iDEA Community: Drexel University Libraries

Optimization of a novel, wide-field, high resolution optical microscopy system

Title: Optimization of a novel, wide-field, high resolution optical microscopy system

Authors: Jhaveri, Sankhesh; Shah, Mitul A.; Doehring, Todd C.

Abstract: Knowledge of the complex fiber structures of soft tissues can lead to greater understanding of basic structure-function relationships and potentially to improvements in tissue engineered constructs and micro-repair techniques. Imaging these structures in fresh, whole-tissue samples is difficult,mainly because current microscopes are designed for small-scale, narrow field imaging of thin, slide-mounted specimens. Several precision stage motaging systems like the CoolScopeTM whole slide scanner (Nikon, Inc.), Scanscope XT(Aperio, Inc.) are available but they are only capable of single mode imaging, are often time consuming and can be prohibitively expensive for a small research laboratory. The goal of this project was to develop a high speed, high resolution imaging system at low cost - capable of imaging thicker, fresh tissue samples as well as prepared slides using both, normal and polarized light.

Optimizing Intellectual Workflow

Title: Optimizing Intellectual Workflow

Authors: Dominy, Margaret; Bhatt, Jay; Siftar, Tim; Denick, Dana

Abstract: Several new platforms designed to support collaboration between researchers have launched in the past year, giving rise to a need for evaluative criteria and a basis for recommendation by Drexel Librarians. Faculty and PhD researchers in the Drexel University community were surveyed for their intellectual workflow habits and collaborative platform preferences. The data collected from the survey was then analyzed to establish any trends among researchers.

Utilization of Passive Sonic Telemetry as Indicators of Movement and Nesting of the Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin)

Title: Utilization of Passive Sonic Telemetry as Indicators of Movement and Nesting of the Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin)

Authors: Winters, J.M.; Avery, H.W.; Spotila, J.R.; Standora, E.A

Abstract: Numerous anthropogenic factors pose serious threats to estuarine ecosystems and the organisms inhabiting them. Bulkheading (i.e., construction of shoreline walls), dredging, boating, shoreline development, over-harvesting, and pollution are some of the major human impacts to estuaries in North America. The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is an ideal species for determining the effects of human impacts to estuarine wildlife, because their habitat use and behavior uniquely utilize both land and aquatic habitats that comprise estuaries. The objective of this study is to determine the home range and nest site selection of diamondback terrapins in relation to anthropogenic impacts in Barnegat Bay Estuary, New Jersey. We will use passive sonic telemetry technology and multiple Submersible Underwater Receivers (SURs) to remotely track free-ranging terrapins throughout the Bay. We will position SURs in arrays throughout areas of the Bay where we have marked terrapins over the last three years to monitor the movements of individual terrapins. Fifteen terrapins will be outfitted with sonic transmitters per site, which will send signals to the SUR when terrapins are within range. Frequency, date, and time of signal reception will be logged remotely by each SUR. From these data we will determine the individual terrapin whose signal was received, and movements of individuals throughout the monitored areas. Gravid (i.e., egg-bearing) females will be closely monitored to determine the nest site(s) used. Reproductive success of nests will be determined for each monitored female. Wherever possible we will determine the cause(s) of nest failure. Our study will be critical in determining the direct and indirect effects of anthropogenic impacts to terrapins in areas of known high terrapin densities. These findings will aid in management decisions regarding both aquatic (e.g., boat) and land (e.g., beach) uses in relation to ensuring the viability of wildlife resources within the Barnegat Bay Estuary.

WTF is CSR?

Title: WTF is CSR?

Authors: Lynch, Meghan

Abstract: Today’s shopping is driven by selfish priorities that shelter consumers from the global impact of their purchasing behavior. A study conducted during the winter of 2008 questioned 59 Drexel University freshmen on their purchasing decisions. The purpose of the study was to determine whether ethical issues affect Generation Y consumer behavior. The results determined style, fit, and color as the first factors considered when purchasing garments. Price is also an essential factor and often serves as the final determinant in a purchase. Deborah Brosdahl of Kansas State University analyzed diverging consumer ideals between the United States and Europe. She found that in the US, “the consumer ‘wins’ by being able to acquire a lot with practically no money,” whereas in Europe, “the consumer ‘wins’ by buying the most ‘perfect’ object” (p.12). These contrasting ideals redefine the concept of getting more for your money suggesting that in the US more means quantity, but in Europe it means quality. Therefore consumers are driven by reduced prices rather than product quality. Garments are easily disposed of after a single season instead being cherished as an addition to a wardrobe. Consumerism has become a practice of isolationism in which shoppers only consider the personal impact of their purchases.

