Between 1973 and 1980, employment in the basic energy extraction industries--coal, oil, and natural gas--has risen by more than 91 percent. The Arab oil embargo and subsequent emphasis on development of domestic energy sources are responsible for this trend. (Author/SK)

This report analyzes recent trends in company-funded basic research support and incorporates findings from a special mail survey and personal interviews with research and development (R&D) officials of 54 firms. The report also provides insight into industry/university cooperative basic research efforts. Following an introduction, the report…

Discusses data on chemical research and development (R&D). Areas addressed include sources of R&D funds, R&D spending by the federal government and by industry, and sources of academic R&D funds. provides charts and tables and data on scientists/engineers, budgets, comparisons between applied/basic R&D, abstracts in chemical…

This newsletter focuses on the relationship between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and religious broadcasters. It traces the history of that relationship and discusses some of the pressures put on both. It includes a discussion of a recent avalanche of mail at the FCC supporting the church on the airways. It also summarizes some of…

Defines the concept of statistical process control, a quality control method used especially in manufacturing. Generally, concept users set specific standard levels that must be met. Makes the point that although employees work directly with the method, management is responsible for its success within the plant. (CH)

Explores the question of availability of children's books through interviews with publishers on current stocking policies and trends in backlisting and reissuing. Identifies sources of encouragement of trend to identify and reissue "old favorites." (SD)

The authors discuss the moderate employment gains made in the United States during 1986. Topics covered include (1) civilian employment, (2) industry developments, (3) unemployment, and (4) cyclical comparisons. (CH)

Describes the basic features of three different models of "innovation policy": (1) a model of explicit and institutionalized policy in Europe; (2) one of apparently limited policy affecting mainly the climate of innovation in the United States; and (3) one of implicit action imbedded in other policies in Japan. (Author/JN)

Reports on investments in the United States (including database activities) by four Dutch publishing companies--Elsevier-NDU, VNU, Kluwer, Wolters Samsom Group. An analysis of the reasons behind these investments, the solidness of the companies, the approach to the U.S. information market, and the knowledge transfer to Europe are highlighted. (EJS)

Provides information on the current status of computer-assisted manufacturing, current employment, and plans for new technology in three defense-related industries: aircraft, shipbuilding, and ordnance. (SK)

Reviews legislative attempts to revise the Federal Communications Act of 1934 and outlines the broadcast industry's role in defeating such attempts. Suggests that the broadcast industry chose economic protectionism over increased freedom of expression. (JMF)

Describes modeling as a career, explaining different types of modeling, how to get started, and where to get information. Sidebars address agencies, schools, and scams and postmodeling careers. (SK)

Cites research finding strong association between presence of teacher unions in a state and high performance on SAT and ACT. After briefly tracing the development of the teacher-union movement, describes Rochester Teacher Association's efforts to reform itself and to support district reform efforts. Describes Teacher Union Reform Network. (PKP)

Summarizes a National Research Council report indicating that the Department of Energy (DOE) underfunds basic, exploratory scientific research. Presents a matrix to provide DOE with perspectives for assessing the potential impact of chemistry-focused, basic, long-range, and pioneering research on various energy technology areas. (Author/SK)

When workers are displaced by machines, the economy can suffer from the loss of purchasing power. Historically the problem has been eased by shortening the work week, a trend currently at a standstill. (Author/JN)