Recent Radar Observations of the Sub-Centimeter Orbital Debris Environment

The NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) has conducted radar observations of the orbital debris environment since the early 1990s to provide measurement data that supports orbital debris models and risk mitigation activities in support of NASA mission objectives. Orbital debris radar observations are a unique mode for radar operation, employing a fixed beam configuration to statistically sample the environment. An advantage of conducting operations in this fashion is that it enables observations of smaller classes of orbital debris than would otherwise be available from the same sensor operating in a traditional tracking mode. Orbital debris-mode radar observations are used to fill in the gaps, which exist in the currently available data from the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), on small size orbital debris populations that represent significant risk to NASA programs. These gaps have typically covered orbital debris with characteristic sizes less than approximately 10 cm down to approximately 3 mm in low Earth orbit (LEO) depending upon the altitude and sensor configuration. The value of orbital debris radar measurements lies in the ability to extract partial orbital element information about orbital debris in the centimeter to several millimeter size regimes in low Earth orbit which are not available from other measurement sources. This paper will discuss observations of this smaller class of orbital debris observed in recent years from the radars at the MIT Haystack Observatory in Westford, Massachusetts, and the Goldstone Solar System Radar near Barstow, California. The former radar is able to observe orbital debris down to approximately 5 mm, and the latter, orbital debris with characteristic sizes near 3 mm at altitudes less than 1000 km. The characteristics and inferences about the current LEO orbital debris environment, and the different subpopulations that are identifiable in the observations are highlighted

A Global Perspective on Ethical Consumerism: A Study of Advertisements from Social Enterprises to Identify the Ethical Consumer

This paper explores ethical consumerism in the United States and Latin America. I examined ethical consumerism in these two settings by identifying social enterprises from different countries in each setting to identify the ideal ethical consumer. After comparing and contrasting the ethical consumer in each context, I determined that ethical consumerism does exist in Latin America. According to scholarship, a country must be postmaterialist in order for ethical consumerism to exist. Through my research, I concluded that Latin America is postmaterialist, therefore ethical consumerism does exist

Strategy Synthesis for Autonomous Agents Using PRISM

We present probabilistic models for autonomous agent search and retrieve missions derived from Simulink models for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and show how probabilistic model checking and the probabilistic model checker PRISM can be used for optimal controller generation. We introduce a sequence of scenarios relevant to UAVs and other autonomous agents such as underwater and ground vehicles. For each scenario we demonstrate how it can be modelled using the PRISM language, give model checking statistics and present the synthesised optimal controllers. We conclude with a discussion of the limitations when using probabilistic model checking and PRISM in this context and what steps can be taken to overcome them. In addition, we consider how the controllers can be returned to the UAV and adapted for use on larger search areas

Orbital Debris Radar Measurements from the Haystack Ultra-Wideband Satellite Imaging Radar (HUSIR): 2014-2017

For many years, the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) has partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT/LL) to collect data on the orbital debris environment using the Haystack radar. These measurements are used to characterize the small debris environment in low Earth orbit (LEO), down to a noise-limited size of approximately 5 mmdepending on altitude. The Haystack radar operated by MIT Lincoln Lab underwent upgrades starting in May 2010, with operations resuming in 2014 as the Haystack Ultra-wideband Satellite Imaging Radar (HUSIR). Hence, the data collected beginning in 2014 represents the first dataset available from this upgraded sensor. HUSIR is the primary source of data used by the ODPO to statistically sample orbital debris in the 5-mm to 10-cm size regime in LEO and is a key source of data to build and validate the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model. In this paper, we will present recent results from measurements performed during the US Government fiscal years 2014 2017. Using the NASA Size Estimation Model, a method based on laboratory radar measurements of debris, we will compare the size distributions of selected orbital debris populations over this 4-year period and flux measurements of orbital debris greater than 1 cm

“Transsredizemnomorskaja Francija (ТРАНССРЕДИЗЕМНОМОРСКАЯ ФРАНЦИЯ)' (France and Algeria: Trans-Mediterranean society)

