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/1860/3213 Title: Inactivation of the Irra Gene in Synechococcus elongatus by Means of Insertional Mutagenesis <br/> <br/>Authors: Doshi, Viren; Anandan, Shivanthi http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/3065 Title: Optimization of a novel, wide-field, high resolution optical microscopy system <br/> <br/>Authors: Jhaveri, Sankhesh; Shah, Mitul A.; Doehring, Todd C. <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. 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. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/3023 Title: Utilization of Passive Sonic Telemetry as Indicators of Movement and Nesting of the Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) <br/> <br/>Authors: Winters, J.M.; Avery, H.W.; Spotila, J.R.; Standora, E.A <br/> <br/>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. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/3008 Title: WTF is CSR? <br/> <br/>Authors: Lynch, Meghan <br/> <br/>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. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/3007 Title: Development of a Bayesian Network Model Schema that Builds on Existing FMECAs <br/> <br/>Authors: Madsen, John; Whitney, Paul; Coles, Garill <br/> <br/>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. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/3006 Title: Anthony Bracali: Skateboarding and the City – A Study of the Architect as Activist and Planner <br/> <br/>Authors: Diperstein, David <br/> <br/>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. <br/> <br/>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 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.