kansas rail wheat rates per ton-mile. However, North Dakota average railroad wheat prices per-ton mile are higher than average Kansas rates per ton-mile

Smart Classroom Technology: Instructional Effectiveness and Faculty and Student Satisfaction

Numerous designs, practices, stakeholders, and technology options make it difficult for higher education institutions to find direction and established standards for classroom construction and remodeling projects. Different models of technology-enhanced classrooms are being adopted as various managers, integrators, and architects develop new classroom spaces. A planning process, standardized classroom model, and effective support structure will be valuable elements in meeting the needs of faculty and students. The goal was to establish a best practices classroom model to meet the needs of community college faculty, students, and technology support personnel. Information collected from community colleges was used to determine the state of installed classroom technology that includes standard practices, policies and procedures, stakeholder involvement, ongoing budget and equipment replacement, and technical support. Community college faculty and students provided data related to the effectiveness of and their satisfaction with different technology classroom models. A case study approach was employed. The cases included two different electronic classroom models (Model 1: remodel of rooms in existing buildings in 2004 and Model 2: new building construction in 1995). Data were collected from faculty and students related to the effectiveness of and their satisfaction with the particular environment. Background information on classroom design, standards, technology integration, and support was gathered from other community colleges to be included as part of the foundation provided by the review of literature. These data, together with the local data, were used to develop a classroom standards document. Faculty and student data were used to determine the effectiveness of the technology components, room and system design, and overall integration of technology in the electronic classroom. Faculty and students reported a high level of satisfaction with the electronic classrooms as well as a perceived high level of instructional effectiveness. Some design considerations related to screen placement and lighting control were raised by both populations. There were no other significant differences between the two classroom models used in the investigation. Faculty and student preferences were incorporated into the classroom standards document developed at the conclusion of the research. Community college instructional support personnel reported a fairly consistent basic model for their electronic classrooms. The use of any form of standards document was rare. A team approach to planning, design, installation and support was widely used

Mars Ascent Vehicle Gross Lift-off Mass Sensitivities for Robotic Mars Sample Return

The Mars ascent vehicle is a critical element of the robotic Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. The Mars ascent vehicle must be developed to survive a variety of conditions including the trans-Mars journey, descent through the Martian atmosphere and the harsh Martian surface environments while maintaining the ability to deliver its payload to a low Mars orbit. The primary technology challenge of developing the Mars ascent vehicle system is designing for all conditions while ensuring the mass limitations of the entry descent and landing system are not exceeded. The NASA In-Space Propulsion technology project has initiated the development of Mars ascent vehicle technologies with propulsion system performance and launch environments yet to be defined. To support the project s evaluation and development of various technology options the sensitivity of the Mars ascent vehicle gross lift-off mass to engine performance, inert mass, target orbits, and launch conditions has been completed with the results presented herein

Analyzing the effects of lactose on calcium absorption in premature infants using HR-ICP-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract only availableWith advances in neonatal care, premature infants are surviving at increasing rates. During the third trimester of pregnancy, the bone mineral content of infants rapidly increases. It is therefore becoming essential to accurately mimic the womb environment to maintain growth and sustain the health of premature infants as if they were in utero. Regulating calcium absorption in premature infants is crucial primarily for bone formation, as 99% of the calcium in the human body is found in the bones and the teeth. The effect of lactose containing formulas on calcium absorption in premature infants has not been well established. Concerns have been noted in the scientific community regarding lactose intolerance especially in premature infants, as lactase, the enzyme responsible for lactose digestion, is most readily detectible during the third trimester of pregnancy. In this study, in conjunction with Dr. Laura Hillman of the University of Missouri Hospital, each infant was fed lactose and maltose formulas during different weeks using a dual tracer method in which two calcium isotopes were administered, 44Ca orally and 46Ca intravenously. Urine samples were collected after 24 hours. Analysis related natural abundances of calcium isotopes to the measured values in the urine. Polyatomic ion interferences were differentiated from the calcium peaks by analyzing the samples at a resolution of 4000. Mathematical corrections for interferences caused by titanium and doubly charged strontium were determined by measuring the specific isotopes 47Ti and 87Sr++ and using known natural abundances of the interfering isotopes to correct each calcium count rate. Mathematical calculations relate the enriched isotope ratio measurements of 44Ca and 46Ca to calcium absorption. Analysis regarding the effect of lactose on calcium absorption is ongoing. Our data precision on the ICP-MS was acceptable with percent relative standard deviations (%RSD) for external precision over the course of a week at 1.4, 2.2, 0.71, and 1.4 for isotope ratios 42Ca: 43Ca, 42Ca: 44Ca, 42Ca: 46Ca, and 42Ca: 48Ca respectively. Daily internal precision (%RSD) values were .37, 1.3, .69, and 1.5. The precision shows the viability of utilizing HR-ICP-MS analysis for calcium isotope ratios.NSF-REU/NIH Program in Radiochemistr