Vol. 22, No. 3/4, Fall 1984 - "Pennsylvania Issue"



SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHCENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

(pp. 1 – 7)


John E. Benhart

Donna McCartney

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania


Abstract


The changing spatial distribution of sanitary landfills in Pennsylvania is one of the most important locational changes in the state. In 1965, approximately 1,100 (eleven hundred) sanitary landfill sites were in operation. By 1984, only 136 (one hundred and thirty-six) sanitary landfills were operating in Pennsylvania with future reductions estimated to be about 54 (fifty-four) sites in 1989 and less than thirty sites by 1984.




SPATIAL DIFFERENCES IN THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF PENNSYLVANIA

(pp. 8 – 12)


E. Willard Miller

The Pennsylvania State University

State College, Pennsylvania


Abstract


Pennsylvania has long possessed one of the major industrial economies in the nation. Since the early nineteenth century, Pennsylvania's economy has evolved from one based on primary industries - agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing - to one in which tertiary (service-producing) activities - such as trade, transportation, communication, finance, health and other services - are the principal employers. During much of this time, secondary industries - manufacturing and construction - were the major dynamic growth industries. But more recently, this position has shifted to the tertiary industries. The basic objective of this study is to define areas of economic growth and decline in the Commonwealth.




A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA'S CANCER MORTALITY RATES

(pp. 13 – 17)


Robert C. Ziegenfus

Kutztown University

Kutztown, Pennsylvania


Abstract


Probably the most dreaded medical diagnosis today is cancer. Many people live in fear of its detection. Cancer seems to generate a greater amount of popular and scientific literature than other diseases, including heart disease, even though the mortality rate of heart disease is higher than that of cancer. In 1980, for the United States, the heart disease mortality rate was 336.0 while the cancer rate was 183.9, and the comparable rates for Pennsylvania were 427.1 and 219.5, respectively. It is clear from this data that Pennsylvania's rates are higher than that of the nation. The major reason for this contrast is the older age distribution among this state's population. Pennsylvania had the third highest median age among all states in 1980 at 32.1 years.




FACTORS FOR SITING A SHALLOW MUNICIPAL LANDFILL

(pp. 18 – 22)


Madan M. Varma

Kutztown University

Kutztown, Pennsylvania


Abstract


Leachate generated due to a landfill should be contained in order not to contaminate adjoining surface and sub-surface water. One needs to consider geology, soil and hydrology of the local area in detail. Geological consideration includes the study of the distribution of surface water bodies, topography and the rock outcrops of the area. Low stream density, relatively flat topography and a mature basement rock location is preferable. The two dominant properties of the soil which play major roles in leachate transport are its transport capacity and sorption capacity. An ideal situation is one having a low value of transport capacity and a high value of sorption capacity. Hydrological study factors include depth to the water table, hydraulic gradient, type of aquifer and location of landfill with respect to surface water supplies. A deep water table, low hydraulic gradient, homogeneous aquifer and distant located water supply source is desirable. It is hard to find an ideal location geologically and a compromise often has to be made between the various factors.




THE AMISH AT RISK: A STUDY OF GENETIC DISORDERS IN A GEOGRAPHIC AND GENETIC ISOLATE POPULATION

(pp. 23 – 33)


Lydle Brinkle

Gannon University

Erie, Pennsylvania


Abstract


The incidence of genetically caused malformation varies widely by geographical area, and in different racial, ethnic and/or cultural groups. Some racial, ethnic and/or cultural groups (e.g. the Amish) show a higher frequency of certain disorders than those of their neighbors, and descendants from those from high frequencies of certain disorders may inherit and transmit a mutant gene(s) which may be passed down and affect future generations. This study investigates genetic disorders of the Amish people. As a cultural and genetic isolate population, the Amish are prone to a number of rare recessive and other inherited diseases. The high consanguinity rate among the Amish is a likely shelter for rare genes.



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