Explosion Area Research Articles

THE ARMING OF ISRAEL AND ITS IMPACT ON REGIONAL AND WORLD PEACE AND EUROPEAN DETENTE

THE ARMING OF ISRAEL AND ITS IMPACT ON REGIONAL AND WORLD PEACE AND EUROPEAN DETENTE * Tiirkkaya ATAÖV I. Introduction: The problem of ending the arms race in our age requires a radical solution. The spirit of detente has scored several gains on the continent of Europe. But the Middle East and Eastern Medi-terranean, which may also be termed as the south of Europe, are among the best equipped regions of the worId in terms of ar-maments. It is generally believed that ali the Middle Eastern coun-tries taken together have the same number of tanks and combat planes as ali the NATO forces in Europe. It is no wonder, then, that the Middle East has experienced five wars, the situation there being explosive at present. The accumulation of stockpiles of arms in such an explosive area increases the fears of the other side, creating an atmosphere further leading to an unchecked growth of tension. Such spending on arms certainly impedes the develop-ment of the Middle Eastern countries as well.

Geochemical evidence for the characteristic of the 1908 Tunguska explosion body in Siberia, Russia

Twenty-two peat samples collected at different depths of a core including the layer affected by the 1908 explosion in Tunguska area of Central Siberia, Russia, and three basalt samples collected near the site, are analyzed by ICP-MS. The concentrations of Pd, Ni, Co, ∑REE, Ti and Sr in the event layers are 4—35 times higher than the background values in the normal layers. The variation of Pd is closely related to Ni, Co and ∑REE in the event layers, but not to these elements in the normal layers. It indicates that these excess elements came from the same source, i.e. the Tunguska explosion body. In addition, the patterns of Cl-chondrite-normalized REE in the event layers ((La/Yb) N ≈2—3) are much flatter than those in the normal layers ((La/Yb) N ≈7—143), and differ from those in the three basalt samples. The concentrations of REE in the three basalt samples are tens times higher than those in the event layers. It may be inferred that these excess elements could not be produced by the contamination of the terrestrial material, but probably by the Tunguska explosion body. Additionally, the ratios of Ti/Ni and Sr/Co in the event layers are close to those in comet. It implies that the solid part of the explosion body was compositionally similar to carbonaceous chondrites (Cl) and more probably a small comet. In terms of the Pd excess fluxes in the explosion area, it can be estimated that the celestial body that exploded over Tunguska in 1908 weighed more than 10 7 tons, corresponding to a radius of ＞126 m.

Family: a Christian social perspective

An authentic vision for today's Thoughtful and informative, Cahill's work brings fresh historical, theological, and ethical thought to the explosive area of family-deeply contested territory in today's cultural and religious skirmishes. As one group of social theorists and cultural critics points to rising divorce and illegitimacy rates as symptoms of unfettered individualism and moral laxity, another side notes that the traditional, nuclear is actually a product of the industrial age, with its strict gender roles, public-private split, and exclusion of an underclass. In the religious arena, evangelical- conservative vs. mainline-feminist lines echo these battles, contesting the authentic meaning of within a Christian framework. Though has been dissected in the academic and cultural wars, Cahill asserts that the usual religious agenda of restoring the traditional nuclear is actually misinformed and misguided. It actually bolsters oppressive social, economic, and racial mechanisms that are destroying families at the bottom, middle, and even top of the ladder. Is there an authentically Christian notion of family? Cahill's contribution shows in a striking way how very different we are counter-cultural New Testament and early- notions of from our ideas of family values; how, throughout history, other fruitful Christian examples have emerged in the work of John Chrysostom, Martin Luther, and the Puritans; how, despite distortion by gender and class divisions, there develops a Christian vision of the altruistic family, animated by Christian discipleship to stand for compassion, generosity, and justice; how pertinent this vision of the domestic church is to public debate and public policy.

Discovery of probable Tunguska cosmic body material: anomalies of platinum group elements and rare-earth elements in peat near the Explosion Site (1908)

Ten Sphagnum fuscum peat samples collected from different depths of a core including the layer affected by the 1908 Tunguska explosion in the Tunguska area of Central Siberia, Russia, were analyzed by ICP-MS to determine the concentrations of Pd, Rh, Ru, Co, REE, Y, Sr, and Sc. The analytical results indicate that the Pd and Rh concentrations in the event- and lower layers were 14.0–19.9, and 1.23–1.56 ppb, respectively, about 3–9 times and 3 times higher than the background values in the normal layers. In addition, the patterns of CI-chondrite-normalized REE in the event layers were much flatter than in the normal layers, and differed from those in the nearby traps. Hence, it can be inferred from the characteristics of the elemental geochemistry that the explosion was probably associated with extraterrestrial material, and which, most probably, was a small comet core the dust fraction of which was chemically similar to carbonaceous chondrites (CI). In terms of the Pd and REE excess fluxes in the explosion area, it can be estimated that the celestial body that exploded over Tunguska in 1908 weighed more than 10 6 t, corresponding to a radius of >60 m . If the celestial body was a comet, then its total mass was more than 2×10 7 t , and it had >160 m radius, and released an energy of >10 7 t TNT.

