An interactive editor for definition of touch-sensitive zones for a graphic display

In the continuing effort to develop more efficient man-machine communications methods, touch displays have shown potential as straightforward input systems. The development of software necessary to handle such systems, however, can become tedious. In order to reduce the need for redundant programming, a touch editor has been developed which allows a programmer to interactively define touch-sensitive areas for a graphic display. The information produced during the editing process is written to a data file, which can be accessed easily when needed by an application program. This paper outlines the structure, logic, and use of the editor, as well as the hardware with which it is presently compatible

Planning for future uncertainties in electric power generation : an analysis of transitional strategies for reduction of carbon and sulfur emissions

The object of this paper is to identify strategies for the U.S. electric utility industry for reduction of both acid rain producing and global warming gases. The research used the EPRI Electric Generation Expansion Analysis System (EGEAS) utility optimization/simulation modeling structure and the EPRI developed regional utilities. It focuses on the North East and East Central region of the U.S. Strategies identified were fuel switching -- predominantly between coal and natural gas, mandated emission limits, and a carbon tax. The overall conclusions of the study are that using less (conservation) will always benefit Carbon Emissions but may or may not benefit Acid Rain emissions by the offsetting forces of improved performance of new plant as opposed to reduced overall consumption of final product. Results of the study are highly utility and regional demand specific. The study showed, however, that significant reductions in both acid rain and global warming gas production could be achieved with relatively small increases in the overall cost of production of electricity and that the current dispatch logics available to the utility control rooms were adequate to reschedule dispatch to meet these objectives.Supported by teh MIT Center for Energy Policy Research

Sterilization, State Action, and the Concept ofConsent

A line demarking the propriety of state intervention into the lives of individuals has never been adequately drawn. It is not surprising that such a line is practically nonexistent, from the point of view of legal analysis, when the people subject to intervention are considered mentally retarded. Too infrequently the medical and privacy rights of these individuals go unrecognized and unheeded. There are several factors which collectively account for this

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES OF KENTUCKY BLACKBIRD ROOSTS

At the present time we are under contract from the Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission to study three aspects of Kentucky starling-blackbird roost problems: (1) a study of birds killed this coming winter through PA-14 treatments, to obtain more accurate data on species composition, sex ratios, kill success and food items; (2) a compilation of breeding and wintering data on Kentucky populations through analysis of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service summer bird counts and banding returns; and (3) a study of spore dispersal of various fungal species, most notably Histoplasma capsulatum, from roost sites. The winter sampling is yet to be done, as sprayings most likely will not be undertaken until December. The analysis of population figures is complete and will be partially reported herein, as some data may be of significance for application to future management efforts. The histoplasmosis study began in June 1976 and will continue throughout the winter and spring; some preliminary results are deemed of significance to management efforts and are also reported herein

Transitional strategies for the reduction of "greenhouse gas" emission in the United States electric power sector

Environmental issues have become increasingly important in the political arena, particularly with growing concern over the "greenhouse effect," a potential global climatic warming caused by increases in anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. The United States alone accounts for 25% of the worldwide emissions of CO2, the most important of the greenhouse gases. The generation of electric power is responsible for one-third of United States CO2 emissions in addition to emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, also greenhouse gases. In the long term, strategies to reduce such emissions will probably concentrate on non-fossil fuel sources, such as nuclear energy, solar energy, or biomass. Near term strategies for the reduction of these emissions, important because of lengthy time lags in the climate system, must concentrate on existing technologies. These strategies must also be compatible with other environmental and societal goals. This study examines the emission reduction potential in two regions of the United States electric power industry. Utility accepted models and data have been utilized to minimize concern over structural simplifications and parametric errors. Seven potential strategies were examined to determine their effectiveness for the reduction of CO2 emissions. The costs and additional environmental effects of these strategies were also calculated. The study finds that some carbon emissions, and large amounts of other environmental emissions, can be reduced at little or no cost. Larger amounts of emissions reductions appear to be possible at higher cost. The trade-offs between cost and emissions reduction are quantified to facilitate strategy choice. Processes for the selection of economically feasible and politically acceptable climate change policies, through the use of such analyses, are discussed.Supported by the MIT Center for Energy Policy Research, the Hugh Hampton Young Fellowship Committee, the Bernard Rabinowitz Fellowship Committee, the Alfred Keil Fellowship Committee and the MIT Center for Technology, Policy and Industrial Development