Development of a Bayesian Network Model Schema that Builds on Existing FMECAs

Title: Development of a Bayesian Network Model Schema that Builds on Existing FMECAs

Authors: Madsen, John; Whitney, Paul; Coles, Garill

Abstract: Background: The Institute of Medicine’s 2000 report entitled To Err is Human states that as many as 98,000 people die each year as a result of medical error in the United States. Subsequent studies indicate that this may be an underestimate. Awareness of the patient safety problem has led to widespread attempts to encourage quality improvement in America, from legislation requiring incident reporting to pay-for-performance programs. Evaluating and improving process design has been recognized as a critical element in improving patient safety. The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) recommends a technique called failure mode effect and criticality analysis (FMECA), which has been widely used in improving the safety of medical processes. This tool’s uses are limited because of its inability to examine the possibility of multiple errors occurring in a process. Methods: Efforts were centered on the creation of a generalizable schema that could be used in creating models more descriptive of the possibility of multiple errors contributing to undesirable outcomes. For this purpose, we used a Bayesian Network (BN) to incorporate both the process flow diagram and the probabilities/frequencies of various failures and their consequences for a given procedure. Steps from process flow diagrams used in creating FMECAs are categorized into action steps and validation steps, which are organized with potential outcomes and probabilities into a resulting matrix that represents all possible combinations of errors as well as the probability that any given error (or combination of errors) will occur. The model is first used as an influence diagram to determine which possible branches in a chain of steps may be eliminated. Once branches with higher probabilities of error are eliminated, the streamlined BN will indicate the probability that any outcome is reached by any combination of steps with any combination of errors. An existing FMECA completed for blood transfusion is used to illustrate our method. Results: The resulting model is useful for several reasons. Decision analysis can be performed to ascertain what potential errors can simply be eliminated from the process. High probability errors are noticeable, but more importantly, dangerous combinations of error are highlighted. Depending on the level of specificity achieved in the initial FMECA, specific health outcomes can be attached to specific errors, creating a diagnostic tool for use in later root-cause analyses. The model can be adjusted readily, so proposed changes in the process can be examined in a hypothetical setting before being tested in an actual health care setting. Conclusion: Creation of a BN model increases the value of time intensive labor already performed during FMECAs. This method shares some of the benefits of more sophisticated modeling approaches but builds off of the widely used FMECA framework already recommended by JCAHO. It achieves the goal of determining which combinations of error lead to undesired outcomes.

Anthony Bracali: Skateboarding and the City – A Study of the Architect as Activist and Planner

Title: Anthony Bracali: Skateboarding and the City – A Study of the Architect as Activist and Planner

Authors: Diperstein, David

Abstract: This documentary explores the process by which Anthony Bracali transformed the perception of skateboarding in Philadelphia from a socially unacceptable pastime to a recreational activity worthy of public support.

Description: Documentary credits: Produced by: David Diperstein, Gerasimos Melissaratos, Ashley Morgan, Kingsley Onwuemenyi Directed and edited by: David Diperstein Camera operators: David Diperstein, Gerasimos Melissaratos, Kingsley Onwuemenyi Titles And Color Correction: Micah Haun Skateboard footage: Adam Sucheki Music: Chris Kissel, Melissa Memago, Lenny Skolnik Photographs and site plans: Anthony Bracali, Friday Architects Consultant: David Miller Faculty Supervisor: Albert S. Tedesco

The relationship between calorimetry and thermal analysis

Title: The relationship between calorimetry and thermal analysis

Authors: Dominy, Margaret; Smith, Alan L.

E-Repository at Drexel University (iDEA): Vision and Evolution

Title: E-Repository at Drexel University (iDEA): Vision and Evolution

Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Martin, Kevin; Sieczkiewicz, Robert

Abstract: The Drexel E- Repository and Archives (iDEA) is an institutional repository designed to capture and permanently store scholarly output of Drexel University. iDEA provide open access to the work of Drexel’s academic community, including the work of faculty and students, both undergraduate and graduate. iDEA documents both published and unpublished intellectual output, ranging from research publications to theses and dissertations to events such as the Annual Research Day and Biomedical Technology Showcase, Built on DSpace, the open source software developed by MIT and Hwelett-Packard, iDEA is searchable by author, keyword, college/school and department. Indexed by Google and other search engines, iDEA is an effective open access tool for sharing the results of research. Administered by the Drexel Libraries, iDEA represents a commitment to providing permanent open access to Drexel digital works.

