Eagan, Minn. – Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, have been a hotly debated topic in the political arena leading to proposed or enacted legislation in 43 states, according to WestlawNext, the nation's leading online legal research service.

The data researched and compiled from WestlawNext through May 25, 2013, highlights the wide variation in legislation. States are looking to better define what a drone is, who can and cannot operate or use them, and how they can be used. Common issues surrounding drones include privacy, use by law enforcement and emergency exceptions, among others.

As legislation around drones continues to increase, there currently are just seven states, along with the District of Columbia, that do not have any proposed legislation surrounding drones.

Here is a breakdown of what states have enacted or are currently proposing:

• 39 states have laws or bills addressing search warrants for law enforcement's use of drones.
• 18 states have laws or bills that limit use of drones for surveillance by non-law enforcement personnel.
• 17 states have laws or bills that prohibit weaponized drones.
• 16 states have laws or bills for criminal penalties for violation of their proposed or enacted statutes relating to drones.
• 20 states have laws or bills for a private right of action by individuals aggrieved by violations of drone rules.
• 17 states have laws or bills providing exceptions for drone use in case of emergencies.

Among the unique attributes of current drone legislation:

• Virginia has proposed legislation to make it unlawful to use a drone to 'impede the lawful hunting of wild birds or wild animals.'
• At least three states, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia, have called for the investigation of, or express concern for, the authorized use of drones against U.S. citizens by the U.S. government.
• Some states, such as Nevada, Ohio, Texas and Washington, are encouraging the development of drone technology within their borders.
• At least two states, Nevada and Washington, noted tax incentives or abatements in their legislation for aircraft businesses or the aerospace industry. The legislature in Nevada also endorsed 'the promotion of efforts to support the establishment of Nevada as the "Silicon Valley" of unmanned aircraft systems education, testing, research and manufacture.'
• A Massachusetts bill specifically prohibits use of drones to 'collect or maintain information about the political, religious or social views, associations or activities of any individual.'

'There are a number of issues surfaced by the various legislation, but clearly privacy and public safety top the list,' said Michael Carlson, reference attorney at Thomson Reuters. 'The wide-ranging points of legislation demonstrate multiple views, perceived opportunities and a variety of concerns surrounding the use and development of drones.'

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with agencies and aviation industry representatives, has been tasked to develop rules and regulations surrounding drone usage. The mandate from Congress includes many recommendations, including: a focus on acceptable standards of operation and certification of drones; ensuring specific drones include a sense-and-avoid capability; and creating standards and requirements for pilots and operators of drones, including registration and licensing requirements.

All research was conducted through WestlawNext, the industry-leading legal research solution from Thomson Reuters. WestlawNext includes the most authoritative collection of primary law, as well as the largest library of analytical resources and current awareness content.

Editor's Note: For a high-resolution infographic of this data, please visit http://www.legalcurrent.com/?attachment_id=4805, or email email Alex Cook at alex.cook@thomsonreuters.com.

Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs approximately 60,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

— WebWireID176105 —

VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France — Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced the launch of its latest aerospace & defense industry solution experience, 'Co-Design to Target.'

In today's aerospace & defense industry, many companies fail to reach their budget, schedule and specification targets due to increasingly complex systems, overly aggressive plans and the premature incorporation of new technologies. In addition, the design phase of a program is plagued by disconnected workflows, point solutions differing across a program's ecosystem, and the constant flow of unpredictable changes into a program's design.

'Co-Design to Target' addresses these issues, introducing a unique approach to ensure a program is delivered on time, on budget, and on objective. To achieve this, 'Co-Design to Target' includes several game changing capabilities:

• A real-time view of program status that connects the dots between all processes in a program's execution. 'Co-Design to Target's' program governance capability not only coordinates program execution but inherently tracks progress against all key criteria including cost, schedule, workload, performance, risk and opportunity;
• A real-time view of an aircraft design's performance that fundamentally changes the way aircraft are engineered. 'Co-Design to Target' provides designers and architects the ability to design not only in the context of traditional digital mock-up (DMU), but also in the context of a new Functional Mock-Up (FMU) that incorporates a design's behavior. It delivers a more complete and true-to-life program definition to orchestrate requirements, systems and structures, such that all engineers work in harmony;
• Integrated engineering value streams, from design and simulation to part fabrication planning and resource programming preparation activities. 'Co-Design to Target's' mission is to design components and sub-systems to reach their specifications quicker, and prevent late issues that may have dramatic impact on program cost and schedule.

'One of the consistent challenges we see in the aerospace & defense industry is the need to deliver programs as promised. Companies have a vested interest to ensure their programs are not delivered over budget or under specification or behind schedule,' said Monica Menghini, Executive Vice President, Industry & Marketing, Dassault Systèmes. 'While we have played a pivotal role over the past 30 years with our 3D design technologies in transforming how new aircraft are engineered, we must now focus on transforming how new programs are executed with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Our goal with 'Co-Design to Target' is to provide an industry solution experience that delivers new levels of engineering productivity and the execution control to deliver programs as promised.'

'The successful development of the 525 Relentless aircraft is a reflection of Bell Helicopter's close partnership with Dassault Systèmes,' said Bennie Peek, CIO, Bell Helicopter. 'The use of Dassault Systèmes technology has been critical to our ability to execute the 525 Program on target. Our partnership with Dassault Systèmes will certainly continue as we expand deployment of Dassault Systèmes solutions to new programs.'

For more information on Dassault Systèmes' industry solution experiences for Aerospace & Defense, visit: http://www.3ds.com/solutions/aerospace-defense/industry-experiences.

About Dassault Systèmes

Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systèmes' collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 170,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com.

CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, SIMULIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, EXALEAD, NETVIBES, 3DSWYM and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries.

