Abstract
The following paper examines the history of solid propulsion and black powder and discusses how it was used. It also looks at the advantages and disadvantages of solid propulsion in relation to its liquid counterparts.

From the Paper
"The first solid propulsion engines were invented by the Chinese early in the 13th century in use of fireworks. These homemade rockets were propelled by black powder. The first recorded military use was in 1232 in a military siege where the powder propelled rockets were used to set fire to tents. It wasn't until years later around the early 15th century when they started becoming used in Europe and equipped with a payload. Gunpowder started being used as it burned slower than black powder. The two have same the same ingredients but in different proportions. A large step forward was when the solid propulsion rockets were used to carry rope from distressed ships to shore in stormy conditions. The sailors would use the rope as a lifeline in their rowboats. However this relied on the fact that the shore could only be as far away as the longest rope."

Tags:solid, rocket, oxidizer, Newton, third, law, equal, reaction, space, travel, reliability, ignition

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the issues involved in genetic engineering, including the pros, cons and the use of eugenics. The author begins with a discussion of randomness and chaos in nature, and how we interpret these phenomenon. The implications of gene modification are also presented, including the benefits of germ-line gene therapy. The author continues by explaining eugenics, its positive aspects and its potential for abuse. In closing, the author argues that we must use wisdom when using genetic engineering.

From the Paper
"Some forms of genetic modifications can be beneficial. Germ-line gene therapy involves inserting genes and artificial chromosomes into the embryo (First GM, 2001). This is used to cure genetic and behavioural disorders such as schizophrenia. (Heaf, n.d.) It also can increase the intelligence or physical performance of the organism. (Holtzman, 2005) These genetically altered traits are passed down to the person's offspring, which includes irreversible mistakes (Heaf, n.d.). This is clearly eugenics because the offspring as specifically altered to display favored characteristics."

Tags:genetic modifications, fertility treatment, embryo, fertility technology, eugenics

Abstract
This paper examines technological disasters in the airline industry. In particular it looks at the British jet aircraft industry after the accidents. It allows us to gain insight into what people?s conceptions were, and why certain events unfolded as they did. It shows us how people can learn from technological disasters, and even though they seem catastrophic at the time, they give us the necessary tools to insure that such disasters do not happen again.

From the paper:

"The Comet planes, operated predominantly by BOAC had established Britain as both a successful pioneer and leader in civil jet aviation. However, several American companies, including Boeing, were in hot pursuit of de-Havilland, fighting for their share of the new civil jet market. ?The Comets symbolized to Britons their nation?s pre-eminence in jet aviation,? 5 and so the accidents came as a devastating blow, both in the short and long term. In the aftermath of the accidents, all Comets were grounded pending investigation, causing huge problems and losses."

Tags:aeroplanes, aircraft, airplanes, aviation, boac, jetliners, jets, planes

Abstract
This report compares the silicon-based computer and the emerging DNA-based computer. The study focuses on the major components involved in both, their method of use, and general reasons for use, all centered around the engineering and biological principals that are critical to the success of the DNA-based computer. Detailed and scientifically rigorous statements of the principles are provided along with a detailed definition of key terms, which can be found in the glossary at the end of this report. Sample problems and calculations are provided throughout the report to illustrate the method of use and abilities of this new way of computing. Based on the computing abilities and potential of the DNA-based computer, a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the social and ethical concerns associated with the technology is presented.

Table of Contents
Abstract
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Overview and Background
3.0 Major Components Involved
4.0 Method of Use
5.0 General Reasons for Use
6.0 Advantages and Disadvantages
7.0 Social and Ethical Concerns
8.0 Conclusion
References
Glossary

From the Paper
"The abilities and power of computers to this day have increased, almost exponentially, since the dawn of their creation. Every year the speeds of microchips more than double while their size continues to shrink. This exponential growth of silicon chip speed and inverse of size has come to be known as Moore's Law . As advancements in micro silicon chip production continue, however, more and more obstacles are faced due to the increase in complexities of the problems for which they are required. More computing power is required while costs need to be controlled. The answer to this is to build a radically different type of computer that uses DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) as oppose to silicon to store and manipulate data. The practicality of this new design is still far off, however, it is believed that this new technology can produce DNA-based computers that would be far superior than today's supercomputers at a fraction of their size and, ultimately, their costs. A part-by-part comparison of both the silicon-based computer and the emerging DNA-based computer under the conditions of the major components involved in both, their method of use, and general reasons for use, will be discussed. Also, their potential in society will be evaluated based on their advantages and disadvantages in regards to storage abilities, cost effectiveness, and reliability of use, as well as, social and ethical concerns involving their effect on the future of computing, society, way of life, and potential misuses of this new technology. This report describes and evaluates the emerging technology of DNA based computers based on their engineering and biological principals, and provides a comparison of this prospect to the silicon-based computers used widely in all areas of today's society."

Tags:based, biology, biotechnology, compute, computing, dna, engineering

Abstract
This paper discusses the Comet jet airplane accidents of the early 1950's, and the profound effects they had on certain aspects of our society. The author examines the various effects a technological disaster has on our lives and the world around us, as well as how our views towards the technology may be altered after a technological disaster.

From the Paper:

"By examining the jet aircraft industry, but in particular the British jet aircraft industry after the accidents, we are able to gain insight into what people's conceptions were, and why certain events unfolded as they did. With any technological disaster, trust in the product is often lost very quickly, and various actions are often taken to try and restore this trust. By examining these actions we can better understand how many people felt about the technology after the disasters. Lastly, not all technological disasters have purely negative connotations. Much can be learned from technological accidents that eventually lead to important improvements in the technology. By examining one major technological failure and its various effects we can gain a better understanding of how we are affected by technology as well as how our views towards the technology may be altered."

