Homeland Security: Federal Protective Service's Contract Guard Program Requires More Oversight and Reassessment of Use of Contract Guards (open access)

Homeland Security: Federal Protective Service's Contract Guard Program Requires More Oversight and Reassessment of Use of Contract Guards

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "To accomplish its mission of protecting about 9,000 federal facilities, the Federal Protective Service (FPS) currently has a budget of about $1 billion, about 1,225 full-time employees, and about 15,000 contract security guards. FPS obligated $659 million for guard services in fiscal year 2009. This report assesses the challenges FPS faces in managing its guard contractors, overseeing guards deployed at federal facilities, and the actions, if any, FPS has taken to address these challenges. To address these objectives, GAO conducted site visits at 6 of FPS's 11 regions; interviewed FPS officials, guards, and contractors; and analyzed FPS's contract files. GAO also conducted covert testing at 10 judgmentally selected level IV facilities in four cities. A level IV facility has over 450 employees and a high volume of public contact."
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Texas Attorney General Opinion: GA-0769 (open access)

Texas Attorney General Opinion: GA-0769

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification; Whether a county commissioner has announced his candidacy or become a candidate in fact for election to another office ,thereby automatically resigning the office of county commissioner by virtue of article 16 ,section 65 of the Texas Constitution (RA-0836-GA).
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Texas. Attorney-General's Office.
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Safeguard By Design Lessons Learned from DOE Experience Integrating Safety into Design (open access)

Safeguard By Design Lessons Learned from DOE Experience Integrating Safety into Design

This paper identifies the lessons to be learned for the institutionalization of Safeguards by Design (SBD) from the Department of Energy (DOE) experience developing and implementing DOE-STD-1189-2008, Integration of Safety into the Design Process. The experience is valuable because of the similarity of the challenges of integrating safety and safeguards into the design process. The paper reviews the content and development of DOE-STD-1189-2008 from its initial concept in January 2006 to its issuance in March 2008. Lessons learned are identified in the areas of the development and structure of requirements for the SBD process; the target audience for SBD requirements and guidance, the need for a graded approach to SBD, and a possible strategy for development and implementation of SBD within DOE.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Hockert, John & Burbank, Roberta L.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Realizing novel accelerator concepts in an X-band photo-injector (open access)

Realizing novel accelerator concepts in an X-band photo-injector

In this project we propose to investigate the use of novel accelerator structure cell geometry to enhance the performance of X-band photo-injectors. Making novel accelerator concepts possible involves fabrication and testing of components to ensure that the performance predicted by simulation is robustly achievable. This work is important because photo-injectors are increasingly used to provide high brightness electron beams for light sources, pushing their performance to the limits, but also requiring them to be user-facility stable. Careful investigation in both computer simulation and design, and low power testing of piece parts will enable the successful fabrication of an advanced X-band photo-injector.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Marsh, R
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Evolution of Static Physical Properties in Plutonium by Self-irradiation Damage (open access)

Evolution of Static Physical Properties in Plutonium by Self-irradiation Damage

The alpha-decay of plutonium leads to the age-related change in physical properties. This paper presents updated results of age-related effects on enriched and reference alloys measured from immersion density, dilatometry, and mechanical tests. After nearly 100 equivalent years of aging, both the immersion density and dilatometry show that the enriched alloys are decreasing in density by less than 0.02% per year and now exhibit a near linear density decrease, without void swelling. The tensile tests show that the aging process increases the strength of plutonium alloys, followed by possible saturation past 70 equivalent years of age. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop capabilities to predict physical properties changed by aging effects.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Chung, B W; Lema, K E & Hiromoto, D S
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Potentially Missing Physics of the Early Universe: Nonlinear Vacuum Polarization in Intense Blackbody Radiation (open access)

Potentially Missing Physics of the Early Universe: Nonlinear Vacuum Polarization in Intense Blackbody Radiation