— WebWireID176102 —

NASA is inviting media representatives to attend a 9:15 a.m. CDT ribbon-cutting ceremony for the vertical weld center, where friction-stir weld tooling will be used to assemble the SLS core stage, then join officials on a tour of the SLS assembly area and work in support of NASA's Orion spacecraft.

Michoud is critical to the construction and testing of SLS, which is managed and in development at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Officials of The Boeing Company of Huntsville, Ala., prime contractor for the SLS core stage and its avionics, will take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 200 foot-tall core stage will store cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to feed the rocket's RS-25 engines. The vertical weld center will stand about three stories tall and weigh 165 tons.

Thursday, June 20. Media must report to 13800 Old Gentilly Road and enter Gate 11, which is located east of Building 101, by 8:30 a.m. June 21 for access to the facility. Official media credentials with photo identification are required for access.

NASA is developing the SLS rocket and Orion to provide an entirely new capability for human exploration. It will expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and enable new missions of exploration in the solar system, including to an asteroid and Mars.

For more information on NASA's SLS, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/sls

— WebWireID176087 —

The 2013 astronaut candidate class comes from the second largest number of applications NASA has received -- more than 6,000. Half of the selectees are women, making this the highest percentage of female astronaut candidates ever selected for a class. The group will receive a wide array of technical training at space centers and remote locations around the globe to prepare for missions to low-Earth orbit, an asteroid and Mars.

"These new space explorers asked to join NASA because they know we're doing big, bold things here -- developing missions to go farther into space than ever before," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "They're excited about the science we're doing on the International Space Station and our plan to launch from U.S. soil to there on spacecraft built by American companies. And they're ready to help lead the first human mission to an asteroid and then on to Mars."

NASA will discuss the selections at 3 p.m. CDT Monday, June 17, via a Google+ Hangout.

The astronaut candidates are:

Josh A. Cassada, Ph.D., 39, is originally from White Bear Lake, Minn. Cassada is a former naval aviator who holds an undergraduate degree from Albion College, and advanced degrees from the University of Rochester, N.Y. Cassada is a physicist by training and currently is serving as co-founder and Chief Technology Officer for Quantum Opus.

Victor J. Glover, 37, Lt. Commander, U.S. Navy, hails from Pomona, Calif., and Prosper, Texas. He is an F/A-18 pilot and graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards, Calif. Glover holds degrees from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Air University and the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif. He currently is serving as a Navy Legislative Fellow in the U.S. Congress.

Tyler N. (Nick) Hague, 37, Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force, calls Hoxie, Kan., home. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards, Calif. Hague currently is supporting the Department of Defense as Deputy Chief of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization.

Christina M. Hammock, 34, calls Jacksonville, N.C., home. Hammock holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. She currently is serving as National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Station Chief in American Samoa.

Nicole Aunapu Mann, 35, Major, U.S. Marine Corps, originally is from Penngrove, Calif. She is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Stanford University and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Md. Mann is an F/A 18 pilot, currently serving as an Integrated Product Team Lead at the U.S. Naval Air Station, Patuxent River.

Anne C. McClain, 34, Major, U.S. Army, lists her hometown as Spokane, Wash. She is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; the University of Bath and the University of Bristol, both in the United Kingdom. McClain is an OH-58 helicopter pilot, and a recent graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River.

Jessica U. Meir, Ph.D., 35, is from Caribou, Maine. She is a graduate of Brown University, has an advanced degree from the International Space University, and earned her doctorate from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Meir currently is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

Andrew R. Morgan, M.D., 37, Major, U.S. Army, considers New Castle, Pa., home. Morgan is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and earned a doctorate of medicine from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md. He has experience as an emergency physician and flight surgeon for the Army special operations community, and currently is completing a sports medicine fellowship.

The new astronaut candidates will begin training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston in August.

"This year we have selected eight highly qualified individuals who have demonstrated impressive strengths academically, operationally and physically," said Janet Kavandi, director of Flight Crew Operations at Johnson. "They have diverse backgrounds and skill sets that will contribute greatly to the existing astronaut corps. Based on their incredible experiences to date, I have every confidence that they will apply their combined expertise and talents to achieve great things for NASA and this country in the pursuit of human exploration."

During the Google+ Hangout, which will include recorded video introductions from the astronaut candidates and discuss the selection and training process, NASA's social media followers may submit questions on Twitter and Google+ in advance and during the event using the hashtag #askNASA. Before the hangout begins, NASA will open a thread on its Facebook page where questions may be posted. The Hangout can be viewed live on NASA's Google+ page or on NASA Television. To join the Hangout, visit:

http://go.nasa.gov/126mOLK

Reporters may ask questions on the Hangout using a phone bridge managed at Johnson. To participate via phone bridge, journalists must call the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 by 2:45 p.m.

By design, NASA's calls for astronauts are staggered so the agency can maintain continuity of experience and leadership in the astronaut corps. Since the initial astronaut class of 1959, NASA has selected and trained 330 astronauts. Most recently in 2009, NASA selected nine candidates. The 2013 group is the agency's 21st astronaut class.

NASA is engaging in a parallel path for human spaceflight exploration with U.S. commercial companies providing access to low-Earth Orbit for cargo to the space station. NASA's Commercial Crew Program also is working with commercial space partners to develop capabilities to launch U.S. astronauts from American soil in the next few years.

At the same time, NASA is developing the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket designed to provide an entirely new capability for human exploration, including a mission to study an asteroid and Mars.

