Third Report: Before the Federal Communications Commission [.pdf]
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-02-33A1.pdf
This report of the Federal Communications Commission discusses "the deployment of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion, and possible steps to accelerate such deployment." With high speed Internet access becoming increasingly popular, the information contained in this report is especially important to current and potential subscribers to these services. There is specific data and trends given on a nationwide basis, as well as for individual states. The appendices have tables that rank, by a number of different factors, subscribership, service coverage, and high speed lines. Overall, this is a very thorough and informative report. [CL]
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Electronic Journal of Differential Equations [.pdf, .ps, .dvi, TeX]
http://ejde.math.swt.edu/
The Electronic Journal of Differential Equations (EJDE) is a collection of research articles "related to differential equations and their applications." There are over 50 articles for the current volume, possibly with more to come. Assorted conference proceedings and a couple monographs are also provided in addition to the standard publications. For those seeking a challenge, there is a section with various problems proposed by other mathematicians and researchers. Solutions can be submitted and posted on the Web site. The journal's online archive dates back to 1993; since then, the number of articles accepted per year has grown substantially. [CL]
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1st AIAA/IAF Symposium on Future Reusable Launch Vehicles [.pdf, .ppt]
http://www.aiaa.org/research/index.hfm?res=5&workon=2&lumeetingid=647&use=2
The first Symposium on Future Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) was held in April, 2002, sponsored by American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the International Astronautical Federation. This Web site has some of the presentations given at the symposium, dealing with several aspects of RLV design and operation. Many representatives from leading companies and international organizations shared their insights into current efforts, such as the X vehicles. A problem with the site is that the link to the presentation by Michel Rigault does not seem to be working. However, it could be obtained (along with several others that were too large to put online) by sending an email request to the address provided. This site is also reviewed in the June 7, 2002 Scout Report. [CL]
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Electronic Journal of Structural Engineering [.pdf, .doc]
http://www.civag.unimelb.edu.au/ejse/
Structural engineering has certainly been a hot topic since the tragic collapse of the World Trade Center towers. This journal publishes current research into building, bridge, and dam construction, as well as anything else related to structural engineering. Just getting its start last year, the journal's first volume consisted of ten papers, which are posted online. The current volume is just getting started, and the number of papers will probably grow as more are accepted. For those interested in offering a paper for consideration, there is a handy online form that speeds the submission process. All of the articles are free; however, a short registration is encouraged. [CL]
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Department of Energy: National Transmission Grid Study
http://www.eh.doe.gov/ntgs/reports.html
This report, issued in May 2002, is an assessment of the country's electricity transmission grid. One of the key findings of the commission that conducted the study was that the "transmission system of the next decade will fall short of the reliability standards and will result in additional bottlenecks and higher costs to consumers." To prevent this, there are several important recommendations made in the report that are based on current factors and future trends. A portion of the report addresses the electricity crisis that occurred in California, considers its main causes, and stresses the importance of upgrades to prevent similar incidents. The study can be downloaded as a whole or in parts, and separate issue papers are also available. [CL]
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Gamma [.pdf, .ps, .ppt, .mpeg, .avi, QuickTime]
http://www.cs.unc.edu/~geom/index.shtml
The Geometric Algorithms for Modeling, Motion, and Animation (GAMMA) research group is part of the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina. Some of the topics of research include haptics, "robot motion planning," collision detection, and "real-time interaction with virtual environments." There are several projects that are described in detail for each of the main areas of investigation. Many recent papers are offered that describe the progress and findings of the group's research. Additionally, there is a large collection of videos demonstrating computer animation, simulation, and interactive applications. Some software can also be downloaded for the GAMMA Web site; however, access to a few of the titles must first be approved by the system administrator. [CL]
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National Simulation Resource [.pdf, .tar, .tar.Z]
http://nsr.bioeng.washington.edu/
Operated by the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington, "the National Simulation Resource Facility for Circulatory Transport and Exchange" investigates computational models in biology and medicine. The facility's Web site has detailed documents on the research and projects currently underway, but perhaps the most useful features for people in this field are the software packages available for download. Although they require a short registration, they are free for noncommercial uses. JSIM is likely the most popular title, which is used for simulation of mathematical models and data analysis. There are numerous other tools as well. [CL]
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INTEGERS: Electronic Journal of Combinatorial Number Theory [.pdf, .dvi]
http://www.integers-ejcnt.org/
