During structural fire fighting operations, fire fighters wear protective gear to insulate them from high temperature environments, including hot combustion gases, burning surfaces, and thermal radiation. Current turnout gear insulates the fire fighter to such an extent, encapsulating his/her entire body, that it is difficult for each individual fire fighter to understand how hazardous or hot the thermal environment is. Therefore, the natural heat-sensing...

Prior to the Second World War, the Army had a deeply engrained facility with and acceptance of what we now term unconventional warfare - raising, training, advising and cooperating with tribal militias, local paramilitaries, and other non-state armed groups. This culture of irregular warfare stemmed from nearly 300 years of American military tradition, from the colonial period until 1941, and was based on extensive experience in cooperating with Native...

The first lecture, presented by Dr. Tim White, professor of integrative biology at the University of California-Berkeley, broadly introduces the topic of human evolution and methods of investigating evolutionary questions, ranging from physical anthropology to genetics. The second lecture, presented by Dr. Sarah Tishkoff, professor of genetics and phylogeny at the University of Pennsylvania, explores the genetics of human origins and adaptation....

The density and development of deerbrush (Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn.), other shrubs, forbs, graminoids, and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. var. ponderosa) seedlings were evaluated in a young plantation in northern California from 1988 through 1997. Treatment regimes consisted of manual release (grubbing) over 3 to 6 years and resulted in vegetation recovery times of 4 to 10 years. Revegetation was remarkably diverse, rapid,...

Animal groups, beginning classification: Mammals, Birds, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Insects. Simple explanations and vivid footage provide an excellent lesson in classifying animals. Discover that animals can be classified into groups by characteristics they have in common. Learn about the traits that help distinguish each group of animals, and see how these traits help them survive. Bluebirds: One man's dedication has helped bring back bluebirds,...

The current economic downturn has brought significant financial stress to the auto manufacturing industry. Recent deteriorating financial, real estate, and labor markets have reduced consumer confidence and available credit, and automobile purchases have declined. While auto manufacturers broadly have experienced declining sales in 2008 as the economy has worsened, sales of the "Big 3" (General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford) have also declined relative...