Changes in the Stability Characteristics of Ohioans' Attitudes Toward Strip Mining, 1970-75

Author Institution: Department of Geography, Wright State UniversityIn 1970, attitudes of the population of Ohio toward strip mining were sampled. Data from the sample indicated 44% of the population had stable attitudes toward strip mining—i.e., their affective and cognitive attitudinal components were consistent. A majority had negative feelings toward the industry. Unstable attitudes were found in 30% of the population with the majority having negative affective and positive cognitive components. In 1975, another sample of attitudes was taken. These data revealed a consistency of attitudinal components in only 30% of the population, and the proportion of the group with positive feelings toward strip mining was equal to that having negative feelings. Unstable attitudes prevailed in 60% of the sample with the majority again revealing negative affective and positive cognitive components. The latter study reveals striking changes occurred in the characteristics of attitudes of Ohioans toward strip mining over the five-year perio

Comparison of Ohioans' Perceptions of Strup Mining and Reclamation in 1970 and 1975

Author Institution: Department of Geography, Wright State UniversityIn 1970 and again in 1975, the population of Ohio was sampled to determine how Ohioans felt about strip mining and reclamation in the state. Among the several items provided by respondents participating in the study was their opinion regarding these 2 closely related activities. In addition, the respondents were asked to give a reason for their opinions. In 1970, the proportion of the sample was equally divided between those favorable toward strip mining and those opposed to the activity. About 0.25 of the sample assumed a neutral stand toward the concept. The predominant reason given by those favoring strip mining was their belief that strip mining satisfied a demand for power and fuel. Those opposed to the activity were primarily concerned over the environmental destruction they associated with the activity. In 1975, the proportion favoring strip mining was twice that found in the earlier study. Those assuming a neutral position represented a very small proportion of the population. The same reason for favoring the activity predominated. Positive opinions on reclamation were overwhelming in 1970. However, reasons given by respondents for their opinions varied as they perceived future needs for land. Positive opinions were expressed by an even greater proportion in 1975. Reasons given were the same as in 1970, except that a perception of a current need for land appeared in responses received in 1975. Apparently, opinions on strip mining and reclamation became more polarized over the 5 year period of the study

The role and behavior of spin in gravitational physics

A self-consistent method of introducing spin into any Lagrangian based theory of gravitation was developed. The metric variation of the Lagrangian in the theory leads to an improved energy-momentum tensor which represents the source term in the gravitational field equations. The goal of the research is the construction of a theory general enough to be used to investigate spin effects in astrophysical objects and cosmology, and also to serve as a basis for discussion of the theoretical ideas tested by the NASA Gyroscope Experiment (aboard Gravity Probe B). Specific accomplishments in the following areas are summarized: the inclusion of electromagnetism into the variational principle for spinning matter, formulation of a self-consistent theory for the case of a fluid in which particle production processes occur, and the derivation of the Raychaudhuri equation in the case of spinning matter

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Si3N4 emissivity and the unidentified infrared bands

Infrared spectroscopy of warm (about 150 to 750 K), dusty astronomical sources has revealed a structured emission spectrum which can be diagnostic of the composition, temperature, and in some cases, even size and shape of the grains giving rise to the observed emission. The identifications of silicate emission in oxygen rich objects and SiC in carbon rich object are two examples of this type of analysis. Cometary spectra at moderate resolution have similarly revealed silicate emission, tying together interstellar and interplanetary dust. However, Goebel has pointed out that some astronomical sources appear to contain a different type of dust which results in a qualitatively different spectral shape in the 8 to 13 micron region. The spectra shown make it appear unlikely that silicon nitride can be identified as the source of the 8 to 13 micron emission in either NGC 6572 or Nova Aql 1982. The similarity between the general wavelength and shape of the 10 micron emission from some silicates and that from the two forms of silicon nitride reported could allow a mix of cosmic grains which include some silicon nitride if only the 8 to 13 micron data are considered

Raychaudhuri equation in the self-consistent Einstein-Cartan theory with spin-density

The physical implications of the Raychaudhuri equation for a spinning fluid in a Riemann-Cartan spacetime is developed and discussed using the self-consistent Lagrangian based formulation for the Einstein-Cartan theory. It was found that the spin-squared terms contribute to expansion (inflation) at early times and may lead to a bounce in the final collapse. The relationship between the fluid's vorticity and spin angular velocity is clarified and the effect of the interaction terms between the spin angular velocity and the spin in the Raychaudhuri equation investigated. These results should prove useful for studies of systems with an intrinsic spin angular momentum in extreme astrophysical or cosmological problems

EFFECTS OF RESERVOIR AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT ON RECREATIONAL EXPENDITURES AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Exotic aquatic plant management is a major concern for public reservoir management in many regions of the United States. A study was conducted to measure the effects of alternative aquatic plant management strategies on recreational expenditures and regional economic activity. The study areas was Lake Guntersville, Alabama, and the local economy surrounding the lake. Lake Guntersville is one of the largest reservoirs in the Tennessee Valley Authority system. Results suggested the relatively moderate levels of aquatic plant control are associated with the highest levels of recreation-related economic effects on the economy surrounding Lake Guntersville.Aquatic plants, Input-output analysis, Public reservoir management, Recreational expenditures, Regional economic activity, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Feedback Control of a Bioinspired Plate-Beam System

In this paper we present a model for a plate-beam system to represent a bioinspired flexible wing. Using a Galerkin based finite element approximation to the system, we compute functional gains that can be used for sensor placement and show that a piezoceramic actuator on the beam can be used for camber contro