For more information about the astronaut candidates, their photos and details on the astronaut selection process, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/2013astroclass

For NASA TV streaming video, schedules and downlink information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

— WebWireID176065 —

Swiss Space Systems is a young Swiss aerospace company whose goal, from now until 2018, is the development, construction, certification and operation of suborbital spacecraft for launching small satellites up to a weight of 250 kg.

This agreement will allow S3 to further develop the project, also proposing research applications in the areas of microgravity and suborbital passenger transportation. The S3 project also takes advantage of the prestigious collaboration of ESA's Astronaut Center and of other important aerospace industries.

Based on this Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two companies, Thales Alenia Space will provide its know-how in order to design the pressurized compartment which, depending on mission requirements, will be configured as a laboratory intended to house scientific and technological experiments or to accommodate passengers.

The definition of the finalization of a preliminary phase of the contract between Thales Alenia Space and S3 is expected for the end of the summer.

'Thales Alenia Space, with its proven experience and capability in the human flight and space transportation sector, is undoubtedly the ideal and most qualified partner to support Swiss Space Systems in the development of the pressurized module of the SOAR project - stated Luigi Maria Quaglino, Senior Vice President Domain Exploration and Science. - 'It is important to underline that Thales Alenia Space continues to support the operational life of the International Space Station through the production of the 9 Pressurized Modules for the Cygnus spacecraft developed on behalf Nasa with Orbital Sciences Corporation, whose first launch is expected in September 2013 from Wallops launch site. At the same time we are already working on the design and construction of the MPCV vehicle (Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle) for transporting the Orion capsule within the framework of the ESA-NASA cooperation on the project'.

About Thales Alenia Space
The European leader in satellite systems and a major player in orbital infrastructures, Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%). Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio embody the two groups' 'Space Alliance'. Thales Alenia Space sets the global standard in solutions for space telecommunications, radar and optical Earth observation, defence and security, navigation and science. With consolidated revenues of 2.1 billion Euros in 2012, Thales Alenia Space has 7,500 employees in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium and United States.

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Based on the list price for the CS100 aircraft at the time of the order, the firm order is valued at $628 million US.

'We are launching Odyssey Airlines with the CS100 aircraft because its transcontinental range will allow us to connect key city airports with stringent performance and environmental requirements both in Europe and further afield,' said Adam D. Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Odyssey Airlines. 'We have a unique strategy that will offer a premier service with a focus on new destinations that cannot currently be served from London City Airport. For us, the game-changing CSeries aircraft offers the best-in-class airfield performance, the lowest sound profile of any commercial aircraft in production in its segment, and will provide the ability to open new markets -- all of which are integral to our business model.'

'Over the last two years, Bombardier has seen Odyssey evolve into a forward-thinking and up-and-coming airline. We are thrilled to publicly welcome Odyssey Airlines to the family of CS100 aircraft operators,' said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. 'The CSeries aircraft's premium cabin, reduced environmental footprint and fantastic ability to serve a wide range of missions are the perfect pairing to Odyssey's business plan,' he added.

About CSeries Aircraft
Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials, leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements. Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15* per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20* per cent fuel burn advantage. With the extra capacity seating option, the CS300 aircraft's productivity further improves, offering airlines an average of four* per cent additional cash operating cost advantage per seat. The CSeries aircraft's clean-sheet design is ensuring that the aircraft will achieve greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as superior operational flexibility, exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950 nm (5,463 km)*. The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs. (5,443 kg)* lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and will provide passengers with a best-in-class, widebody cabin environment in a single-aisle aircraft.

As of March 31, 2013, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 388 CSeries aircraft, which included firm orders for 145 CSeries airliners.

About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, we posted revenues of $16.8 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to editors

- Images of Odyssey Airlines' CSeries aircraft are available in the press releases section at: www.bombardier.com.
- For additional images, video and product information on CSeries aircraft, please visit: www.cseries.com.
- Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace.
- For information about Bombardier Aerospace's presence at the 2013 International Paris Air Show, please visit airshows.bombardier.com.
- To receive our press releases, please visit the Email Subscription and RSS Feed section.

* The CSeries aircraft are in the development phase. All data and specifications are estimates, subject to changes in family strategy, branding, capacity and performance during the development, manufacture and certification process. All performance references have been estimated based on a 500-nm North American operating environment and comparisons are to in-production aircraft.

Bombardier, CS100, CS300, CSeries and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

— WebWireID176047 —

Bricks 4 Kidz® also offers other programs such as Pre-School Classes, Mommy and Me Classes, In-School Field Trips, Birthday Parties, Kidz and Parents' Night Out, Special Event Support (Weddings, Family Reunions, Corporate Picnics, etc), and One on One sessions. 
 
The models built in a Bricks 4 Kidz® Lab are not like the LEGO® models built from a kit bought at your typical toy store. Most Bricks 4 Kidz® models are actual working machines that utilize motors, gears, and axles.  All the models and lesson plans are unique to Bricks 4 Kidz®.
 
Designed by teachers, architects and engineering professionals, the lessons in a
Bricks 4 Kidz® class help students build problem solving and critical thinking skills and foster creativity and innovation.
 
Bricks 4 Kidz® currently has classes scheduled at the Westside Community Center.
 
Shannon DiAmco, Bricks 4 Kidz® of Colorado Springs Owner, is in the process of contacting schools and community centers now to tell them about this great new program. 

Contact info:
Bricks 4 Kidz®
719-387-4487
sdiamco@bricks4kidz.com
www.bricks4kidz.com/cos-pikespeak 

— WebWireID175999 —

Scientists have studied the rates of basal melt, or the melting of the ice shelves from underneath, of individual ice shelves, the floating extensions of glaciers that empty into the sea. But this is the first comprehensive survey of all Antarctic ice shelves. The study found basal melt accounted for 55 percent of all Antarctic ice shelf mass loss from 2003 to 2008, an amount much higher than previously thought.

