Reports on an exploratory study of the ideas that students in the fourth semester of engineering have about conservation. Reviews the Piagetian position on the importance of conservations in logical operational structures in child development. Discusses the development of conservations in science during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and…

Describes the use of ergonomics to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Describes ergonomics and how to identify ergonomic problems, conduct a job hazard analysis, and develop solutions. Also lists common ergonomic errors in schools. Provides an ergonomic checklist for employees…

Identifies the major problems facing engineering education in Nigeria. (Author/KHR)

Presents an interview with Richard Holbrook, designer of classroom furniture, on the "whys" and "hows" of ergonomic school furnishings. (EV)

Argues that Jeremy Rifkin's "Algeny" is epideictic rhetoric, related to the European "Jeremiad," a traditional lamentation mode. Notes that Rifkin draws a parallel between genetic engineering and alchemy and adopts a world view dominated by a static hierarchy. Suggests that the teaching of the epideictic genre underscore both…

Introduces consumer affairs specialists to engineering psychology, a relatively new academic field that brings perspectives of psychology to the design of various consumer products. (Author)

Proper classroom computing environmental design will ensure maximum student comfort and efficiency. If teachers approach the automated classroom with a plan for integrating people, equipment, procedures, and environment, many physical and psychosocial problems of the students can be solved successfully. (Author)

Examines student use of a prototype networked collaborative design environment to support or augment learning about engineering design. Finds that students use the channels for a variety of activities to increase depth of communication, increase breadth of communication, and overcome technical difficulty. Suggests that students need multiple…

Describes strategies used by the Biotechnology Working Group during their efforts to influence state and local policy concerning biotechnology issues. Strategies address methods for framing the issue, educating self and others, recruiting allies, and developing citizen pressure. (MDH)

Bamford describes the partnership between John Deere and colleges in the United States and Canada to train technicians in the latest agricultural technology. Ginsburg discusses the John Deere Agricultural Technology program at State University of New York-Cobleskill. (JOW)

Suggests that the quality status of universities must be evaluated on an ongoing basis, but the evaluation perspectives need to be changed. Interest from the superior's point of view should focus on whether and how departments follow up their quality. Presents a workable model for this type of assessment based on four dimensions. (LZ)

Survey data from 215 nurses (10 male) and 430 civil engineers (10 female) supported the plausibility of occupation-specific models (positing direct paths between role stressors, antecedents, and consequences) compared to generic models. A weakness of generic models is the tendency to ignore differences in occupational structure and culture. (SK)

Lists 15 principles for working safely with equipment. Describes phases of an ergonomic hazards program to identify and prevent problems and causes of cumulative trauma disorders in the workplace. (SK)

The engineering technique of motion study was evaluated as a means to identify efficient movements and improve the productivity rates for three severely retarded adults performing a mailing task. After receiving training on the most efficient movements, subjects improved production rates and maintained the improved rates. (DB)

Discusses ecological, social, and moral issues associated with destruction of rural communities, industrial agriculture, gene patenting and international trade. Analyzes agricultural ramifications of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Cites these and other measures as the struggle of industrialized…