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This Science Resources Studies Data Brief reports on statistics related to graduate enrollment in science and engineering in the United States for 1998. The data presented here were obtained from the National Science Foundation's 1998 Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering, which collected data at 601 institutions in the United States and outlying areas. The number of science and engineering graduate students fell for the fifth consecutive year, although enrollment in computer science and electrical engineering increased. The study also notes that enrollment for minority groups has continued to rise. (WRM)

Despite its high unemployment level, Germany is experiencing a shortage of specialists and managers. Germany's need for highly qualified information technology (IT) workers and engineers is particularly great. Approximately 10,000 posts for computer scientists and IT specialists remained vacant in 1998. Because of the shortage of such specialists, "side door" entrants who have studied related disciplines such as engineering and natural sciences and have some knowledge of computer science now also have good chances of a job in the IT sector. A total of 13,000 new jobs were reported in Germany's social care sector in 1998. Almost all of Germany's industrial branches are urgently seeking engineers. The job prospects for economists are questionable unless graduates can show that they have also completed a business training course. The job prospects for lawyers and legal advisers with first-class degrees are improving, and 2,600 more teachers were hired in 1998-1999 than in the previous school year. Employment opportunities for German mathematicians, physicists, chemists, and biologists have also improved considerably. Positions for language and culture scholars also increased. Individuals with the prerequisites for positions in the IT and engineering sectors should be able to secure jobs on the spot. (MN)

This Issue Brief reports on the international mobility of scientists and engineers to the United States and discusses student flows into the higher education system, the stay rates of foreign doctoral recipients, and their short and long term employment in United States industry, universities, and government. Information presented in the tables and graphs includes: (1) United States and foreign-born scientists and engineers in research and development in the United States in 1993 by sector and location of science and engineering degree; (2) stay rate of foreign students earning science and engineering doctorates at United States universities by selected regions from 1988-96; and (3) percentage of 1990-91 foreign science and engineering doctoral recipients from United States universities who were working in the United States in 1995 by country of origin. (DDR)

This data brief provides statistical data about the population of scientists and engineers in the United States with doctorates from United States institutions. The report contains data related to the unemployment of scientists and engineers, employment and gender, employment and racial/ethnic identity, and employment in various sectors. The four tables provided are as follows: (1) "Employment Status of Doctoral Scientists and Engineers by Broad Field: 1993 and 1995"; (2) "Doctoral Scientists and Engineers by Employment Status, Sex, and Race/Ethnicity: 1995"; (3) "Employed Doctoral Scientists and Engineers, by Field of Doctorate, Sex and Race/Ethnicity: 1995"; and (4) "Employed Doctoral Scientists and Engineers, by Field of Doctorate and Sector of Employment: 1995." (DDR)

This report offers a profile of the financial and human resources devoted to research and development (R&D) in the United States and other nations, focusing on the role of universities in carrying out R&D and in supporting the development of scientific and technical personnel needed for a competitive economy. It found that R&D expenditures in the United States in 1992 were an estimated $157.4 billion, making it the leading nation in total R&D expenditures. As a percentage of the nation's economy, however, U.S. R&D expenditures lag behind those of Japan and Germany. R&D expenditures represented 2.65 percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 1990, compared with 3.07 percent for Japan and 2.81 percent for Germany. Only 16 percent of all R&D spending is for basic research, while 23 percent is for applied research and 61 percent is for developmental activities to produce useful products from the research findings. Although academic institutions conducted only 15 percent of all R&D activity in the United States in 1992, they conducted 49 percent of all basic research. (MDM)

This book is a critical appraisal of continuing education for Australian professionals. Part 1 sets the scene, with an introduction in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 examines the key terms from a number of perspectives to provide an overview of the context in which all professionals practice in Australia. Chapter 3 provides a broad framework for the discussion of continuing professional education (CPE) within any profession. Discussion in this chapter and in the ones that follow is based on six sets of considerations related to CPE: contextual factors, policy and objectives, management, program content and delivery, evaluation, and finance. Part 2 contains five professional profiles (chapters 4-8), written by persons involved in their own professions and its CPE. Written during 1988, the profiles follow the framework outlined in chapter 3, thus allowing for comparisons among the five professions. The professions chosen are law, accounting, engineering, occupational therapy, and school teaching. Part 3 (chapter 9) is the conclusion. It draws a cross-professional picture of the stages of development that CPE has undergone in Australia. It raises important issues that are emerging in the field as a whole and suggests future directions for CPE in Australia. (YLB)

