Solar photovoltaic cells have been called the ultimate energy technology, environmentally benign and without moving parts, solar cells directly convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic energy conversion is fundamentally different from all other forms of electricity generation. Without turbines, generators or other mechanical equipment, it…

Describes the following aspects of the National Association of Industrial Technology: purpose, objectives, membership, historical development, administrative organization, structure, and future directions. (SK)

The air-to-air heat exchanger (a fan powered ventilation device that recovers heat from stale outgoing air) is explained in this six-part publication. Topic areas addressed are: (1) the nature of air-to-air heat exchangers and how they work; (2) choosing and sizing the system; (3) installation, control, and maintenance of the system; (4) heat…

Explains that the laser videodisc is a versatile and cost-effective tool with enormous instructional potential for art education. Describes the origins, quality, and capability of videodiscs, and discusses the varieties of players and discs presently available. Maintains that this technology is especially relevant now that art education includes…

The evolutionary character and complexity of technological development is discussed, focusing on the steam engine and computer as examples. Additional topics include characteristics of science/technology, cultural factors in technological development, technology transfer, and problems in technological organization. (JN)

This collection of essays is the second volume in a series of working papers from Lehigh University Technology Studies Resource Center. The papers focus on the ethical implications of engineering as a profession and the current problems associated with the public responsibility of engineers. Issues that relate to the ethical dimensions of…

A National Academy panel evaluates trade-offs between dangers to national security that arise from technology transfers and threats to the openness of scientific communication that are caused by too much secrecy. Major conclusions/suggestions are discussed. A list of acquisitions from the West affecting Soviet military technology is included.…

Describes Japan's industrial development and science/technology policy. Topics include policies for promoting industries, rationalization policy for industry, catching up with advanced technology, progression from imitation to creative technology, Japan's advantages in technological development, and problems faced by developing countries today.…

Identifies telephone technologies that may affect hotline services: Caller Identification, which displays number of in-coming call; Call Block, which prevents connection of calls from specified numbers; and Call Trace, which traces current or most recent call. Presents four cases highlighting issues created by availability and use of new telephone…

This report consists of three parts. The first part provides advice (in the form of questions and answers) to prospective individual power producers who are considering investing in electricity-producing systems and in generating their own power. A list of Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) regulations is included. This legislation…

Despite a real sense of need, the development and application of technology for the elderly has progressed very slowly. This report explores reasons for this slow progress; examines how the process can be moved along; looks at what must be known about aging and the future to assure appropriate technological application; considers how to translate…

Based upon the findings of a National Science Foundation (NSF) survey of 1980 Industrial Research and Development, this report presents highlights and summaries of statistical data for: (1) total research and development (R&D) funds for 1980; (2) R&D by source of funds; (3) R&D funds as a percent of net sales; (4) energy-related…

A 45-year-old research project (culminating in the multivolume "Science and Civilization in China") is examining major scientific innovations in ancient China and attempting to explain why, although the Chinese gained a technological edge in the past, they did not make the forward leap into modern science. (JN)

The significance of the inclusion of subject matter pertaining to science, technology, and society (STS) in the science curriculum is examined and discussed. (PB)

Sixteen background papers presented to a plenary session at a 1980 workshop on the role of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in aeronautics are presented. The central task of the workshop was to examine the relationship of NASA's research capabilities to the state of U.S. aviation and to make recommendations about NASA's…