Description: Presentation for the International Symposium on Emerging Trends and Technologies in Libraries and Information Services, ETTLIS-2008, December 18-20, 2008

Using Web 2.0 Applications as Information Awareness Tools for Science and Engineering Faculty and Students in Academic Institutions (slides)

Title: Using Web 2.0 Applications as Information Awareness Tools for Science and Engineering Faculty and Students in Academic Institutions (slides)

Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Chandra, Smita; Denick, Dana

Abstract: As new academic research initiatives become increasingly interdisciplinary, it is imperative that science and engineering librarians develop and implement new approaches to the dissemination of library research tools and techniques. At Drexel University, several such initiatives have resulted in collaborative research in areas such as Nanomedicine, Engineering Cities, Plasma Medicine, Nanoscale Science and Technology, Microfluidics, and Bionanotechnology. In addition, Drexel's emphasis on team-based, interdisciplinary engineering design projects requires students to develop critical understanding of multidisciplinary engineering content. Faculty and students need to be aware of how to access information from a variety of resources that cover a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. How can Web 2.0 tools function as information awareness tools for faculty and students in an academic community? Why is 'Information Awareness' so crucial? Increased cognizance of new resources such as IEEE Xplore, Knovel, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect and Engineering Village, is the crucial first step in their effective use by faculty and students. This presentation outlines current case studies using Web 2.0 applications such as blogs, feeds, bookmarking services, aggregators and social networking services to illustrate their roles as information awareness tools. The examples of such attempts with information awareness give rise to the exploration of Web 2.0 use in country specific settings. The internet user community in India, mostly comprising of the younger generation, stands to gain from such information technology tools and information awareness initiatives. The response of the library sector with respect to implementation of the Web 2.0 technologies is further discussed. This is followed by suggestions to the library community from the various experiments at Drexel for the engineering student community. The authors wish that more faculty and students realize the potential of Web 2.0 applications in keeping up-to-date with new information and information resources. More instruction and outreach in the set up and management of feeds from different databases is crucial. In other words, training our faculty and students to learn new Web 2.0 features is important for them to fully realize the potential of such tools.

Description: Paper presented at the International Conference of Asian Special Libraries: Shaping the future of special libraries: beyond boundaries, November 27th, 2008

Using Web 2.0 Applications as Information Awareness Tools for Science and Engineering Faculty and Students in Academic Institutions (text)

Title: Using Web 2.0 Applications as Information Awareness Tools for Science and Engineering Faculty and Students in Academic Institutions (text)

Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Denick, Dana; Chandra, Smita

Abstract: As new academic research initiatives become increasingly interdisciplinary, it is imperative that science and engineering librarians develop and implement new approaches to the dissemination of library research tools and techniques. At Drexel University, several such initiatives have resulted in collaborative research in areas such as Nanomedicine, Engineering Cities, Plasma Medicine, Nanoscale Science and Technology, Microfluidics, and Bionanotechnology. In addition, Drexel's emphasis on team-based, interdisciplinary engineering design projects requires students to develop critical understanding of multidisciplinary engineering content. Faculty and students need to be aware of how to access information from a variety of resources that cover a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. How can Web 2.0 tools function as information awareness tools for faculty and students in an academic community? Why is 'Information Awareness' so crucial? Increased cognizance of new resources such as IEEE Xplore, Knovel, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect and Engineering Village, is the crucial first step in their effective use by faculty and students. This presentation outlines current case studies using Web 2.0 applications such as blogs, feeds, bookmarking services, aggregators and social networking services to illustrate their roles as information awareness tools. The examples of such attempts with information awareness give rise to the exploration of Web 2.0 use in country specific settings. The internet user community in India, mostly comprising of the younger generation, stands to gain from such information technology tools and information awareness initiatives. The response of the library sector with respect to implementation of the Web 2.0 technologies is further discussed. This is followed by suggestions to the library community from the various experiments at Drexel for the engineering student community. The authors wish that more faculty and students realize the potential of Web 2.0 applications in keeping up-to-date with new information and information resources. More instruction and outreach in the set up and management of feeds from different databases is crucial. In other words, training our faculty and students to learn new Web 2.0 features is important for them to fully realize the potential of such tools.

Description: Paper presented at the International Conference of Asian Special Libraries: Shaping the future of special libraries: beyond boundaries, November 27th, 2008