This report is the third of a series of reports based on data collected in the 1978 National Sample of Scientists and Engineers survey. Profiled are the characteristics of 29,775 persons represented in the national sample's field of environmental scientists: 24,615 earth scientists, 3,481 atmospheric scientists, and 1,678 oceanographers. Characteristics are discussed under five headings: (1) composition (sex, age, regional/racial distribution); (2) education and training; (3) professional experience and growth of field, focusing on years of professional experience, field of science/engineering in 1976, and job mobility in 1978; (4) labor force participation; and (5) income, focusing on basic annual salary rate of full-time employed environmental scientists in 1978. Text material is supplemented by statistical data presented in three text tables, one chart, and individual tables related to each of the five areas. Survey methodology (including questionnaire used and response rates) is provided in five appendices. Findings, among others, indicate a predominantly male (96 percent), white (98 percent) sample with a median age of 47 years. In addition, 93 percent were in the labor force, and of those not in the labor force, 86 percent were retired. The 1978 basic salary rate of full-time employees was $30,234. (JN)

Cooperative arrangements between academic institutions and industry are examined, with attention to linkages in high technology research and development (R&D), the commercial application of R&D (technology transfer), and the preparation and continuing development of scientific and engineering personnel. Incentives and barriers to campus/corporate involvements are identified. Also examined are the historical development of R&D ties, stages of technological change and community conditions affecting this process, patterns of innovation in large and small companies, and policy issues concerning nontraditional study and faculty ties with business. Cooperation in R&D includes arrangements such as contracted research projects, cooperative research centers, and personnel exchanges, while modes of technology transfer range from seminars and publications to faculty consulting and small business development services. Ten suggestions are offered to help colleges evaluate current linkages with industry, unmet local or regional needs, and school educational and personnel policies. A conceptual model of academic/industrial cooperation shows the economic goals and development strategies that relate to each type of linkage, as well as the extent of interaction that characterizes specific cooperative arrangements. Fifteen pages of references conclude the document. (SW)

The findings of four independent surveys on various trends in science and engineering (S/E) in the United States are presented in these reports. The first report contains findings obtained from institutions granting a graduate science or engineering degree and/or performing at least $50,000 in separately budgeted research and development (R&D) activities on expenditures in FY 1984. Academic R&D spending rose in each major S/E field in 1984. The second report presents data on the employment of foreign scientists and engineers in U.S. industry which was obtained from a telephone survey of 152 large firms (Fortune 500) and 150 other firms. One-half of the firms utilized foreign scientists and engineers. Results of a survey of graduate S/E students and postdoctorates are discussed in the third report. In 1984 graduate S/E enrollment showed the smallest increase since 1977. The fourth report states that the number of S/E doctorates awarded in 1985 was slightly greater than in 1984, but below the peak reached in 1972. Women continued to increase their representation among S/E doctorates, but not as rapidly as in the seventies and early eighties. (ML)

French statistics show that in the area of training and employment, differences in behavior patterns between men and women have diminished considerably. Nonetheless, sexual segregation remains strong, especially in scientific and technical fields. Distribution among training streams remains uneven. In tertiary and upper-level education and training, women are underrepresented in the scientific and technical programs. In the universities, the proportion of women in the sciences has remained stable; all other specializations show increases. A form of job segregation concentrates women in a limited number of occupations, notably personal services, health care, and office work. Technicians are 10.4 percent women, engineers and technical managers, 9.8 percent. A French study explored social conditions and processes that lead young women to pursue male-dominated training and employment. Data were obtained through interviews with 47 young women enrolled in technical training, and some of their parents, principals, and teachers. A combined analysis of social rationales brought out features common to the cohort studied: families expected a great deal from the young women in terms of socio-occupational advancement and counted on their academic success to bring this about; academic performance was average, with emphasis on "scientific" subjects; and a gender dynamic led the girls to assume a boy's role. Three post-degree itineraries can be extrapolated from the respective weights of these social rationales within the family configurations and the way they are combined. (16 references) (YLB)

