Water resources play a major role in the character of agricultural development in the arid western United States. This case study shows how thermal infrared imagery, which is sensitive to radiant or heat energy, can be used to interpret crop moisture content and associated stress in irrigated areas. (RM)

Use of the Quality of Worklife Survey in an action-research approach has enabled managers and employees to focus on productivity problems without losing sight of work environment objectives. Survey findings are presented and survey methodologies reviewed for possible applications by other organizations. (Author/CT)

Focuses on the types and amount of support given by the social support subsystems of elderly blacks and whites. Multiple classification analysis indicated racial differences in types and amount of support provided by the informal and formal social support systems but not to the degree suggested by previous research. (Author/ABB)

This paper presents a call for development of a robotic extension of self to give handicapped students control of the environment, a logical offshoot of mainstreaming. Usefulness and performance requirements of a robotic extension are discussed and a research agenda presented. (MT)

The numerous company programs in North America that have developed countermeasures against drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace, ranging from prevention, health promotion and education, to treatment and rehabilitation, provide instructive examples of an effective approach that in most cases has more than paid for its cost. (Author/CT)

Assessed cost containment and modest design requirements for the Section 202 Direct Loan Program using projects in five Housing and Urban Development (HUD) field offices. Concluded that project design changes and amenities may be undermining Section 202 as a housing production program. (NRB)

Outlines common types of insurance pools currently in operation. Provides an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages schools should consider before making a decision to change their insurance. (MD)

In alternative financing a private company provides the capital and expertise for improving school energy efficiency. Savings are split between the school system and the company. Options for municipal leasing, cost sharing, and shared savings are explained along with financial, procedural, and legal considerations. (MLF)

Merrimack College in North Andover (Massachusetts) has reduced the cost of lighting its physical education center by over 70 percent; the new lighting system, which uses metal halide lamps, has also doubled the illumination in the building, attracting revenue-producing activities. (MCG)

Discusses difficulties of producing computer assisted learning (CAL) software economically. Proposed as a solution, modular programing is illustrated by describing production of a matrix algebra package. Use of special CAL modules and facilities provided by subroutine libraries are cited, and development of a package to teach matrix theory is…

Examines arguments now being presented in support of public library networking and resource sharing and suggests ways to obtain harder evidence that might serve to legitimize these beliefs: estimate benefits, build in evaluation, support estimates of benefits, seek cheaper alternatives for accomplishing same goal, consider alternatives to…

Discusses annual cost and present worth methods as two basic ways of calculating life-cycle cost to make purchasing decisions when replacing training systems. A training cost analysis worksheet to aid in asking comprehensive questions about training costs as they currently exist is included. (MBR)

To maintain good light quality while attempting to reduce energy costs, the University of Illinois (Chicago) investigated a variety of light-related cutbacks. An inexpensive, quickly installed current-limiting device (NO-WATT manufactured by Remtec Systems) on 1000 fixtures resulted in energy savings of $18,000 annually. (DH)

Discusses the use of microcomputers for technical skills training, particularly in auto mechanics. Indicates that the major reasons for implementing the method are time and money: The graduate technician is on the job sooner, thereby reducing the cost of the computer-based training. (JOW)

A consulting firm helped a New York school district identify existing telephone service problems, prepare bid specifications for new telephone technology, and train personnel in using the new system. (MLF)