The standard Big Bang universe model is mainly based on linear interactions, except during exotic periods such as inflation. The purpose of the present proposal is to explore the effects, if any, of vacuum polarization in the very high energy density environment of the early universe. These conditions can be found today in astrophysical settings and may also be emulated in the laboratory using high intensity advanced lasers. Shortly after the Big Bang, there once existed a time when the energy density of the universe corresponded to a temperature in the range 10{sup 8} - 10{sup 9} K, sufficient to cause vacuum polarization effects. During this period, the nonlinear vacuum polarization may have had significant modifications on the propagation of radiation. Thus the thermal spectrum of the early universe may have been starkly non-Planckian. Measurements of the cosmic microwave background today show a spectrum relatively close to an ideal blackbody. Could the early universe have shown spectral deviations due to nonlinear vacuum effects? If so, is it possible to detect traces of those relic photons in the universe today? Found in galactic environments, compact objects such as blazars and magnetars can possess astronomically large energy densities that far exceed anything …
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Wu, S Q & Hartemann, F V
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Assessment of the Building 3430 Filtered Exhaust Stack Sampling Probe Location (open access)

Assessment of the Building 3430 Filtered Exhaust Stack Sampling Probe Location

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory performed a demonstration to determine the acceptable location in which to place an air sampling probe for emissions monitoring for radionuclides in the exhaust air discharge from the new 3430 Building Filtered Pathway Stack . The method was to adopt the results of a previously performed test series for a system of similar configuration, followed by a partial test on the actual system to verify the applicability of previously performed tests. The qualification criteria included 1) a uniform air velocity, 2) an average flow angle that does not deviate from the axis of the duct by more than 20°, 3) a uniform concentration of tracer gases, and 4) a uniform concentration of tracer particles. Section 1 provides background information for the demonstration, and Section 2 describes the test strategy, including the criteria for the applicability of model results and the test matrix. Section 3 describes the flow angle test and the velocity uniformity test, Section 4 provides the test results, and Section 5 provides the conclusions. Appendix A includes the test data sheets, and Appendix B gives applicable qualification results from the previously tested model stack. The data from the previously tested and similarly designed stack …
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Glissmeyer, John A.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
DEVELOPMENT OF ASME SECTION X CODE RULES FOR HIGH PRESSURE COMPOSITE HYDROGEN PRESSURE VESSELS WITH NON-LOAD SHARING LINERS (open access)

DEVELOPMENT OF ASME SECTION X CODE RULES FOR HIGH PRESSURE COMPOSITE HYDROGEN PRESSURE VESSELS WITH NON-LOAD SHARING LINERS

The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Project Team on Hydrogen Tanks was formed in 2004 to develop Code rules to address the various needs that had been identified for the design and construction of up to 15000 psi hydrogen storage vessel. One of these needs was the development of Code rules for high pressure composite vessels with non-load sharing liners for stationary applications. In 2009, ASME approved new Appendix 8, for Section X Code which contains the rules for these vessels. These vessels are designated as Class III vessels with design pressure ranging from 20.7 MPa (3,000 ps)i to 103.4 MPa (15,000 psi) and maximum allowable outside liner diameter of 2.54 m (100 inches). The maximum design life of these vessels is limited to 20 years. Design, fabrication, and examination requirements have been specified, included Acoustic Emission testing at time of manufacture. The Code rules include the design qualification testing of prototype vessels. Qualification includes proof, expansion, burst, cyclic fatigue, creep, flaw, permeability, torque, penetration, and environmental testing.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Rawls, G.; Newhouse, N.; Rana, M.; Shelley, B. & Gorman, M.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
A high-efficiency spin-resolved photoemission spectrometer combining time-of-flight spectroscopy with exchange-scattering polarimetry (open access)

A high-efficiency spin-resolved photoemission spectrometer combining time-of-flight spectroscopy with exchange-scattering polarimetry