Antarctica holds about 60 percent of the planet's fresh water locked into its massive ice sheet. Ice shelves buttress the glaciers behind them, modulating the speed at which these rivers of ice flow into the ocean. Determining how ice shelves melt will help scientists improve projections of how the Antarctic ice sheet will respond to a warming ocean and contribute to sea level rise. It also will improve global models of ocean circulation by providing a better estimate of the amount of fresh water ice shelf melting adds to Antarctic coastal waters.

The study uses reconstructions of ice accumulation, satellite and aircraft readings of ice thickness, and changes in elevation and ice velocity to determine how fast ice shelves melt and compare the mass lost with the amount released by the calving, or splitting, of icebergs.

"The traditional view on Antarctic mass loss is it is almost entirely controlled by iceberg calving," said Eric Rignot of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., and the University of California, Irvine. Rignot is lead author of the study to be published in the June 14 issue of the journal Science. "Our study shows melting from below by the ocean waters is larger, and this should change our perspective on the evolution of the ice sheet in a warming climate."

Ice shelves grow through a combination of land ice flowing to the sea and snow accumulating on their surface. To determine how much ice and snowfall enters a specific ice shelf and how much makes it to an iceberg, where it may split off, the research team used a regional climate model for snow accumulation and combined the results with ice velocity data from satellites, ice shelf thickness measurements from NASA's Operation IceBridge -- an continuing aerial survey of Earth's poles -- and a new map of Antarctica's bedrock.
Using this information, Rignot and colleagues were able to deduce whether the ice shelf was losing mass through basal melting or gaining it through the basal freezing of seawater.

In some places, basal melt exceeds iceberg calving. In other places, the opposite is true. But in total, Antarctic ice shelves lost 2,921 trillion pounds (1,325 trillion kilograms) of ice per year in 2003-2008 through basal melt, while iceberg formation accounted for 2,400 trillion pounds (1,089 trillion kilograms) of mass loss each year.

Basal melt can have a greater impact on ocean circulation than glacier calving. Icebergs slowly release melt water as they drift away from the continent. But strong melting near deep grounding lines, where glaciers lose their grip on the seafloor and start floating as ice shelves, discharges large quantities of fresher, lighter water near the Antarctic coast line. This lower-density water does not mix and sink as readily as colder, saltier water, and may be changing the rate of bottom water renewal.

"Changes in basal melting are helping to change the properties of Antarctic bottom water, which is one component of the ocean's overturning circulation," said author Stan Jacobs, an oceanographer at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, N.Y. "In some areas it also impacts ecosystems by driving coastal upwelling, which brings up micronutrients like iron that fuel persistent plankton blooms in the summer."

The study found basal melting is distributed unevenly around the continent. The three giant ice shelves of Ross, Filchner and Ronne, which make up two-thirds of the total Antarctic ice shelf area, accounted for only 15 percent of basal melting. Meanwhile, fewer than a dozen small ice shelves floating on "warm" waters (seawater only a few degrees above the freezing point) produced half of the total melt water during the same period. The scientists detected a similar high rate of basal melting under six small ice shelves along East Antarctica, a region not as well known because of a scarcity of measurements.

The researchers also compared the rates at which the ice shelves are shedding ice to the speed at which the continent itself is losing mass and found that, on average, ice shelves lost mass twice as fast as the Antarctic ice sheet did during the study period.

"Ice shelf melt doesn't necessarily mean an ice shelf is decaying; it can be compensated by the ice flow from the continent," Rignot said. "But in a number of places around Antarctica, ice shelves are melting too fast, and a consequence of that is glaciers and the entire continent are changing as well."

For images related to this release, please visit:

http://go.nasa.gov/175OAkF

— WebWireID175963 —

Students and teachers taking part in the hugely popular science, education and fitness programme, Mission X 'Train Like An Astronaut', took their astronaut training to a new level with a unique visit to the long arm centrifuge facility at QinetiQ in Farnborough on Wednesday 12 June 2013.

Students from three Mission X Schools – Kingswinford in Dudley, Northbury in Barking and Dagenham and Mountfitchet Mathematics and Computing College in Essex – completed the Mission X programme with demonstrations of how astronauts train for launch and landing in the long arm centrifuge made famous in the Moonraker film.

Pupils had the opportunity to meet a range of space experts to discuss astronaut training and learnt first hand about QinetiQ's involvement in space training, past and present. Several brave teachers even had the opportunity to participate in the centrifuge experience – with their health and performance monitored by their students!

Jeremy Curtis from the UK Space Agency will present participants with their Astronaut Graduation certificates, signed by British ESA Astronaut Tim Peake.

Tim Peake, British ESA Astronaut says: 'Once again Mission X has been a fantastic success in the UK and across Europe - congratulations to all those who have taken part. It has been great fun meeting so many of the students and discovering the many different projects that they have been involved in. Let's continue to inspire the next generation with fun science, healthy eating and good exercise - go Mission X! '

Jeremy Curtis from the UK Space Agency commented: 'I've been amazed by the commitment of teachers and students to the Mission X challenge. The teamwork and enthusiasm for science, fitness and nutrition will be important to the space workforce of the future.'

Dr Jon Scott from QinetiQ, said: 'We're delighted to welcome Mission X to our centrifuge facility in Farnborough and to give children and teachers the chance to really see and experience what astronauts go through in G-exposure and G-acceleration training. We usually use the facility for space and fast-jet training and research but this is the first time we have had teachers experience the centrifuge! We hope that the children have enjoyed the Mission X programme and feel inspired to take up a career in science, engineering or technology in the future.'