Discussed is the present engineering computer environment of a large aerospace company recognized as a leader in the application and development of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing techniques. A review is given of the exposure spectrum of engineers to the world of computing, the computer languages used, and the career impacts of the exposure. Also presented are trends anticipated and causative factors. (DS)

The following articles and reports are presented in this publication of "Overseas Universities:""Appropriate Technology and University Education," by John Twidell; "The Training of Engineering Staff for Higher Education Institutions in Developing Countries," by D. W. Daniel, C. A. Leal, J. H. Maynes and T. Wilmore; "A Case Study of an Academic Link--the Birkbeck-Bangalore Phosphazene Project," by Robert A. Shaw and Michael Woods; "The Rationale for the Use of External Examiners in the Conduct of University Examinations: The Case of the University of Ibadan," by Michael Omolewa; "Is Traditional Medical Education Suitable for Developing Countries?" by Frank Howarth; "The Development of New Universities Sussex Seminar on Management Information for Planning," by G. Lockwood; "The Sussex Seminar on Administrative and Governmental Systems in Growing Universities," by M. L. Shattock; "Review--Asavia Wandira, 'The African University in Development,'" by J. H. Sislian; "Courses in the U.K.--Theatre Studies at Cardiff," by John Linstrum; "A.U.C.C. to Administer C.I.D.A. Programmes" and "Inauguration of the University of Juba." (SW)

This article explores the efforts of scientists, students, gamers, and professionals in Silicon Valley to decode ancient scrolls from Herculaneum, a Roman town destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. The scrolls, which were preserved but carbonized, have proven difficult to decipher without causing damage. However, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has shown promise in virtually unwrapping the scrolls and detecting ink. A competition called the Vesuvius Challenge has been organized to encourage collaboration in decoding the scrolls, with a prize of over $1 million. Advanced imaging technologies and machine learning algorithms are being used to reveal previously unreadable text on hundreds of papyrus scrolls, potentially revolutionizing the fields of papyrology and classics. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the design and construction of the Promontory Villa in Tapalpa, Mexico, by Atelier Ars. The villa is a six-bedroom weekend house situated in the mountains of central Mexico. The focal point of the villa is a 23-foot stone chimney that rises against a backdrop of distant hills. The design of the villa incorporates elements of Modernism, Classicism, and regional vernaculars, creating a hybrid house. The villa is surrounded by a cultivated wilderness of native plants, and the interior features patios and tactile details. The article emphasizes the connection between the villa and its natural surroundings, with the freestanding chimney bringing the landscape closer to home. [Extracted from the article]

Steve and Kim Chase, who had been living and working in Los Angeles for 25 years, decided to move back East to North Carolina for a quieter life. They built a 2,570-square-foot house on a wooded 60-acre site near Hillsborough. The house, called the Steeplechase House, consists of two steep-roofed gabled boxes that reflect the landscape with mirrored glass and invite the natural environment inside. The house is clad in black corrugated steel and features a triangular courtyard and a low-slung loggia with floor-to-ceiling glass. The design of the house allows it to blend into the landscape and provides a connection to nature. The Chases were involved in the construction process and paid attention to every detail to ensure the house was built to their high standards. The house is a result of a creative collaboration between the clients and the architect, with a minimum of artistic direction and an abundance of trust. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the extension of the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul de Vence, France. The architect, Silvio d'Ascia, proposed hollowing out the ground below the building's terraces to create additional gallery space without modifying the original footprint. The extension includes four new public spaces, including a vitrine-lined passage, a monumental gallery, a linking gallery, and an intimate gallery. The design of the extension contrasts with the original building, using raw concrete, satin-polished Roman travertine floors, and geometrically pure galleries. The extension was completed in June 2024 and adds Italian finesse to the existing ensemble. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the rise of chatbots trained on religious texts, such as the Quran, Bible, and works of theologians, that aim to provide instantaneous spiritual insights. While some believe that these chatbots can save time and energy by synthesizing spiritual wisdom, others, including professional theologians, express concerns about the potential undermining of the traditional benefits of direct engagement with religious texts. The article also explores other applications of large language models (LLMs) in religious contexts, such as biblical translation and studying linguistic variations among translations. However, experts caution that these chatbots can produce hallucinations and potentially provide misleading information, emphasizing the need for caution and critical interpretation when using them. [Extracted from the article]