We describe a spin-resolved electron spectrometer capable of uniquely efficient and high energy resolution measurements. Spin analysis is obtained through polarimetry based on low-energy exchange scattering from a ferromagnetic thin-film target. This approach can achieve a similar analyzing power (Sherman function) as state-of-the-art Mott scattering polarimeters, but with as much as 100 times improved efficiency due to increased reflectivity. Performance is further enhanced by integrating the polarimeter into a time-of-flight (TOF) based energy analysis scheme with a precise and flexible electrostatic lens system. The parallel acquisition of a range of electron kinetic energies afforded by the TOF approach results in an order of magnitude (or more) increase in efficiency compared to hemispherical analyzers. The lens system additionally features a 90 degrees bandpass filter, which by removing unwanted parts of the photoelectron distribution allows the TOF technique to be performed at low electron drift energy and high energy resolution within a wide range of experimental parameters. The spectrometer is ideally suited for high-resolution spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (spin-ARPES), and initial results are shown. The TOF approach makes the spectrometer especially ideal for time-resolved spin-ARPES experiments.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Jozwiak, Chris M.; Graff, Jeff; Lebedev, Gennadi; Andresen, Nord; Schmid, Andreas; Fedorov, Alexei et al.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress (open access)

Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress

This report provides background information and potential oversight issues for Congress on the CVN-78 program, which includes the CVN-78, CVN-79, and CVN-80 as the first three ships in the Navy's new Gerald R. Ford (CVN- 78) class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (CVNs).
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Economic Impacts of Prison Growth (open access)

Economic Impacts of Prison Growth

This report provides an economic overview of the correctional sector as background for the unfolding debate over spending and other policies. It begins with information on the growth in prison populations in public and in private prisons and also briefly explores the economic impacts of prison location. It is not intended a study of the effectiveness of sentencing and other laws, nor of evolving polices aimed at reducing recidivism and prison populations.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Kirchhoff, Suzanne M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Securing Nuclear Materials: The 2010 Summit and Issues for Congress (open access)

Securing Nuclear Materials: The 2010 Summit and Issues for Congress

This report discusses domestic and global nuclear security measures. It talks about the challenges to achieve the four year goal, the multilateral efforts to improve nuclear security, and the role of nongovernmental organization and the nuclear industry. The report concludes that Congress will continue to decide on funding for the U.S. domestic and international programs focused on nuclear material security and nuclear terrorism prevention.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Nikitin, Mary Beth
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress (open access)

Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress

This report discusses the process of naming Navy ships, which have traditionally been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy. Congress in recent years has proposed, and sometimes passed, legislation regarding the naming of specific ships.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: O'Rourke, Ronald
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Immigration: The Effects on Low-Skilled and High-Skilled Native-Born Workers (open access)

Immigration: The Effects on Low-Skilled and High-Skilled Native-Born Workers

The report opens with a discussion of how to analyze the impact of immigrants on the pay and job opportunities of native-born workers. It then uses this framework to examine and interpret the empirical literature on the subject. The report concludes with a discussion of policy implications.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Levine, Linda
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Regulations Pursuant to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) (open access)

Regulations Pursuant to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148)

None
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Laser-Wakefield driven compact Compton scattering gamma-ray source (open access)

Laser-Wakefield driven compact Compton scattering gamma-ray source

None
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Albert, F.; Froula, D. H.; Hartemann, F. V. & Joshi, C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Large-scale Relativistic Configuration-interaction Calculations for the 2s-2p and 3s-3p Transition Energies of Xenon Ions (open access)

Large-scale Relativistic Configuration-interaction Calculations for the 2s-2p and 3s-3p Transition Energies of Xenon Ions

None
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Chen, M H & Cheng, K T
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Directional Fast Neutron Detection using a Time Projection Chamber (open access)

Directional Fast Neutron Detection using a Time Projection Chamber

None
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: Bowden, N.; Heffner, M.; Carosi, G.; Cater, D.; O'Malley, P.; Mintz, J. et al.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Preservation of HUD-Assisted Housing (open access)

Preservation of HUD-Assisted Housing

None
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: McCarty, Maggie & Perl, Libby
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Federal Register, Volume 75, Number 70, April 13, 2010, Pages 18747-19180 (open access)

Federal Register, Volume 75, Number 70, April 13, 2010, Pages 18747-19180

Daily publication of the U.S. Office of the Federal Register contains rules and regulations, proposed legislation and rule changes, and other notices, including "Presidential proclamations and Executive Orders, Federal agency documents having general applicability and legal effect, documents required to be published by act of Congress, and other Federal agency documents of public interest" (p. ii). Table of Contents starts on page iii.
Date: April 13, 2010
Creator: United States. Office of the Federal Register.
Object Type: Journal/Magazine/Newsletter
System: The UNT Digital Library