Around 7000 children from 110 schools took part in Mission X Train Like An Astronaut 2013. The programme is organised in the UK by the UK Space Agency and is part of an international initiative led by NASA and ESA.

Mission X Train Like An Astronaut will start recruiting for the class of 2014 in the autumn. To register an interest in the class of 2014 visit: http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency/discover-and-learn/mission-x-in-the-uk

Notes to Editors:

Mission X is an international educational programme designed by NASA and led in the UK by the UK Space Agency. It aims to inspire interest in science, nutrition and fitness in school students aged 8 – 12 years old by using astronauts as role models. It uses astronaut training to teach how good diet and exercise play an important role in human performance in space and on Earth.

For more information on the international Mission X programme, and to download the free resources, visit: http://trainlikeanastronaut.org/

About UK Space Agency
UK Space Agency is at the heart of UK efforts to explore and benefit from space. It is responsible for all strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme and provides a clear, single voice for UK space ambitions. For more information please visit: http://www.bis.gov.uk/ukspaceagency

QinetiQ

-A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its domain knowledge to provide technical support and know-how to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets. QinetiQ's unique position enables it to be a trusted partner to government organisations, predominantly in the UK and the US, including defence departments, intelligence services and security agencies.
-Follow us on twitter @QinetiQ
-Visit our blog at www.QinetiQ-blogs.com/QinetiQ

— WebWireID175939 —

'The upgrade process went well and CHAMPS was there to ensure our success,' says Dave Erich, IT Manager at Appvion.  'They provided the initial guidance and framework we needed to get the project started, then remained available as we progressively migrated from site to site.  In doing so, we leaned on them for administrative and user training.'

The upgrade is giving Appvion enhanced functionality that provides a smoother flow and better match for their work processes.  Overall, approximately 150 users across the three sites access the maintenance system routinely to initiate work requests, generate work orders, capture completed work, perform preventive maintenance, and track spare parts usage.

'CHAMPS provides everything we need in a maintenance system,' Erich further stated.  'As a company, CHAMPS is very customer focused and they are fully supportive of our needs.  We value the relationship we have with them and are confident this recent upgrade will keep us current on the latest functionality available.'

Appvion creates product solutions through its development and use of coating formulations, coating applications and Encapsys® microencapsulation technology.  The 106-year-old company produces thermal, carbonless and security papers and Encapsys products, and is 100 percent employee owned.

About CHAMPS Software, Inc.

For more than four decades, CHAMPS Software, Inc. has been developing and delivering Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software solutions that enable enterprises of varying size, sophistication, and industry to optimize the life cycles of their capital assets.  CHAMPS CMMS/EAM continuously improves operations by incorporating industry best practices with the flexibility inherent in component based web architected solutions. Regardless of organizational size or geographical layout, CHAMPS CMMS/EAM is purposely scalable to manage business processes for asset optimization across the enterprise.  Efficient acquisition, maintenance, repairs, replacement or salvaging of these critical assets result in operational excellence, leading to decreased cost and increased profits.  For more information, visit www.CHAMPSInc.com.
 
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— WebWireID175829 —

This third class of space technology graduate students will conduct research relevant to agency technology challenges aligned with NASA's space technology roadmaps, while pursuing degrees in related disciplines at their respective institutions.

"NASA's space technology development and innovation pipeline sees a natural on-ramp for new ideas coming from America's graduate researcher community," said Michael Gazarik, NASA's associate administrator for space technology in Washington. "By partnering with and investing in America's brightest minds, we are guaranteeing a great future for NASA and the nation. These technology research efforts will bolster America's competitiveness in a knowledge-based, global technology economy while enabling our space exploration goals."

The fellows conduct innovative space technology research on their respective campuses, at NASA centers, and at nonprofit U.S. research and development laboratories.

The fellowships and research activities are part of a renewed emphasis by NASA on technology. The program also is designed to inspire the nation's students and contribute to an innovation-driven economy. For a list of fellowship recipients, their respective research institutions and research topics, visit:

http://go.usa.gov/b43R

NASA's Space Technology Research Grants Program challenges academia to examine the theoretical feasibility of ideas and approaches that are critical to making science, space travel and exploration more effective, affordable and sustainable. The program is part of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, which is dedicated to innovating, developing, testing and flying hardware for use in NASA's future missions.

For more information about NASA's investment in space technology, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spacetech

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Airbus will present its professions along with its job and career opportunities at the International Paris Air Show-Le Bourget between 17 and 23 June.

Young graduates and experienced professionals will be able to discuss the professions and careers proposed by Airbus with human resources professionals, engineers and industry experts, during the course of workshops and forums organised during the show on the 'EADS Careers' stand.

Airbus will also be present on the 'Avion des Métiers' organised by GIFAS (Groupement des Industries françaises aéronautiques et spatiales – French Aeronautics and Space Industries Group), a fun educational exhibition bringing together all the aeronautical and space professions in a 3,000 sqm area. Metalworkers (students and apprentices from the Lycée Airbus), quality technicians as well as structural Research & Development engineers will come to speak about and introduce what they do on a day-to-day basis, to design, manufacture and develop the best performing aircraft in the world.

The Lycée Airbus will also present its training courses in aeronautical professions at the GIFAS' 'Forum Air et Espace', in the Concorde hall, dedicated to jobs and training in the aeronautics and space industry.

'The events at Le Bourget will provide young people undergoing training or looking for careers guidance with an opportunity to discover the very inspiring aeronautical professions,' explains Thierry Baril, Chief Human Resources Officer EADS and Airbus. 'Airbus is a fascinating company, at the cutting edge of technology thanks to the passion of the men and women who day in and day out put all they have into developing and building the most innovative products.

All week long visitors will be able to give free rein to their creativity by imagining their future in a dedicated space in the EADS 'Express Yourself - Design Your Future' static area.