Value added taxes on electronic commerce: Obstacles to the EU Commission’s approach

While e-commerce is developing tremendously fast, domestic politics and legislation labour to keep up with the dynamics of the new technology. Among other things, fiscal law is a particularly explosive area. Here, the current proposal of the EU Commission is to apply the already existing value added tax to e-commerce. By doing so, the Commission hopes to prevent the massive threatened shortfall in tax revenue. How is this approach of the Commission to be judged? Are there any alternatives?

Isotopic anomaly in peat nitrogen is a probable trace of acid rains caused by 1908 Tunguska bolide

In peat sampled at the Tunguska Cosmic Body (TCB) explosion area, the sharp increase of the N concentration (about three-fold) and the positive N isotopic anomaly (δ 15N = + 3.5‰, see eqn) have for the first time been revealed. In contrast with the C and H effects observed earlier which were clearly limited to the epicentre area (Kolesnikov et al., 1997 in press), the same N effect has also been shown in peat sampled near the Vanavara settlement, 65 km south of the explosion epicentre. A clear connection of the observed anomalies in peat to the 1908 permafrost boundary, synchronism of the changes of δ 15N and the N concentration and also good agreement with data on the K T boundary deposits allow us to connect the observed effects to acid rain fall-out after passage and an explosion of the TCB.

Discovery of iridium and other element anomalies near the 1908 Tunguska explosion site

Fifteen peat samples collected from a core including the layer affected by the 1908 Tunguska explosion in Tunguska area of central Siberia, Russia, were analyzed by NAA to determine the contents of Ir, REE, Ni, Co, Fe and Sb. The analytical results indicate that Ir concentration in and under the event layer were 0.54-0.24 ppb, about 10–20 times higher than those reported in the work of Korina et al. (1987) and more than 2 times higher than in layers above, and other elements were enriched by factors of 2 to 5. In addition, the variation of Ni concentration is closely related with Ir in the explosive layer, and the patterris of chondrite normalized REE are almost flat, which are different from the traps of Siberian plateform. Hence, it can be inferred from the characteristics of elemental geochemistry that the explosion likely was associated with an extraterrestrial object. Because it exploded before reaching the ground, the density of the projectile must have been quite low, and its chemical composition was probably similar to carbonaceous chondrites (Cl). According to the Ir flux in the explosion area, it can be estimated that the celestial body weighed more than 3.5×10 4 tons, corresponding to > 60 m in diameter, and might have released energy equivalent to more than 10 6·t of TNT. If the projective was a comet, the total mass was more than 7×10 6 tons, and the diameter of core was more than 160 m.

Radar reflections from explosion and gas wake of operating engines

The mechanisms of radar reflections from the explosion area and gas wake of operating engines are analyzed; it is shown that the reflections caused by radiowave backscattering from a turbulent gas-like explosion and combustion products can be observed for rather a long time. The results of the investigations into local spatial-temporal characteristics of the disturbed area and radar observations, carried out at wavelengths 10, 3, 0.8, and 0.4 cm are presented.

Centimeter and millimeter-wave radio signals attenuation in explosions

The mechanisms of centimetre and millimetre radio wave attenuation in the explosion area of chemical explosives are analyzed. It is shown that the dominant factor is the attenuation caused by absorption in finely dispersed solid explosion products. The results of experimental measurement of the attenuation factor, the area dimensions important for attenuation and the duration of its existence for wavelengths of 0.4, 0.8, 3 cm are presented. A comparison of experimental data with results of derivations is performed.

Isotope Anomalies of Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen in Peat from the Area of the Tunguska Cosmic Body Explosion (1908)

Abstract Peat profiles from the area of the Tunguska explosion epicentre indicate significant carbon and hydrogen isotopic effects which are clearly associated with the zone of the 1908 "catastrophe", and which cannot be attributed to any known terrestrial processes. We explain them with the presence of extraterrestrial matter similar to carbonaceous chondrites or, more probably, to cometary matter. Initial data on nitrogen content and its isotope composition are consistent with the assumption of acid rainfall following the passage and explosion of the Tunguska cosmic body, as is known to have occurred during the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary.