Tags:airplane, disaster, effects, history, social, technology, aircraft, industry

Abstract
A look at the moral questions around human cloning. The author discusses the effects of mass media on views of cloning, the the religious and scientific questions centered around the topic and the influence that cloning has on society as a whole.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Media Representation of Cloning
Uniqueness and Individuality
Motivations Behind Cloning
The Mad Scientist
Religion on Cloning
Is Cloning Permissible
Crossing the Line
Science and Religion
Unstoppable Science
Who is the Parent
The Dangers in Cloning.
Cellular Problems
A Twist on Creation
Medical OK Human-Cloning No Way
Government Regulations
Anti-abortionists
Clone Animals Benefits Human.
The Human Factor
Being Human ? A Life Worth Living
Expectations
Immortality
Author?s Opinions
Paradigms
Act/Result-based
Conclusions
Work Cited

From the Paper
"In the near future, we will have to face the fact that the course of science will always win and inevitability cloning of human or at least the cloning of organs will be performed. The question is "is cloning human beings acceptable and where do we draw the line?" Cloning has sparked controversies over the past few years. With the race to map the DNA and its completion, it has steered up the imagination of our society of what to come. In this paper, we will discus how the mass media has influenced our views and values associated with a human life and the possibility of it being cloned. We will also look at the religious point of view as well as the science on this issue. We will take a quick look on how cloning has and will affect society along with what it is to be human. This technology is still new and a lot the following will be opinions, ideas and reflections on this issue. One must take them into consideration. If one simply jumps to a conclusion, then one is fool hearted and naive since it is still too early to make such a decision whether it is permissible to clone to clone human beings. There is simply no right or wrong answer, just a matter of moral, ethics and what you believe in. For decades, cloning has been a novelty of science fiction movies but with the resent development in biotechnology and the arrival of Dolly the cloned sheep, the possibility of cloning a human being came ever so close to reality."

Tags:abortionists, anti, being, clone, dna, dolly, ethics, human, immortality, individuality, moral, morality, psychology, religion, science, sheep, twins, xenotransplantation

Abstract
This paper differentiates between the dangerous slab avalanche, and the often harmless powder avalanche. It explains what weather conditions contribute to the worst avalanches. It also examines the significant impacts avalanches have on the environment and shows certain preventative techniques to protect and limit the damages and deaths caused by avalanches.

From the Paper
"There are two types of avalanches; powder avalanches and slab avalanches. In very cold, dry weather, light powdery snow grains don't stick together. If this snow is pushed down the slope, it forms a powder avalanche, which swirls along like an enormous white cloud. Normally these avalanches aren't that dangerous as there isn't much snow in them, they are also easy to get away from, most of the time. The slab avalanche is the most dangerous, and causes the most damage. A slab avalanche starts off as a solid chunk of frozen snow about the size of a soccer field and about 30 feet thick ( McClung, David and Schaerer, Peter, 129). It usually forms on sunny days that are followed by frosty nights and snow that melts and freezes again. These slabs are cracked, commonly by the edge of a ski, and break into many different thick pieces that haul down the slope, taking out whatever is in its path."

Tags:avalanche, disasters, disasters, natural, related, weather

Abstract
The enclosed report titled A Comparison of the 2001 BMW M3 Versus the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG: Their engineering, design, and performance, is submitted in accordance with the request for an analytical report regarding the two vehicles. This report provides a detailed evaluation and comparison of the two vehicles based solely on their general data about the chassis and body, as well as engine design and engineering, and suspension and handling. Your request to disregard all costs related to the vehicles as a comparison issue is duly noted. Special attention is focused on the performance of both vehicles, to provide a recommendation for the superior of the two as you have asked for.

From the Paper
Your request to disregard all costs related to the vehicles as a comparison issue is duly noted. Special attention is focused on the performance of both vehicles, to provide a recommendation for the superior of the two as you have asked for.

Tags:automobile, automotive, bmw, car, design, engineering, mercedes, performance, sports, race, vehicles

Abstract
This paper discusses the social change that is a result of new reproductive technologies. It investigates the effects on the concept of the family, women's bodies, and on our very lives as a whole. The paper investigates the social relevance of cloning, in vitro fertilzation, and surrogate motherhood.

From the Paper
"We live in an age in which technology is playing a greater and greater role in the construction of our society and in the ideologies and perspectives that are applied to understanding social phenomena. Technology has revolutionized the way we look at communication and media, transportation, the work place, and social institutions. It is not surprising, then, the new technologies are having an impact on the way we view the basic social unit - the family. The founding of new reproductive technologies (NRTs) has redefined and continues to redefine the meaning and construction of the family in our society. It has also contributed directly to the changing implications of women's roles in the family and society. While some argue in favor of these changes and their positive social influences and implications, others argue against the control which these technologies represent over individual's bodies. The following paper will explore these arguments in order to demonstrate the overall thesis that NRTs are changing the way we look at ourselves, the family, women and society as a whole. The impact of these technologies socially is growing more and more, and in order to fully understand their significance we need to examine their social relevance."

Tags:cloning, in, virtro, fertilization, surrogate, ethics

Abstract
This paper discusses how Dr. Victor Frankenstein's creation, thought to be impossible by many, may not be so far fetched in the real world. The author makes comparisons between the monster's creation and modern medical techniques, such as transplantation and cloning.

From the Paper
"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein portrays an epic description of immortality. In this movie, many questions are raised dealing with the possibility of raising the dead and living forever. Is this scientifically possible? Is this morally right? Would we be able to handle having this knowledge and only using it when it became appropriate, and in what cases would it ever be appropriate? The answers to these questions are unknown at this moment in time but soon may be unveiled by the flourishing knowledge of science."

Tags:genetics, monster, paranormal, philosophy, transplant