Discusses whether the industrial way of life can be maintained without exhausting resources, generating unmanageable amounts of waste, and poisoning the environment. Provides three examples of self-sustaining industrial process systems using the industrial ecosystem approach. Lists five references for further reading. (YP)

Discusses ways that supercomputers are being used in the manufacturing industry, including the design and production of airplanes and automobiles. Describes problems that need to be solved in the next few years for supercomputers to assume a major role in industry. (TW)

First, the procedure to be followed when grinding glass by hand to produce a smoother surface and avoid scratches is described. Second, an experiment conducted to compare the efficiency of a traditional fireplace against the slotlike arrangement design of Cranberg is explained. (GA)

Describes the characteristics of rare earth elements. Details the physical chemistry of rare earths. Reviews the history of rare earth chemistry and mineralogy. Discusses the mineralogy and crystallography of the formation of rare earth laden minerals found in the earth's crust. Characterizes the geologic history of rare earth elements. (CW)

Discusses the transformation of service industries since World War II into the number one element in the economy, emphasizing the role that technology has played. Addresses the need for service industries to become even more technology-intensive, in an effort to stabilize employment and make manufacturing in the United States more competitive. (TW)