The colonization of Algeria had an important influence on French politics, culture and the economy during the nineteenth century. This article proposes examining France as a Trans-Mediterranean society characterized by both national and colonial elements. It attempts to question boundaries between nation-state and empire by focusing on the multiple and competing national imaginaries that often shaped understandings of France in an age of imperialism. Trans-Mediterranean France constituted one means of conceptualizing a national-imperial community and provides a framework for assessing French history as well as analyzing current issues relevant to identity politics and multiculturalism today

A Collaborative Leadership Strategy To Develop a Missional Focus at the Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church

Problem The problem addressed in this project was the lack of missional focus at the Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church. Four symptoms were correlated to this problem. First, from 2010 to 2013 the Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church witnessed a slight decline in tithe and a drop in mission offerings. Second, conference archive data from 2003 to 2013 showed that the membership had remained steady while attendance had gradually been in decline. Third, though no formal surveys were available at the initiation of this project, anecdotal evidence from the conference to the local level showed varying opinions concerning the focus of the church. Such opinions ranged from the church lacks “missional focus” or “the church is dead!” to the opposite, where there was a sense of optimism from members involved in ministries. Some of the elders also expressed a desire for a unified goal or mission. Last, prior to this project the Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church had no documents stating its mission or vision—no emphasis in its bulletins, in its building (plaque or banner), or on its website. These four symptoms pointed to a need to develop a process to help the church reconsider its current and future course. Such a process would have as its main outcome the development of a mission/vision document and five-year goals. Such a document would be formulated after receiving input from as many members as possible. Methodology The task of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a biblically-based collaborative strategy to help the Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church draft a mission/vision document and five-year goals. Besides this overarching goal was the evaluation of other areas commonly associated with Church health: increases in giving, accessions, etc. This strategy combined biblical concepts, leadership literature, with some emphasis on collaboration, and a corporate collaborative process to generate the mission/vision document and five-year goals. Some elements included: seasons of prayer, Sabbath afternoon sessions with study guides and presentations along with various other components that were utilized to create the collaborative environment that was experienced. The Church’s self-perception, though not a major outcome, was evaluated twice using an assessment tool produced by the Northern California Conference at the beginning and the end of this process. Specifically, this process began with an assessment in August of 2014 and ended with the second assessment in April of 2016. Also, financial data for tithe, church budget and mission giving were evaluated before and after the project. Coupled with these financial factors were the evaluation of membership, attendance, and ascension trends. Results After the 21-month process, the following was observed: The Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church developed a mission/vision document and five-year goals. The Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church saw an increase in its score for missional focus on its second self-assessment survey even though the total number of respondents was less than the first survey. Specifically, the average for each of the four questions relating to missional focus increased by one to two points. This improvement, moved the Church on a scale of 1 to 5 closer to the score of 4 for each of the four questions relating to missional focus. Financial giving improved in the areas of tithe (up to $225,973.51 in 2014 and$234,442.11 in 2015 from $187,722.65 in 2013). This effectively reversed a downward trend that began in 2011. Other contributing factors to an increase in tithe besides the implementation of this project could be: the arrival of a new pastor, members returning to Anderson after the departure of the previous pastor, and the addition of new members as a result of public evangelism. Missions giving increased from$1,867.10 in 2013 to $6,525.14 in 2014 and$5,172.62 by the end of 2015. The downward trend was ended that began in 2011 in this area though it did not restore it to the over $8,000 per year levels that were experienced pre-2011. The local Church Budget went from an unclear status, where for the previous two years, a loss was presented to the congregation and reports to the Church Board were not always clear, to an increase of over$5,000 in 2014 and a moderate surplus in 2015, with clearer reporting. Membership increased from 287 in 2014 to 306 in 2015 which was a level that had not been experienced prior to 2011. Also, the trend of no baptisms for the previous three years was effectively reversed during the time of this project. Community outreach ministries in the areas of health, youth, felt needs, fellowship meals, community service and public evangelism saw the number of their events increase. However, as the activity level increased adjustments needed to be made in order that these ministries could be sustainable: realistic ministry calendars, budgets and intentional breaks were developed and implemented. Conclusion A strategy to help a church revise or regain its missional focus that endeavors to include the whole church in an environment of collaboration can be a contributing factor in reversing downward trends and guiding a church towards a goal of revitalization. Though the process followed in this project is subject to revision and improvement, the overarching principles learned can be utilized in endeavors to engage in Church revitalization; members must be mobilized to take ownership for the future direction of their church and clergy must equip them to do so. Such concepts are clearly outlined in the Bible and have been utilized in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Defining modernity: mentality and ideology under the French Second Empire

