AOA: A Personal Approach To Environmental Education

MESFI (Minnesota Environmental Sciences Foundation, Inc.) is field testing materials for a community-based environmental course of study. Program emphasis includes clarification of values and examination of logistics necessary to the maintenance of communities in order that they might meet social needs. The approach is individualized, providing a means of studying the impact of one\u27s lifestyle on the environment. Emphasis is placed on development of case studies, small group discussion, and cooperative problem-solving. Use of graphics as a form of summary is stressed. The Area of Affect (AOA) is a method of mapping participant activity, range or environmental impact within the community. Modification of Johari Window and Paired Comparison techniques are used to map data and infer alternatives

Propylene Oxide Sterilization of Media Containing Bacterial Populations

Propylene oxide sterilization of media containing soil bacterial populations occurred after 11 hours exposure in a closed system. Population reaction to the sterilant was characterized by inhibition intervals in the sterilization process. These stages represent minimal survival rates of 70%, 40%, and 7% respectively. A sterilization threshold (less than 1% survivors) occurred between 8-10 hours. Homogenous populations of Bacillus subtilis showed survival values in the first inhibition interval until the 4th hour. Lethality was noted at the 5th hour of exposure and other stages observed in heterogeneous populations did not occur

Environmental Education in the Environment

Man, the thinking animal, is an observer of events in the universe. He has conceded the obvious truth of his uniqueness on this planet and his religions charge him with its stewardship. However, the very quality which distinguishes him from other life forms has also proven to be his greatest weakness. Perception is a personal experience; its very nature mandates that it be point-centered in the universe. That point is the individual. Collective man is guilty of assuming that the universe happens around him. He has not effectively perceived that he is a happening in the universe. He has compounded his error by ignoring the mechanics of his surroundings and self-indulged in an exploitation of the environment

On the Development of a Damage Detection System using Macro-fibre Composite Sensors

Macro-fibre composite (MFC) sensors, originally developed as actuators by NASA, have been investigated for three components of a damage detection system for composite structures; actuation, sensing and energy harvesting. MFC sensors are constructed from piezoelectric fibres embedded in an epoxy matrix and offer greater flexibility than traditional sensors for embedding due to their low profile and low weight. It is proposed that embedded MFCs could be used to act as damage detectors, whilst energy either transmitted ultrasonically or harvested ambiently could be used to power the system. To assess the applicability of the MFCs a scale A320 composite wing was manufactured. Ten MFC sensors were embedded within the wing structure. Through a series of investigations on the wing the use of MFCs as part of an acousto-ultrasonic (AU) and Acoustic Emission (AE) damage detection system were investigated. Utilising AE source location and an AU cross-correlation techniques damage induced by impact was identified. In a further experiment the capability of transmitting and harvesting energy with the same embedded MFC actuators was completed. By impedance matching it was possible to improve the transmitted power. Furthermore an analysis of the MFCs ability to capture ambient vibrations, associated with aircraft structures, was completed. The completed experimental work demonstrated that it would be possible to embed sensors, energise them through active or passive vibration, and detect damage