Real estate leaders, from concept to key, help to shape our region's economy as well as its skyline. We have some of the very best architects, contractors, developers, engineers and [...]

Jabra PanaCast 50 The Jabra PanaCast 50 Room System is a complete solution that enables small and medium rooms to play host to more inclusive, more immersive virtual meetings. The [...]

Part 1 of this article--published in the April issue--explored the importance and application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in the domain of advanced process design and engineering. This advancement has [...]

Before co-founding Rise Private Wealth Management, Bob Bonfiglio started his career as an engineer. After spending a few years at Texas Instruments and Raytheon, he went on to receive his [...]

As usual, we had approximately 50 nominations for the RT&S 2024 10 Under 40 engineering honors. Railroad engineering is very challenging, both mentally and physically. Mentally because of the highly [...]

DIN-Rail terminal blocks are used throughout multiple industries, integrating components within an individual machine to integrating multiple machines into a complete factory system. Both electrical and electronic devices are easily integrated using multi-use terminal blocks for a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, medical, oil &gas, automotive, semiconductor, packaging, transportation, power industry, and more., What features should I consider when selecting a DIN-Rail terminal block? Service life is the most important factor when selecting a DIN-Rail terminal block. Beyond that, engineers will want to [...]

Lego has created a full-size, driveable version of the McLaren P1 supercar using their Technic pieces. The project was a collaboration between Lego and McLaren, and while the car is not for sale, it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 31mph. The car is powered by Lego Technic electric motors and weighs around 1,200kg. Lego also released a smaller, more attainable 1:8 scale Technic McLaren P1 kit that features a working seven-speed gearbox and other engineering marvels of the real car. [Extracted from the article]

The Minnesota Department of Transportation collaborated with a team to design and construct an underground stormwater storage facility to address flooded roadways. The facility, the first of its kind in Minnesota, has a capacity of 14 acre-ft and consists of six interconnected cells. Innovative techniques such as diaphragm wall technology and soil nail walls were used in the construction. The facility diverts water from an existing stormwater pipe during wet-weather events. The design includes measures to control groundwater levels and prevent piping failure, and various monitoring techniques were employed to ensure safety and stability during construction. The document acknowledges the organizations involved in the project. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the retirement of Tadge Juechter, the chief engineer of the Chevrolet Corvette, and the unveiling of the 2025 Corvette ZR1. The new ZR1 is the most powerful factory-backed production Corvette ever, with a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine that produces 1064 horsepower and a top speed of over 215 mph. The ZR1 features various design changes to improve cooling and aerodynamics, and it offers different suspension options for a more comfortable or track-focused driving experience. The article concludes with a brief description of the engine specifications and enhancements made to handle the high power and torque of the ZR1. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of the Challenger disaster in 1986, which resulted in the deaths of seven astronauts. It focuses on the lack of statistical reasoning and failure to use appropriate data and visual aids in determining launch risk. The article discusses the engineering issues with the solid rocket boosters, specifically the field joints and O-rings, and how these issues were not adequately addressed. It also highlights the concerns about the cold-weather launch and the failure to properly consider erosion and temperature effects on the O-rings. The article emphasizes the importance of statistical reasoning and data analysis in decision-making processes and criticizes the lack of formal risk assessment and inadequate data presentation by NASA. [Extracted from the article]