Cyclotron resonance maser as a solar flare trigger

We propose a new mechanism of solar flaring, which is based on explosive phenomena in magnetic traps in the presence of a two-component plasma composed of fast electrons with anisotropic velocity distribution and a dense cold background plasma with high ionization. It is assumed that such a plasma is generated in a coronal magnetic trap in a preflare stage. This system, which is essentially a cyclotron resonance maser, becomes unstable under certain conditions and gives rise to an explosive cyclotron instability, which develops at first in a very small local area and is accompanied by intense heating of the background plasma and release of fast electrons at the trap ends. The energy of fast particles is collected from the entire volume of the magnetic trap and is localized in the form of heat in the explosion area from which thermal and shock waves are propagated. The model makes it possible to explain the main solar flare effects.

Characterization of explosives by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry using electrospray ionization and parent‐ion scanning techniques

AbstractAnalytical techniques for the detection of small amounts of explosives (in the picogram range) are now involved in various application. Some of them concern soil, water and air monitoring in order to face environmental problems related to improper handling procedures either in stocking or in wasting of the explosive products. Other areas are strictly related to forensic analysis of samples coming either from explosion areas where the matrix is various (metal, glass, wood, scraps), or from explosives transportation related to international terrorism. Generally speaking, for these applications the bulk of the matrix seriously interferes in the detection of the explosive analyte, which is usually present at trace levels. Unfortunately, despite some improvements, analytical techniques developed up today in this domain are still faced to two main constraints: the introduction of new products with unanticipated chemico‐physical properties and the requirement of a routine and fast analytical method which can handle any matrix with a minimal clean‐up and performing a sensitivity compatible either with the ever‐decreasing demanded detection limit and with the ever‐decreasing available specimen amount. These requirements can be fulfilled now by the new LC‐MS and LC‐MSMS techniques: mass spectrometry (MS) is likely an universal detector but even specific, especially when implemented in tandem MS (MSMS); LC is by far the most suitable technique to handle such a kind of compounds. Moreover, of a particular concern are some explosives which are reported to be thermally stable but difficult to dissolve. Some of the experiments on characterization of explosives [Octagen (HMX), Ethyleneglycol dinitrate (EGDN), Exogen (RDX), Propanetriol trinitrate (NG), Trinitrotoluene (TNT), N‐Methyl‐N‐tetranitrobenzenamine (TETRYL), Dintrotoluene (DNT), Bis‐(nitrooxy‐methyl) propanediol dinitrate (PETN), Hexanitrostilbene (HNS), Triazido‐trinitrobenzene (TNTAB), Tetranitro‐acridone (TENAC), Hexa‐nitrodiphenylamine (HEXYL), Nitroguanidine (NQ)] by LC‐MS and LC‐MSMS with the API‐IonSpray source and using the Parent‐Scan technique are presented.

The Baltic states and the CSCE

Summary This study shows that the Baltic peoples acted with much patience in achieving independence and free and democratic states. Their road to independence and international recognition was paved by perestroika and glasnost. Without these developments in the Soviet Union, the attempts to break away would have been crushed as happened in Hungary in 1956 and in Czechoslovakia in 1968. Later on Gorbachev became a major obstacle to the Baltic cause. The Balts had to pursue their goals in spite of resistance from the Soviet leadership. After independence and international recognition, Estonia and Latvia began to play an active role within the framework of the CSCE. Although the current situation in the very northeastern part of Europe seems to be quiet, one has to reckon with new cleavages and confrontations between the Baltic States and particularly Russia, due to several unresolved problems such as minority policy and Russian military power. The rise of ultranationalist forces in Russia, such as Zhirinovsky's Liberal Democrats, may add to the tense atmosphere in the Baltic region. Further tension could complicate the position of the CSCE regarding the countries concerned. Since the CSCE failed to restore peace and stability in the former Yugoslavia, it might fail in such an explosive area as the Baltic as well. Nevertheless, the CSCE facilitates a forum for peaceful settlement of disputes and therefore provides the chance to use diplomatic measures to prevent the outbreak of a military conflict.

The reaction of humpback whales to underwater explosions: Orientation, movements, and behavior

In 1992, local fishermen reported unusually high net collision rates by humpback whales in Bull Arm, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland (47° 45′N, 53° 50′W), an area of underwater industrial activity. As part of a study to investigate this phenomenon [see also Ketten et al., this meeting], levels and types of noise—including underwater explosions—were sampled. The location and movement of a small group of humpbacks (71 individuals identified over a 19-day period) resident in Bull Arm were monitored; when possible, behavior of individuals was recorded directly. CTD profiles and bait abundance were also noted. Explosions were of high amplitude and low frequency. Measured at 1 mile from source, levels typically reached 150 dB (re: 1 μPa at 1 m, at 350 Hz). Following explosions, residency time and location of individual humpbacks did not change. When individuals could be observed directly, no behavioral reaction to explosions (sudden dives, abrupt movements) were seen. Although not statistically significant, more animals were sighted and resighting rates were higher in the explosion area than in other parts of the bay. However, two animals recollided with fishing gear—such reports of successive entrapments are rare.

