A Survey of Sensor Network Security

Sensor networks deploy sensor nodes to detect and monitor environmental events and interactions. Existing sensor networks focus on communication within the bounds of resource restrained sensor nodes at the expense of security. In this paper, a review of sensor network components, architectures, algorithms and protocols aims to increase awareness of sensor network limitations and resulting strategies to ensure information security within wireless sensor networks. Because sensor networks deployments are increasing rapidly, designers and implementers need to be aware of attacks and best practices to reduce misuse and compromise of private information

Approach to an interdisciplinary bionanotechnology education program: International network perspective

2006 MRS Spring Meeting -- 17 April 2006 through 21 April 2006 -- San Francisco, CA -- 69385Materials in reduced dimensions demonstrate size dependence and may exhibit properties different from the bulk. Nanomaterials are a fundamentally and entirely new class of materials with remarkable electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, thus offering unique applications. With a 9.7% increase in FY 2004-05 private sector investments and an expected worldwide labor force shortage, education and training has become a key component of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). The slow response by the academic community to develop nanotechnology curriculum is evidenced by the small number of universities offering fundamental undergraduate level courses in nanoscience and nanotechnology. There is a strong need to develop cohesive undergraduate curriculum to equip the future engineers, scientists, and researchers charged with commercializing nanotechnology applications. We are in the process of developing and implementing some core courses and laboratory modules, which can easily adapt to either a major or minor in nanotechnology, nano-biotechnology, or nanoscience programs. The course modules are being developed by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of faculty in Physics, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Molecular Biology at universities in the U.S., Europe, and the Consortium of South East European Network on Nanoscience and Technology (COSENT). The joint effort specifically addresses an undergraduate curriculum in nanotechnology with courses emphasizing applications in biological systems and agriculture, through hands-on modules and experimental kits. Selected course and laboratory modules are being developed to be affordable, flexible, accessible, and appealing to a diverse student population crossing basic sciences, life sciences, agriculture, and engineering departments. Internet ready, multimedia intensive curriculum and assessment modules will include self-directed individualized learning modules as well as team-based components capitalizing on collaborative learning to address complex problems and tasks. The capital cost and site sensitivity of much of the equipment used within nanoscience courses often limits its distribution to large research centers, despite the need for it in many disperse educational programs. The creation of this seamless integration will promote and encourage an international exchange of students and ideas within interdisciplinary research. We will present our unique approach to delivery of education and training at all levels employing converging technologies to an international audience and receive feedback to enhance the effectiveness of the program to better educate the task force of tomorrow. © 2006 Materials Research Society

Nanobiomaterials for controlled release of drugs and vaccine delivery

2006 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting -- 18 April 2006 through 19 April 2006 -- San Francisco, CA -- 68130A number of natural and synthetic, and biodegradable polymers were investigated and remain to be elucidated for both soft and hard tissue repair, and for possible construction of excipient therapeutic templates. Nonwoven matrices from poly (?-caprolactone) (PCL) homopolymers and poly (L-lactide/e-caprolactone) (PLLA/CL) copolymers by electrospinning process were investigated for possible applications in bum/wound dressings. Efforts are currently underway to control the release characteristics of these biodegradable fibers by varying aliphatic polyesters. This perspective will have a profound effect on the time-controlled transport of vaccine to a targeted site. These materials will play a key role in developing novel chemotherapeutic agents that could be important in targeting specific genes and may provide selective control of gene expression. Furthermore, these fibers-by-design address many issues relating to the fundamental challenges in the synthesis of novel, biocompatible and safe delivery of vaccine and nanofiber materials to foster antibacterial and/or hygienic functionality, System-on-Fibers (SoF), and will have tremendous application in global security and defense. © 2006 Materials Research Society

Real-Time Air Pollution Monitoring in Urban Environment Using In-Situ Measurements Using WO3 Gas Sensors and Satellite Imagery Through Internet GIS

Air pollution is a serious problem in densely populated and industrialized areas in some Asian countries. The area investigated for this study is Bangkok, Thailand. The air pollution in central Bangkok is significant in areas with high population density. To monitor air pollution over a large area, this research aims at developing a cost-effective and real-time air pollution monitoring system that utilizes numerical modeling in conjunction with inexpensive, state-of-the-art gas sensors, remote sensing methodologies, and Internet GIS. Conventional pollution detectors, installed by the Bangkok Pollution Control Department, as well as WO3 sensors are employed for in-situ pollution measurements. The data obtained from the satellites sensors and measurements conducted on ground are used for numerical modeling by “Multiple Regressions” to investigate air pollutants distribution. The analysis and correlation of the air pollutants data are transferred to a Personal Digital Assistant linked via Bluetooth communication tools and Global Positioning System for rapid and simultaneous dissemination of information on pollution levels at multiple sites