TREND WATCH

Clear Cable Signals: Scientific-Atlanta and General Instrument Systems have independently developed systems to enable cable-TV operators to turn an unscrambled TV signal on or off from a central office, eliminating the need for many house calls. Many conventional systems may also be controlled central offices but rely on decoding devices in homes. A spokesman for Scientific-Atlanta called the new technology “more user friendly.” Atlanta Constitution

Private Prisons: Privately operated prisons are on the rise in Florida. Corrections Corp. of America and Wackenhut Corrections Corp. recently became the first private operators to bid on a maximum security state prison. The state corrections department has stated that the successful bidder must operate the prison at 10% below the state’s cost. The state Legislature has also authorized a smaller prison to be operated by a private company. CCA operates 18 prisons in other states. A company executive believes that the percentage of prison beds under private management will increase to 10% to 15% by the end of the decade from less than 1% today. Tampa Tribune

High-Yield Fiber: Louisiana farmers are encouraged by the commercial success of a Kenaf, a hybrid relative of okra and cotton. The plant grows to 10 feet in about 150 days and has been used in this country mainly as a newsprint material. It makes stronger, whiter paper than wood pulp without as much bleaching. With new harvesting methods, Kenaf soon will be in use for fiber mats for grass, carpets, auto door panels, burlap and rope. In another form, Kenaf can be made into animal bedding chips that are more absorbent and cheaper than wood. Growers are researching the use of Kenaf as a fiber source in food and as an absorbent filler for diapers. Sunday Advocate