The team that wins the Airbus international 'Fly Your Ideas' competition will also be present on Monday 17 June in the EADS pavilion. The winners of the 2013 edition of the challenge will be announced at a ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on the sidelines of the Air Show, on Friday 14 June. This international competition challenges students to develop new ideas for a more sustainable aviation industry. This year the five teams selected for the final come from Australia, Brazil, India, Italy and Malaysia. What's more, these teams include Spanish, Canadian, South African and Maltese students. The winning team will receive a €30,000 prize as a reward for its innovative idea.

Airbus will pursue its growth and recruitment drive in 2013 with 3,000 additional positions to be filled, mainly in Europe. These job opportunities are linked to Airbus' latest developments, such as the A320neo, the all-new A350 XWB twin jet and the other members of that family. More than one third of the positions are open to young graduates (with less than three years' experience). Many varied positions are on offer, ranging from structural or systems engineers to Lean experts, as well as jobs in the support and production.

Employing more than 59,000 people of more than 100 different nationalities around the world, Airbus – the leading aircraft manufacturer worldwide – offers the most modern and complete range of products on the market for 100-seat to more than 500-seat aircraft. Between 2011 and 2012 Airbus hired nearly 10,000 people globally with the net creation of 7,000 jobs.

Workshops website: http://www.jobs.eads.com/parisairshow.

Airbus career opportunities website: http://www.airbus.com/work/

Airbus careers page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Airbuscareers

Fly Your Ideas website: http://www.airbus-fyi.com/

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The competition is called "NASA's Missions: Imagine and Build" and opens today with a deadline for entries of July 31, 2013. Winners in each category will be selected by a panel of NASA and LEGO® officials and announced September 1, 2013.

The first category in the contest is called "Inventing our Future of Flight." In this challenge participants will design and build their idea for an aircraft of the future that is based on real concepts and new technology NASA's aeronautical innovators are working on right now to increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions and noise.

In addition to building a model from LEGO bricks or using the LEGO Digital Designer computer program, participants in this category also must prepare and write a technical paper that describes their submission and explains how their design takes advantage of the ideas NASA is working on and perhaps improves on them.

This category divides entrants into two groups: A young builders group for students ages 13 to 18 and an open group for anyone, teenagers and adults alike, ages 13 and above. The two winners will receive a custom made LEGO trophy and a collection of NASA materials.

The second category in the contest is called "Imagine our Future Beyond Earth." In this challenge participants will use their imaginations to design and build a futuristic vehicle from LEGO bricks that might travel through the air or in space. It could be an airplane, rotorcraft, rocket, spacecraft, satellite, rover or something else.

The design can be based in reality or be purely a flight of fancy. This competition is open to entrants 16 or older, and awards a signed set and a collection of NASA materials as a grand prize as well as a runner up prize.

To read the complete rules and guidelines for submitting the LEGO model and technical paper visit: www.Rebrick.LEGO.com

For more information about aeronautics research and space exploration at NASA, visit: http://www.nasa.gov

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Airbus is working to promote the employment of work-study trainees (students on professional training or apprenticeship contracts) in the aeronautical sectors. Along with its partners Airbus is organising a second 'Carnet de Vol Alternance' operation in Toulouse, on Thursday 6th June, and in Nantes, on Tuesday 11th June. These partners comprise: GIFAS (French Aerospace Industries Association), UIMM MP (Union of Metallurgical Industries and Professions-Midi-Pyrénées region), CCI Toulouse (Toulouse Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Pacte PME (SME Pact), and MEDEF Midi-Pyrénées (French Employers' Association).

The 'Carnet de Vol Alternance' initiative will take the form of a job-dating session with 15-minute interviews/meetings. This has two objectives: to promote the professional integration of work-study students who are coming to the end of their training period, and to meet the requirements of companies in the aeronautical and space sectors in terms of recruiting highly-skilled, qualified candidates. Sixty companies will attend the second edition of the event, to meet 150 candidates who are reaching the end of their work-study programme at Airbus.

"Thanks to the Airbus work-study programme, work-study students acquire experience and skills which are transferable and adaptable to other companies in the aeronautical sector, which do not always have the structures necessary to take on and train such students," stated Marc Jouenne, Head of Human Resources for Airbus in France. "We want to give the aeronautical sector priority in terms of recruiting these highly-qualified candidates. Through this additional support provided to work-study students, we are maximising their chances of integration. This will also allow our partners to benefit from employees trained in the key skills needed by the aeronautical world and essential for the development of our industry.'

Furthermore, following the 'Carnet de Vol 2013' operation, mixed training programmes, undertaken within two companies, including Airbus, will be offered to new work-study students. On the one hand, this will allow companies to present their organisation, and on the other hand, assess potential candidates for vacancies."

Airbus currently employs over a thousand work-study students at its sites in France, in technical, support and service roles (representing in total almost 4% of its workforce – double the number of students in 2011). Upon completing their apprenticeship or professional training contract, some work-study students choose to undertake further training, and others look for employment. In 2012, Airbus, its parent company EADS and its partners recruited 80% of these students.

The 'Carnet de Vol Alternance' initiative enters into the framework of the agreement to develop Work-Study schemes signed by Airbus with the French Ministry for Apprenticeship and Vocational Training in February 2012. With this agreement Airbus has committed itself, among other things, to bringing the number of work-study trainees up to more than 5% of the workforce on its sites in France by 2015/2016, and to helping them enter the workforce in the corresponding job markets.

The first edition of the 'Carnet de Vol Alternance' initiative was held in Toulouse in June 2012. Airbus was rewarded for this initiative by the MEDEF and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Midi-Pyrénées in November 2012.

