http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1152 Search the Channel search http://idea.library.drexel.edu/simple-search http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/2772 Title: A Novel High Resolution, Wide-Field microscopy System for Histology Slide and Fresh Tissue Imaging using Polarized Light <br/> <br/>Authors: Jhaveri, Sankhesh <br/> <br/>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. Unfortunately, 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. These systems depend on high-precision motorized (using expensive servo motors) stage positioning to make a montage of image tiles. However, they are time consuming requiring a large number of image tiles. The goal of this project was to develop a high speed imaging system at low cost-capable of imaging thicker, fresh tissue samples as well as prepared slides using both, normal and polarized light. For imaging thicker specimens, an ‘open stage system’ with variable control on the Z axis, in addition to X and Y axis control, is incorporated to maintain focus. The system uses a low-precision, two stepper motor positioning system, maintaining sub-pixel accuracy via a novel image correlation and registration algorithm. A third stepper motor controlling the fine focus knob enables the Z axis control. The software consists of two basic components: (1) a graphical user interface (GUI) programmed in Visual Basic .NET for camera and stage motor control, and (2) a “tiling/stitching” algorithm programmed in Matlab. The tiling program also incorporates distortion and luminosity correction algorithms. Autofocus is achieved using a novel edge-based focusing algorithm. Current work is ongoing to optimize the throughput, speed and accuracy of large scale 2D and 3D imaging. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/2770 Title: SimplyMap: Introducing a New Mapping Tool & Data Source at Drexel Libraries <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Martin, Tara; Millikin, Larry; Roberts, Joshua C.; Siftar, Tim; Ten-Have, Beth <br/> <br/>Abstract: As university libraries move from hosting print collections toward more electronic content, they have also begun to offer a range of data and analysis tools. This responds to increased demands from faculty that students substantiate their research with original analysis of data, instead of just citing the work of other authors. In 2007 Drexel University Libraries began offering the “SimplyMap” web-based mapping application to meet this need. Using a simplified interface it affords similar features to sophisticated geographic information systems (GIS). SimplyMap comes bundled with a number of datasets: the 2000 U.S. Census with 2006 & 2007 estimates and 2011 projection;, Consumer Expenditures and Quality of Life data (such as weather and crime). The maps – as well as the underlying data – can be exported for use in Word, PowerPoint or Excel. In reality it is two tools in one: an application for visualizing data as maps and, a map-interface for retrieving datasets. Empowered with both the tools and data to rapidly test hypotheses and interpret results visually, students have the opportunity to participate more deeply in the research process and experience a more active and engaged form of learning. Drexel librarians have developed a number of examples to show how maps and datasets from SimplyMap might be used effectively to support typical student research assignments. <br/> <br/>Description: Poster presented at Drexel Research Day, 2008. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/2769 Title: Library 2.0: Collaborative, Interactive, Patron-Focused <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Chiodo, Anita; Dominy, Margaret; Roberts, Joshua C. <br/> <br/>Abstract: Here at Drexel University the human interface between the Libraries and our patrons is rapidly evolving, in both our physical and virtual spaces. Students and faculty find demands pulling them in different directions, needing assistance around the clock and usually urgently. Facilitating communications and services have put additional demands on librarians leading us into new creative arenas, many drawing on Web 2.0 techniques and technologies. Some of these efforts will work and some will not, but we can no longer be passive. In this poster, the authors will highlight the multifaceted ways in which the physical space of the various Drexel Libraries has changed; the new ways our librarians have approached patron interactions, including reaching out to students via instant messaging, Facebook, and other social software; and also collaborative efforts with faculty, specifically our annual Scholarly Communications Symposium and the Libraries’ role in supporting scholarship. <br/> <br/>Description: Poster presented at SLA annual conference and Drexel Research Day, 2008. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1559 Title: Impact of interdisciplinary scientific research on science and engineering librarianship in academic institutions <br/> <br/>Authors: Dominy, Margaret; Bhatt, Jay <br/> <br/>Abstract: Looking at the ongoing trend in academic institutions with science and engineering focus, it appears that information needs of researchers in those areas are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary in nature. For example, Nanotechnology research requires collaboration among researchers from various expertise areas such as Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Biotechnology, Nanomedicine, etc. Analysis of book requests, journal requests along with consultations with faculty and students are indicative of how interdisciplinary their needs have become. The nature of interdisciplinary information is expected to have an impact on science and engineering librarianship from several perspectives such as collection development in both print and electronic media, outreach, collection management, library instruction and how both science and engineering librarians interact with each other. This poster focuses on analyzing research trends at Drexel University and proposes that close collaboration of the science and engineering librarians is crucial for the successful delivery of information services to emerging technology areas. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1558 Title: Connecting with the Millennials: library services then and now <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, Jay; Dominy, Margaret; Roberts, Joshua C.; Siftar, Timothy <br/> <br/>Abstract: Drexel University Libraries actively incorporate a variety of technologies into its instruction programs. We will describe some of these technologies such as RSS feeds, blogs, interactive tutorials, podcasts, WebCT, and others. We will discuss examples of how we have used these technologies. We have aggressively sought collaboration with faculty and our counterparts at Information Resources & Technology, Drexel’s computing services department. Active, interactive and engaged learning approaches in combination with above technologies motivate students to become independent learners and in the process they develop lifelong information seeking skills. A selection of these partnerships will be described.