Analysis of the Accidental Explosion at PEPCON, Henderson, Nevada, on May 4, 1988

AbstractDamages caused by a large, accidental explosion in Henderson, NV, were surveyed and interpreted for their estimated causative airblast overpressures. Results were widely scattered by uncertainty in structural (primarily window glass) response as well as weather effects, but the total pattern of estimated overpressures versus distances generally agrees with a 1‐kt NE assumption for the airburst source strength. This is duplicated by a 227‐Mg HE surface burst. Since approximately 1.36‐Gg AP were destroyed in the area of the largest single explosion, an HE explosive equivalence for ammonium per‐chlorate appears to be about 1/6. Considering the yield‐scaled response of overpressures to yield, there is no significant difference with an independent yield estimate of 454‐Mg HE, made from close‐in blast effects on relatively ideal structural elements.

Optical sensor for on-line determination of solvent mixtures based on a fluorescent solvent polarity probe

A new optical sensor for determination of solvent mixtures (such as water in organic solvent) is based on a fluorescent solvent polarity (SP) probe immobilized on an ion-exchange membrane. The fluorescent probe responds to changes in SP by both a shift in the fluorescence emission maximum and a change in fluorescence quantum yield. In this sensor, the analytical information is the relative fluorescence intensity measured at 620 nm (500 nm excitation). The sensor can be applied over a wide range of solvents. The response time ( t 90) is of the order of 15 s. Given the unique applications of fibre optic sensors (e.g., for remote sensing and sensing in explosive areas), the new sensor is expected to be applicable in process control.

Closure of an Unlined Evaporation Pond: a Case History

In 1985, the Fort Worth District, Corps of Engineers, successfully permitted and executed the closure of an unlined evaporation pond at the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant in east Texas. The pond, constructed in 1963 at the site of an active explosive waste-burning ground area, had been used to store explosive wastes resulting from the washout of rocket motor casings and solvent residues from operations involving pyrotechnic material preparation and mixing. Because operation of the unlined evaporation pond appeared to be primarily responsible for locally contaminating the ground water, the Army ceased operation of the pond in 1984 and began formal closure activities for the unit as a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) interim status surface impoundment. Under Phase I of the closure contract, a total of 1,877,113 gal of wastewater was removed and shipped via tank truck to a permitted disposal well some 80 mi from the site. The Phase II contract consisted of removal and transporting of contaminated sludges and soils to a permitted hazardous waste disposal site, backfilling the pond, installing a filter drain system, and turfing. A total of 8,116 yd 3 of material was excavated and shipped from the site.

Some recent advances in fibreoptic sensors

Fibre-optic sensor technology provides a means of performing sensing functions in hostile environments, such as explosive or high electromagnetic-interferenceprone areas, whilst also offering advantages in terms of convenience of application. For these reasons fibre-optic sensors are currently of great interest to large sections of the industrial and military community. The paper presents a selection of the sensor systems upon which Plessey Research has worked in recent years and which illustrate this wide interest. The fibre-optic gas sensor and the fibre-optic distributed temperature sensor are examples of sensors with general industrial interest. The analogue spectral-filtering sensor system and the fibreoptic gyroscope are of interest to the aerospace industry. The hydrophone has potential naval applications whilst fibre-optic evanescent field sensors have an attraction to medical and industrial users. For each of these sensor types the principle of operation and the demonstrated performance are described and the current state of development commented on.

(29) Long-term skin changes due to exposure to radiation in a nuclear explosion area

Journal Article (29) Long‐term skin changes due to exposure to radiation in a nuclear explosion area Get access S.A. Khan S.A. Khan Pinderfields General Hospital Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 117, Issue s32, 1 June 1987, Pages 78–79, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1987.tb12069.x Published: 01 June 1987

A Causal Perspective on School Segregation Among American States: A Research Note

Since the mid-sixties, patterns of school segregation in this country have undergone extensive change, especially in the South. Most of this uprooting of intrenched institutional relationships did not just happen; old customs, buttressed by law, die hard. The impact of federal pressure over almost two decades finally created a situation where the costs were greater for continued resistance than for compliance. Until recently the national government made virtually no effort to desegregate northern schools; thus, change in this region has been quite limited. Regardless of region, federal pressure does not operate in a vacuum. Some states are more successful than others in blunting the impact of federal law in this socially explosive area. Presumably, influences aside from the federal government are operative as well. Using data on percentage of blacks attending minority schools for both 1968 and 1972, this study analyzes those forces affecting school segregation among the states.