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MARIETTA, Ga., – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] officials joined members of the South African Air Force (SAAF) in commemorating 50 years of continuous C-130 Hercules transport operations during an event near Pretoria, South Africa on June 1.

In 1963, a new era of transport operations began in South Africa with the arrival of the original fleet of seven SAAF C-130B Hercules aircraft. Members of the SAAF's 28 Squadron (which also celebrated its 70th anniversary on June 1) ferried the new C-130s from the-then Lockheed-Georgia Co., facility in Marietta, Ga., (USA) to Air Force Base Waterkloof, near Pretoria and is where the SAAF C-130 fleet is stationed today.

South Africa has the distinction of being the fifth international operator of the C-130 Hercules, which is now operated by 70 nations worldwide. All seven original C-130Bs have been extensively revamped and are part of 28 Squadron's active Hercules fleet.

'The C-130 Hercules is known worldwide as a proven workhorse. Missions carried out by operators such as the South African Air Force and 28 Squadron have earned the Hercules this reputation,' said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs. 'In its first 50 years of C-130 operations, the SAAF showcased the renowned capabilities of the C-130 within the borders of South Africa and beyond to support needs across the continent. We are proud to have South Africa as a member of the C-130 family and look forward to future decades of partnership and collaboration.'

Missions supported by the SAAF C-130B fleet throughout the past 50 years include humanitarian, peacekeeping, transport, supply drop, search and rescue, anti-piracy and diplomatic missions. Lockheed Martin partners with the SAAF and Denel, South Africa's largest defense manufacturer. In 2009, Denel was named as the only authorized Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules Service Center in Africa and provides integral support the SAAF Hercules fleet.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 118,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion

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If open source space hardware was not enough, add to it the goal to utilize an abundant and inexpensive fuel source. The Exosphere team is considering the use of saltwater as a base for fuel. They want to use electrolysis to separate the hydrogen and oxygen in the water. To top it off, they are trying to design a lightweight fuel generator to include on the craft.

Exosphere Founder Zechariah Blanchard had this to say, "I believe most of the great discoveries of our time will come from the collaboration of a global population." Volunteers from all over the world are expected to make up the majority of the project team. The company has vowed to keep plans and intellectual property open to the public. They imagine a future where the greatest technological advancements are freely downloadable.

Completely reusable single stage to orbit shuttles have been on the drawing board for a while, but just recently started to look promising. New technology may give modified scramjet engines the ability to operate in thinner atmospheric conditions at higher mach speeds. With more research and testing Exosphere believes this could lead to a revolution in space launch technology.
 
Because of the open source nature of the project, it only seems natural for Exosphere to turn to the crowd for funding. They feel like this type of financing is a great way to get people involved in a project meant for them. Exosphere has been working on their crowdfunding campaign for the past few months and should be launching in June.

Our species lives in a very promising time. Humanity is on the verge of medical advancements which will change the way we live and die. Computers have connected most of the world. Coordinated global protests are possible and happen. Can our current society sustain a business model like Exosphere?
 
###
twitter.com/zblanchard || facebook.com/exosphereinc || exosphereinc.com

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Luxemburg, – SES S.A. (NYSE Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) today confirmed that the launch of the SES-6 satellite on board an ILS Proton Breeze M rocket is slated for lift-off at 15:18 Baikonur time on June 3, 2013 (11:18 a.m. CET, 5:18 a.m. EDT).

SES-6 will be the 53rd satellite in SES' global fleet. The satellite is equipped with 43 C-band and 48 Ku-band transponders (36 MHz equivalent). It will enable the delivery of next generation broadcast services, including HD video distribution and mobile services, from its 40.5° West location in geostationary orbit, covering North America, Latin America, Europe and the Atlantic Ocean.

A live broadcast of the launch in high definition quality will be available via ASTRA at the orbital position of 19.2 degrees East, channel 1.028, downlink frequency 11626.50 MHz, vertical polarization, Symbol rate 27.50 MSym/s, FEC 3/4, service ID 4400, service name SES-6 Launch.

A webcast will also be available via www.ilslaunch.com. The video transmission of the launch of SES-6 will begin approximately 30 minutes before liftoff.

About SES

SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 52 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.

SES (NYSE Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.

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QinetiQ's Training and Simulation Services (TSS) Division has been awarded the highly prestigious Chief of Defence Materiel recognition for its innovative approach to delivery as a member of the Distributed Synthetic Air Land Training (DSALT) Team.

The team has created a world-leading Operational Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) capability, delivering in excess of 3500 hours of mission specific training to front line forces, ensuring that they are best prepared for the complexities of combat operations.

In response to an urgent requirement for realistic PDT for Army Fire Support Teams in Op HERRICK, the team converted and upgraded a networked-enabled synthetic Capability Concept Demonstrator (CCD) in the Air Battlespace Training Centre to a first-class, operational Distributed Synthetic Air Land Training (DSALT) capability. This urgent and unexpected change required the project team to show a high level of commitment, drive, determination and innovation to deliver a unique and innovative solution to meet the life-saving PDT needed by the Front Line.

This award recognises the team's efforts, innovation, commitment, dedication, drive and determination to deliver a complex, comprehensive technical solution with a wide range of stakeholders.

The joint team consisted of the Flight Simulation & Synthetic Trainers Project Team, Air Command, QinetiQ, Boeing and Inzpire.

