Nanoinformatics: developing new computing applications for nanomedicine

Nanoinformatics has recently emerged to address the need of computing applications at the nano level. In this regard, the authors have participated in various initiatives to identify its concepts, foundations and challenges. While nanomaterials open up the possibility for developing new devices in many industrial and scientific areas, they also offer breakthrough perspectives for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this paper, we analyze the different aspects of nanoinformatics and suggest five research topics to help catalyze new research and development in the area, particularly focused on nanomedicine. We also encompass the use of informatics to further the biological and clinical applications of basic research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and the related concept of an extended ?nanotype? to coalesce information related to nanoparticles. We suggest how nanoinformatics could accelerate developments in nanomedicine, similarly to what happened with the Human Genome and other -omics projects, on issues like exchanging modeling and simulation methods and tools, linking toxicity information to clinical and personal databases or developing new approaches for scientific ontologies, among many others

ISY Mission to Planet Earth Conference: A planning meeting for the International Space Year

A major theme was the opportunity offered by the International Space Year (ISY) to initiate a long-term program of Earth observation mission coordination and worldwide data standardization. The challenge is immense and extremely time critical. A recommendation was made to inventory the capabilities of Earth observing spacecraft scheduled during the next decade. The ISY effort to strengthen coordination and standardization should emphasize global issues, and also regional initiatives of particular relevance to developing nations. The concepts of a Global Information System Test (GIST) was accepted and applied to specific issues of immediate concern. The importance of ISY Earth observation initiatives extending beyond research to include immediate and direct applications for social and economic development was stressed. Several specific Mission to Planet Earth proposals were developed during the Conference. A mechanism was set up for coordinating participation of the national space agencies or equivalent bodies

Global Teamwork: A Study of Design Learning in Collaborative Virtual Environments

With the recent developments in communication and information technologies, using Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVEs) in design activity has experienced a remarkable increase. In this paper we present a collaborative learning activity between the University of Sydney (USYD), and the Istanbul Technical University (ITU). This paper shares our teaching experience and discusses the principles of collaborative design learning in virtual environments. Followed by a study on students’ perception on the courses and collaborative learning in both universities, this paper also suggests future refinements on the course structure and the main areas of collaborative design learning. Keywords: Collaborative Design; Collaborative Virtual Environments; Design Teaching And Learning</p

Nanotechnology Learning Modules and Atomic Force Microscopy of Neanderthal Stone Tools

This thesis uses a Veeco Icon Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to educate undergraduate students about the nanoscale world and to perform archaeological research. In chapter 2, an educational resource is developed to provide hands-on nanotechnology experience for undergraduate students. With the rapid growth of atomic force microscopy at many levels of industry and academia, it is important to expose the next generation to this technique. This learning module attempts to provide an experimental approach to learning about AFM phase imaging and its many applications. In chapters 3 and 4, AFM is used as one of several techniques for classifying the use of Neanderthal flint tools from Weasel Cave, Russia. These stone tools were identified as being used for tasks such as wood working, hide scraping, and meat cutting. Depending on the type of flint and the task involved, various degrees of abrasion occurred, leaving behind microwear polishes. These microwear traces are localized regions where the degree of polish is strongly influenced by the task being performed. The research presented in this thesis attempts to advance the study of microwear analysis using both qualitative and quantitative techniques: incident light microscopy, AFM, scanning electron microscopy, and optical interferometry

Tools and Technologies Needed for Conducting Planetary Field Geology While On EVA: Insights from the 2010 Desert RATS Geologist Crewmembers

Observation is the primary role of all field geologists, and geologic observations put into an evolving conceptual context will be the most important data stream that will be relayed to Earth during a planetary exploration mission. Sample collection is also an important planetary field activity, and its success is closely tied to the quality of contextual observations. To test protocols for doing effective planetary geologic fieldwork, the Desert RATS (Research and Technology Studies) project deployed two prototype rovers for two weeks of simulated exploratory traverses in the San Francisco volcanic field of northern Arizona. The authors of this paper represent the geologist crewmembers who participated in the 2010 field test. We document the procedures adopted for Desert RATS 2010 and report on our experiences regarding these protocols. Careful consideration must be made of various issues that impact the interplay between field geologic observations and sample collection, including time management; strategies related to duplication of samples and observations; logistical constraints on the volume and mass of samples and the volume/transfer of data collected; and paradigms for evaluation of mission success. We find that the 2010 field protocols brought to light important aspects of each of these issues, and we recommend best practices and modifications to training and operational protocols to address them. Underlying our recommendations is the recognition that the capacity of the crew to "flexibly execute" their activities is paramount. Careful design of mission parameters, especially field geologic protocols, is critical for enabling the crews to successfully meet their science objectives

Sources of Resilience in the Computer and Software Industries in France

French hardware manufacturers were by and large incapable not only of translating technological advances into industrial products but even of understanding the new opportunities these advances offered. While true up to a point, this approach, focused on the failure of the so-called ''national champion'' policy, is incapable of explaining why French providers of IT services have had considerable success both in their own domestic market and in the wider European market. The argument advanced is that a very active higher education policy and national research strategy has produced a supply of particularly valuable competences which feed the IT sectors. In addition, the previous mission-oriented policies encouraged the development of effective technological districts which now nurture a plethora of small, innovative IT firms.IT industry dynamics; France; high-skilled labour; SMEs