Thermally Induced Stresses in Micro-Chip Mounting Devices

Microchip thermal stress due to the temperature change related to the mounting of a chip to its lead frame was investigated by moire interferometry. Large scale models were made, and the problems of applying a grating to this model at high temperature were addressed without success. Further possibilities, however, remain to be attempted. Moire interferometry was successfully used at room temperature by examining mechanically relieved residual stresses. The results agreed with an analytical approach to stress analysis and also to a finite element analysis. A practical solution to the problem of peeling was found

Killed by Asbestos

Asbestos is a fiberlike insulation material that causes cancer and respiratory diseases, namely mesothelioma and asbestosis (Times, 1994). The victims of asbestos, which include people of all occupations, fiom asbestos-textile workers to secretaries at public schools, have no hope for a cure for their illness which causes extreme pain and possibly death for its victims. It has been estimated that some 200,000 asbestos-related claims have been resolved thus far, with 200,000 more still pending and 50 to 60 new claims being filed each day (Snyder, 1994). This paper will explore asbestos issues by looking at the history of the asbestos problem, recent events in the industry, and how the problem is changing

Wealth Through Christ?

As a Christian, should a belief in God have an impact on economic well-being? Does it? One could argue that Christians have certain values and beliefs that might have a significant impact on economic well-being. One could also argue that other non-Christian people possess similar values and beliefs that have nothing to do with a belief in the Christian God, but that might also have a significant impact on well-being. One could argue that the values and beliefs associated with being Christian should have a positive effect on well-being; however, one could also argue that the values and beliefs should have a negative effect on economic well-being

Challenges Facing Military Organizational Cultural Reform: A study of the 2004 Air Force Materiel Command Reorganization

The purpose of this research was to measure the success of the Product Center (PC) portion of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) reorganization initiated in 2004. The purpose of this study is threefold, 1) to determine if the 2004 AFMC Product Center reorganization has met General Martin\u27s four intended objectives, (2) the reorganizations effects on AFMC employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment and (3) to gather some general opinions about the reorganization overall. The literature review consisted of a detailed look at the history of AFMC, areas of organizational culture, and gathering detailed information regarding the 2004 reorganization itself. This research measured the success of the PC portion of the reorganization to date; assistance was solicited and provided from HQ AFMC/A8M in development of the survey instrument for such measurement. Upon completion of development, electronic dissemination of the survey instrument was utilized to send it to the three AFMC PCs. Survey results were summarized and the overall conclusion reached that the AFMC PC reorganization initiated in 2004 has had little or no impact to date based on the opinions of PC employees who responded to the survey. Recommendations for further research avenues are also discussed

Application of Neural Networks for Intelligent Video Game Character Artificial Intelligences

Much of today’s gaming culture pushes for increased realism and believability. While these movements have led to much more realistic graphics, we also need to keep in mind the behavior of artificial intelligence characters also in the game. Neural Networks are complicated data structures that have shown potential to learn and interpret complex behavior. This research analyzes the application of neural network as primary controllers for video game characters’ artificial intelligence. The paper considers the existing artificial intelligence techniques, and the existing uses of neural networks. It then describes a project in which a video game was created to serve as a case study in analyzing neural network controlled game characters. The paper discusses the design of the game where the player communicates with an artificial intelligence astronaut. The way that the player phrases the messages he sends to the astronaut helps determine whether the astronaut survives. The paper then analyzes the effectiveness of the astronaut character in exhibiting intelligent behavior. It then discusses potential future work in better demonstrating effective neural network controlled artificial intelligences

The control of non-twisting somersaults using configuration changes

Theoretical analyses have shown that rotations of a rigid body about the principal axis cor- responding to the intermediate principal moment of inertia are unstable. This poses a potential problem for gymnasts who perform double somersaults without twist in a layout configuration. A computer simulation model is used to investigate configurational strategies for controlling such move- ments. It is shown that the build up of twist is not reduced by abduction of the arms but can be controlled by adopting a configuration with sufficient body flexion. For somersaults with a straight body, control in the form of asymmetrical arm abduction accelerations, based upon twist angular velocity and angular acceleration, is capable of preventing a build up of twist providing that the feedback time delay is less than a quarter somersault

Development of a patient-centric food allergy research program: A model for action

This project was funded by a Eugene Washington Engagement Award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)

Reactivity of polar organometallic compounds in unconventional reaction media : challenges and opportunities

Developing new green solvents in designing chemical products and processes or successfully employing the already existing ones is one of the key subjects in green chemistry and is especially important in organometallic chemistry, which is an interdisciplinary field. Can we advantageously also use unconventional reaction media in place of current harsh organic solvents for polar organometallic compounds? This microreview critically analyses the state of the art with regard to this topic and showcases recent developments and breakthroughs that are becoming new research directions in this field. Because metals cover a vast swath of the Periodic Table the content is organised into three sections discussing the reactivity of organometallic compounds of s-, p- and d-block elements in unconventional solvents