.... the early part of the period, and each machine was specifically assembled to carry out a particular calculation. These early computers had no need for an operating system and were operated directly from the operator's console by a computer programmer, who had immediate knowledge of the computers design. By the early 1950's punched cards were introduced, allowing programs to be written and read directly from the card, instead of using plugboards. Second Generation Computers (1955-1965) In the mid-1950's, the transistor was introduced, creating a more reliable computer. Computer .....

.... Catalysts are strong acids and readily give up hydrogen ions, or protons: H+. Protons can be released from hydrated ions, for example H3O+, but more commonly they are released from ionisable hydroxyl groups (R-OH) where the O-H bond is broken to produce R-O- and H+. When the reactant receives protons from an acid it undergoes a conformational change, (change in shape and configuration), and becomes a reactive intermediate. The intermediate can then either become an isomer by returning a proton to the catalyst, or it may undergo a further reaction and form a completely new molecule. Up unt .....

.... population densities without obtaining such data. Scientist barely ever count the amount of individuals in a certain area because it would take too much time. Instead of actually counting the number of individuals in an area they would compare it with other areas where they know the population of individuals. In this way they can roughly estimate the number of individuals in a certain area. 4. What might happen to a rabbit population in an area where there are no predators? If there were a few rabbits in an area with no predators they would over-populate and cause serious damage to t .....

.... colors in the garden were created for your pleasure, nor was the smell of such plants as the roses, in actuality these beauteous pieces of nature we call flowers use sight and smell as attractants for the bees. Plants advertise themselves to who they want to be pollinated by. For instance, some plants such as the honeysuckle and tobacco only give off their potent scent at night, when other plants are inactive. Although during the day these plants may not be the most popular, during the night they serve as quite a feast for many nocturnal moths as well as some bees. Certain insects have .....

.... mph he spotted nine circular aircraft flying in formation. According to his estimate the aircraft were approximately the size of a DC-4 airliner ( Jackson 4). This account was the first sighting to ever receive a great deal of media attention. This sighting gave birth to the phrase "flying Saucer" coined by a reporter named Bill Begrette. Although not the first UFO sighting in history, Kenneth Arnolds account is considered to be the first documented UFO sighting. The following day Mr. Arnold discovered that in addition to his sighting there were several others in the .....

.... Arabic name for Vega, to the Greeks Lyra belonged to Orpheus who animated and inanimate objects and even the Lord of Death with his music. But most interesting of all in India it is also called Abhijit in Rg Veda and is associated with the creator. Yes, to the Hindu religion Abhijit is an infinitely important character recorded as the "the Truth of 12,000 years B.C." in the Mahabharat. Mahrshi Vyras recorded, in a section called Vana Parva, a dialog between Indra and Skandra. An excerpt from this is included as wretched attempt to waste space: "Contesting against Abhijit, the constellation K .....

.... to help stretch the tendons. By this time was pretty well known around the world, using the typical stretching and splinting methods. In the 1800’s plaster of paris was first introduced, and later that same century, the introduction of aseptic technique and anasthesia diminished, but not eliminated infection. As the 70’s and 80’s rolled around, other more reliable methods were depended upon. These new methods were less dependent on wrapping and taping. The majority of clubfeet results from abnormal development of the muscles, tendons, and bones while the baby is forming in the .....

.... separated through distillation. Without mercury our world would be much different. We would have different, if any, ways of determining temperature. Mercury is also used in cleaning modern day swimming pools as "Mercury Vapor lamps" for sterilization. Mercury can be used in both reconstructing and destroying life in water ways depending upon the attention people give it. We would have no fast, economical ways of cleaning large pools; no fast, economical way of controlling river clean-ups. Life in our modern day households would be much, much colder because we would have no way of having a .....

.... the environment), and in higher yields (better for your wallet) than a similar process using chemical reagents. Some synthetic processes can only be done using electrochemical methods, and electrochemical methods are used in the large-to-medium-scale synthesis of organic "fine chemicals" because of the financial, safety and environmental advantages. Here's a page outlining some current research by one of my graduate school professors. I can think of at least three common uses of electrochemistry: pH meters and other measuring devices pH meters are electrochemical devices. They measure p .....

.... the phase out of the pesticide to be considered a worldwide emergency. The producers and users of the substance argue that phasing out the pesticide will cause will be economically disastrous, but clearly their view does not take into account the devastating effect on the ozone layer and the health of humans by the use of this deadly fumigant, the cost to the community far out ways the cost to the users. So what is the alternative? There is no one single alternative for all of the uses of methyl bromide, but there are numerous chemical and non chemical pesticides available now which e .....