Notes for Editors:

-A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its domain knowledge to provide technical support and know-how to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets. QinetiQ's unique position enables it to be a trusted partner to government organisations, predominantly in the UK and the US, including defence departments, intelligence services and security agencies.
-Follow us on twitter @QinetiQ
-Visit our blog at www.QinetiQ-blogs.com/QinetiQ
-Visit QinetiQ, stand number S3-550, at DSEi at ExCeL in London between 10th – 13th September 2013. The world's leading defence and security event. For more information visit www.dsei.qinetiq.com

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ABS Consulting & GenesisSolutions will provide this one‐day, complimentary, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Reliability Strategy Seminar applicable to a wide array of industrial verticals.  Upon conclusion of this seminar, attendees will gain insight in identifying opportunities for improving overall operational
effectiveness.

Agenda & Key Components

8:15am – 4:30pm (Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks Included)

• EAM Maturity Continuum – Levels of Maintenance Performance Progression
• Current State Assessment – Where are you on the EAM Maturity Continuum?
• Asset Management Master Planning – Developing the path forward towards EAM Excellence
• Implementation Models for Operational Excellence – Proven EAM Business Models
• Maintenance Excellence Governance Model – Measuring and Sustaining Success
• Reliability Based Maintenance
• Maximizing Return on Investment – Maximizing the Return on Investment for your CMMS

• Organizational Readiness
• CMMS Functionality & Utilization (i.e. IBM Maximo, Infor EAM, Oracle EAM, SAP PM)
• MRO Supply Chain
• PM Optimization
• Planning & Scheduling

• Learn how to tee up your improvement plan and gain endorsement

1. Norfolk Waterside Marriott (Tuesday, June 25, 2013)
2. Huntsville Marriott (Thursday, June 27, 2013)

To view the Seminar & Workshop Agenda, please click:

Here for Norfolk, Virginia
Here for Huntsville, Alabama

To register for either event, please click here.

We hope you can join us for these educational and interactive events.

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This edition contains 20 chapters, which can be divided into the following groups:

• Theory (photophysics and photochemistry)
• Stress factors (parameters of exposure, measurements in assessment of weathering conditions, and climatic conditions)
• Methods of weathering (laboratory degradation studies, weathering cycles, sample preparation, weathering data interpretation, lifetime prediction, and artificial weathering versus natural exposure)
• Methods of testing of weathered samples (effect of weathering on material properties and testing methods of weathered specimens)
• Weathering of polymers (data on 52 most important polymers, including mechanisms of degradation, effect of thermal history, characteristic changes in properties with graphical illustrations, and tables with numerical data)
• Weathering of products (data on 42 groups of industrial products, including their required durability, lifetime expectation, relevant degradation mechanisms, and characteristic changes with graphical illustrations)
• Effect of additives on weathering (12 groups of additives are discussed)
• Effect of environmental stress cracking (parameters controlling ESC, mechanisms, methods of testing, and effect on materials)
• Specific topics (suitability of weathered materials for recycling, interrelation between corrosion and weathering, and methods of study and prevention of deterioration of historical monuments made out of stone).

The above information is based on the thorough review of published papers, patents, and other relevant sources updated to the most recent data and information.

In addition to this book, 3 additional volumes contain supplementary information

• Handbook of Material Biodegradation, Biodeterioration, and Biostabilization by Falkiewicz-Dulik, M, Janda, K, and Wypych, G., 2010
• Handbook of UV Degradation and Stabilization by Wypych, G, 2011
• Atlas of Material Damage, Wypych, G, 2012.

The first two books contain information relevant for protection of materials against biological and environmental stress factors. The Atlas of Material Damage has focus on structure and morphology of commercial materials and methods of damage prevention by tailoring morphology.

This set of monographic sources was prepared for research chemists in the photochemistry field, chemists and material scientists designing new materials, users of manufactured products, those who control the quality of manufactured products, and students who want to apply their knowledge to real materials. The books are invaluable for regulating agencies and patent and litigating attorneys. Handbook of Material Weathering is now used in about 100 countries, although frequently old editions (as seen from citations) are still in use, which do not contain up-to-date information.

Preface

The first edition of this book was published by ChemTec Publishing in 1990. The book had 18 chapters and 518 pages filled with the most up-to-date information on the subject of material weathering available in 1990. Considering the size of the book and typesetting, the present edition is at least 3 times larger, in spite of the fact that two chapters were omitted from the fourth edition: Chapter 17. Stabilization and Stabilizers and Chapter 18. Biodegradation. Even without these two chapters the present 5th edition is larger than the previous edition. The reason is quite obvious − the field is systematically growing with new data, methods, and discoveries happening every day.

The reasons for eliminating the two chapters are as follows:

• If these two chapters would still be included in the book, the book would need to have two volumes which makes a book more difficult to use (separate table of contents and indices).
• In anticipation of the need for specialized monographic sources, the two chapters mentioned above were not updated in the previous edition, so information was already lacking novelty.
• Short chapters can only present brief review of the subject, whereas in applications detailed information is needed
• Two handbooks were published by ChemTec Publishing on the subjects of the omitted chapters:

  - Handbook of Material Biodegradation, Biodeterioration, and Biostabilization by Falkiewicz-Dulik, M, Janda, K, and Wypych, G., 2010

  - Handbook of UV Degradation and Stabilization by Wypych, G, 2011.

These two books give much broader and comprehensive information, such as it is required today, especially considering rapid changes which occurred recently because of health and safety concerns (biostabilization) and new discoveries (UV stabilization).

In addition, to present volume and the above two books, there is also a new book: Atlas of Material Damage, Wypych, G, 2012. This book was written to emphasize importance of the material structure in photodegradation and photostabilization and also to account for the morphological changes which occur when materials degrade. This addition makes narrative of material degradation more comprehensive, showing new ways to deal with unstable materials.

I hope that the information provided in these four books will help readers to advance their studies on particular subjects of their research and that the results of these studies will be implemented in the future editions of these books, since we try to report current developments to foster future discoveries.

George Wypych Toronto, 2013

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