This study intends to examine the relationship between popular conceptions of modernity and Republican ideology during the Second Empire, 1852-1870. With the advent of the industrial revolution in France, scientific knowledge came to be equated with notions of progress and innovation, leading intellectual elites to design philosophical and social systems predicated upon the authority of scientific analysis and objectivity. Influenced by the intellectual currents under the Second Empire, a new generation of Republican political theorists incorporated notions of science into their ideological outlook, ultimately engendering a moderate brand of Republicanism which played a significant role in the founding of the Third Republic after 1870. The efforts of intellectuals and Republican elites formulated a social program which utilized popular conceptions of science and progress to promote democratic and secular values, as well as discourage political violence. In defining their vision of modern society, the jeunes républicains consciously created an ideological system that comported with the hegemonic ambitions and social outlook of the new French bourgeoisie coming of age under the Second Empire. Thus, the exaltation of science, industry, and progress proffered by intellectuals and moderate Republican theorists constituted an affirmation of urban bourgeois values, with the subsequent social visions derived from such considerations reflecting and legitimizing, in part, these values and principles. In evaluating the conflicts and dilemmas which faced Republicans under the Second Empire, this study seeks to reveal the importance of the imperial period in shaping the ideological outlook of the Third Republic. Offering a comprehensive view of modern society based upon popular notions of science and progress, Republican elites were able to establish a progressive and democratic political program which formulated a conception of modernity consistent with the interests and outlooks of the urban bourgeoisie seeking primacy under the Second Empire. The establishment of the Third Republic in 1870 and subsequent political victories in the 1880s signaled the triumph of the ideals and objectives devised by moderate Republicans between 1852 and 1870

The Cult of the Modern

The Cult of the Modern focuses on nineteenth-century France and Algeria and examines the role that ideas of modernity and modernization played in both national and colonial programs during the years of the Second Empire and the early Third Republic. Gavin Murray-Miller rethinks the subject by examining the idiomatic use of modernity in French cultural and political discourse. The Cult of the Modern argues that the modern French republic is a product of nineteenth-century colonialism rather than a creation of the Enlightenment or the French Revolution. This analysis contests the predominant Parisian and metropolitan contexts that have traditionally framed French modernity studies, noting the important role that colonial Algeria and the administration of Muslim subjects played in shaping understandings of modern identity and governance among nineteenth-century politicians and intellectuals.In synthesizing the narratives of continental France and colonial North Africa, Murray-Miller proposes a new framework for nineteenth-century French political and cultural history, bringing into sharp relief the diverse ways in which the French nation was imagined and represented throughout the country’s turbulent postrevolutionary history, as well as the implications for prevailing understandings of France today

Bonapartism in Algeria: empire and sovereignty before the Third Republic

Between 1852 and 1870, Napoleon III and his Bonapartist entourage successfully established a Second Napoleonic Empire that encouraged a ‘cult of the emperor’, emphasizing the strong and even mystical bond between the sovereign and the people. While the ‘spectacular politics’ of the Bonapartist regime have been examined in detail, far less attention has been given to how Bonapartist patriotism was applied within a colonial context and, more specifically, in relation to Algeria. This article examines iterations of Bonapartist dynastic patriotism and nationalist politics in North Africa. It argues that an evaluation of French imperial sovereignty and practices in the years prior to the Third Republic can help to diversify our understanding of the French colonial experience and propose models that diverged from the narrative of republican colonialism in crucial ways during the post-revolutionary period