Safety Rituals: How Women Cope with the Fear of Sexual Violence

In this study we focus on how women\u27s fear of sexual violence shapes their views on sexual assault and influences their use of safety strategies as well as how those safety strategies may restrict their use of time and space. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 participants who also journaled for one week on the topic of sexual violence. Data were analyzed through an inductive analysis approach. These women think about sexual violence as a widespread problem that affects them disproportionately more than it affects men; they engage in precautionary behaviors in a ritualistic manner; and their fear of sexual assault is restrictive. Safety rituals seem to help these women feel powerful, in control, and less anxious

The utilization of an infrared imaging system as a cooling slot blockage detector in the inspection of a transpiration cooled nozzle

A comprehensive examination of the 8 foot temperature tunnel's transpiration cooled nozzle was completed using an infrared imaging radiometer to locate regions of cooling flow irregularities caused by obstruction of three or more adjacent cooling slots. Restrictions in the cooling flow were found and cataloged. Blockages found were due primarily to the presence of residual phosphoric acid being discharged from some of the cooling slots. This acid was used during construction of the nozzle components and was to have been purged prior to its delivery to the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). In addition, a radial displacement of one selection of discs located in the spool piece was inspected and cataloged for future reference. There did not seem to be a serious restriction of flow in this defect, but evidence from the infrared images indicated reduced slot activity within the gouge. The radiometer survey uncovered regions where closer inspection is recommended but did not cover the entire surface area of the three nozzle subsections due to equipment limitations. A list of areas with suspected problems is included in Appendix A

A preliminary study of factors affecting the calibration stability of the iridium versus iridium-40 percent rhodium thermocouple

An iridium versus iridium-40% rhodium thermocouple was studied. Problems associated with the use of this thermocouple for high temperature applications (up to 2000 C) were investigated. The metallurgical studies included X-ray, macroscopic, resistance, and metallographic studies. The thermocouples in the as-received condition from the manufacturer revealed large amounts of internal stress caused by cold working during manufacturing. The thermocouples also contained a large amount of inhomogeneities and segregations. No phase transformations were observed in the alloy up to 1100 C. It was found that annealing the thermocouple at 1800 C for two hours, and then at 1400 C for 2 to 3 hours yielded a fine grain structure, relieving some of the strains, and making the wire more ductile. It was also found that the above annealing procedure stabilized the thermal emf behavior of the thermocouple for application below 1800 C (an improvement from + or - 1% to + or - 0.02% within the range of the test parameters used)

Competitor intelligence for the smaller enterprise.

The practice of Competitor Intelligence is well established in the USA where it is estimated that 80% of all firms utilise it to their competitive advantage. Within the UK however, it is only gradually becoming a part of the strategic activity of large multi-nationals which have realised the benefit of “being aware”. Unfortunately, it is hardly ever mentioned within the small and medium sized enterprise (SME) sector which has so much to gain from engaging in CI. Competitor activity is a fundamental part of every market. Understanding it through CI provides opportunities for profitable growth. Lack of understanding results in an increased risk of failure. The two most commonly stated problems for SMEs are “too many competitors” and “large competitors” so it makes good sense to know what they are doing. Even the smallest attention to this area has the potential to make an immense contribution to business success. This report discusses the benefits that Competitor Intelligence can bring, where to obtain it (often inexpensively or free) and assesses how SMEs can use CI to their benefit to formulate successful business strategies. Recommendations are provided for those firms wishing to use CI in order to achieve competitive advantage through a greater knowledge of the competitive situation

Competitive intelligence in action.

This document reports on the findings of the very first survey to be undertaken on Competitive Intelligence (CI) practice in UK firms. The findings from mail and interview data were analysed and categorised to produce a Taxonomy of CI Practice. This study was the foundation from which further empirical studies were designed