Computer software for process control has the primary function of communicating with and governing physical devices. The structure of such software, process-control systems, multitask systems, message passing, problems of deadlock, distributed computer systems, and protection against failure in process-control systems are among the areas examined.…

Examined the relation of self-efficacy beliefs to persistence and success in pursuing science and engineering college majors (N=42). Findings indicated that subjects reporting high self-efficacy for educational requirements generally achieved higher grades and persisted longer. Self-efficacy was also moderately correlated with objective predictors…

Examines major lines of thought leading to what is meant by plant biotechnology, namely, the application of existing techniques of plant organ, tissue, and cell culture, plant molecular biology, and genetic engineering to the improvement of plants and of plant productivity for the benefit of man. (JN)

Examines reasons why bonds between higher education and industry must be strengthened in Ireland, indicating that competitiveness and unemployment in Ireland require it, that research and development (R&D) resources of universities can be the lifeblood for many future developments for manufacturing companies, and that Ireland lags behind other…

Discusses (1) the development of engineering education in Greece; (2) industrial development in Greece; (3) relations between engineering education and industry (indicating that they are best characterized by mutual suspicion); and (4) recent developments and future trends in these relationships. (JN)

Discusses direct chemical information that can be obtained from modern nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods, concentrating on the types of problems that can be solved. Shows how selected methods provide information about polymers, bipolymers, biochemistry, small organic molecules, inorganic compounds, and compounds oriented in a magnetic…

Discusses factors related to developing successful programs for training faculty in various aspects of college teaching, indicating that some tangible advantage for faculty participating in such programs is needed. Illustrates this by showing how a successful program was related to paying faculty one week's salary for attending the program. (JN)

Microcomputers are used in a technical writing course to enhance instructor and student productivity, improve the quality of student writing performance, and prepare young engineers for future on-the-job communication tasks. Describes the microcomputer facility, software, and activities included in the course. Also provides information on the…

Discusses institutional biosafety committees (IBC) which provide quasi-independent reviews of recombinant DNA work done at an institution. Considers the nature of IBC operation, the National Institutes of Health "Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research," the composition of IBCs, the intellectual content of IBC deliberations, and issues…

Examines issues and trends related to biotechnology patents, providing data that show that foreign concerns have gained a large share of United States patents. Also lists the number of patents assigned to companies, foreign countries, and universities during 1983 and 1984. (JN)

Presents and discusses data on engineering technology enrollments for all students (by curriculum and level), for women and minority groups, and for all programs (broken down by state and type of degree). Data comparing 1982 to previous years are also included. (BC)

Examines recent trends in the relationships between universities and industry, considering: (1) variations in the types of relationships; (2) the university culture which defines the range of activities considered appropriate in a university/industry relationship; (3) benefits or detriments; and (4) research constraints. (JN)

Assesses the state of "applied Japanese studies" in American institutions of higher education, with particular reference to activities of designated centers of Japanese studies (including Lehigh University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, and others). Also identifies how programs might be expanded to better serve…

Discusses highlights in the development of genetic engineering, examining techniques with recombinant DNA, legal and ethical issues, GenBank (a national database of nucleic acid sequences), and other topics. (JN)

Special Engineering Programmes (SEPs) were established in Great Britain to attract highly able students into engineering and to provide education/training to meet the needs of manufacturing industries. SEP philosophy and objectives, program structure, student selection, course assessment, and other areas are discussed. (JN)