Shant Kenderian's visit to Baghdad in 1980, at age seventeen, was supposed to be a short one -- just enough time to make peace with his estranged father before returning to his home in the United States. But then Saddam Hussein invaded Iran and sealed off Iraq's borders to every man of military age -- including Shant. Suddenly forced onto the front lines, his two-week visit turned into a nightmare that lasted for ten years.

1001 Nights in Iraq presents a human story that provides unique insight into a country and culture that we only get a hint of in the headlines. After surviving...

Laser generated ultrasound and air-coupled ultrasonic detectors are used to develop an inspection technique for the railroad industry. The Laser Air Hybrid Ultrasonic Technique (LAHUT) has the advantage of performing inspections without establishing contact with or the need to come close to the inspected structures. This feature makes it possible to perform dynamic inspections of tracks from a moving train and stationary wayside inspection of wheels on a passing train. The study considers the most critical flaw types in railroad tracks and wheels. Some are very difficult to detect with...