INTEGERS is a free online journal of combinatorial number theory. Although it is "published with the help of the State University of West Georgia, Charles University, and DIMATIA," the journal's editors are professors and mathematicians from universities around the world. INTEGERS is currently in its third year, and all research papers that have been included in the journal are archived on the Web site. Occasionally, a paper will have Maple packages associated with it, and these are also given online. A recent addition is a section for combinatorial games. The first article in this section introduces the game Chomp, which involves two players and a chocolate bar. While it might sound strange, the game is quite complex, and the author discusses a formula he developed. [CL]
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Energy Quest
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/
Created by the California Energy Commission, Energy Quest is a great site for kids to learn about energy, how it is produced, and why conservation is so important. Version 2.0, a large update of Energy Quest with expanded features, was put online on May 27, 2002. There are plenty of resources on the site to keep kids entertained for hours, including educational stories, science projects, games and puzzles, tips to save energy, a timeline of historical energy events, and an energy art gallery. If a student has a question that is not answered on Energy Quest, he or she can send an email to Professor Quester. In addition to the wide variety of material for children, there are resources for teachers and parents as well. [CL]
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The Java Tutorial: A Practical Guide for Programmers [.zip, .tar.gz]
http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/index.html
This Java tutorial, created by the makers of the language, covers all the basics needed to start programming. Some of the general subjects discussed on the site include writing applets, 2D graphics, security, and custom networking. Each of the main sections has several lessons that describe specific topics. The first few are probably essential for every Java beginner, but the specialized sections can be selected based on whatever particular task is required by the user. There are many examples of code that illustrate the important points. All of the material covered in the online tutorial can also be downloaded for viewing at home. [CL]
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DIG Stats
http://www.cvgs.k12.va.us/DIGSTATS/
DIG Stats is an excellent Web site for teaching middle and high school students the fundamentals of statistics. By incorporating real life data sets and challenging "data visualization activities," students can learn how to assess significant statistics and then represent them graphically. The three main areas of the site are descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and graphical analysis. Several topics are introduced in each of these areas, and students can start by reading the background material. They then apply what they have learned to the activities, which utilize Microsoft Excel or the TI-83 graphing calculator. Step-by-step instructions are given on how to use these tools. [CL]
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Javalab
http://www.es.oersted.dtu.dk/~c49102/javalab.html
Javalab is a collection of Java applets that demonstrate the operation and behavior of various analog circuits. There are eighteen predefined circuits available that span many common configurations, such as voltage and current divider, Wheatstone bridge, operational amplifier, diode, and transistor circuits. For each circuit element, the common properties can be changed. The overall effect to the rest of the circuit is immediately displayed. A brief explanation accompanies each example, suggesting various ways of adjusting the controls and pointing out important observations. [CL]
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CyberSmart! Curriculum [.pdf, Flash]
http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/home/
The Internet is an essential part of today's society, and children need to be taught at an early age how to use it in a safe, responsible manner. This is the main goal of the CyberSmart! Curriculum; its Web site has many lesson plans and activities that teachers or parents can introduce to children. These are broken up into four grade ranges, beginning at kindergarten and going to eighth grade. Important concepts such as privacy, Internet etiquette, computer ethics, and searching for and evaluating Web sites are covered. All of the materials are hands-on, allowing the students to see for themselves how surfing the 'Net should be done. [CL]
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Show-Me Center [.pdf, QuickTime]
http://showmecenter.missouri.edu/
The Show-Me Center, located at the University of Missouri, is a math education project of the National Science Foundation. The center's Web site "provides information and resources needed to support selection and implementation of standards-based middle grades mathematic curricula." There are some sample lesson plans offered, but most of the material is solely for use by teachers. Five different middle grade math curriculums were started in 1992, and now, the implementation and results of each curriculum are presented on this site. Teachers can examine each one, view video clips, and read case studies and other reports to choose which parts of the curriculums would fit best into their own classes. [CL]
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Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics
http://www.cham.co.uk/website/new/cfdintro.htm
This site provides a good overview of the basic principles of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It starts by defining fluid flow and CFD, and then delves into the origins, applications, and accuracy of the technology. The most useful parts of this site are the many specific examples and results that reflect the importance of using CFD to estimate the characteristics of fluid flow. Because this is a commercial site, there are some references to the company's product; however, this does not detract from the quality of the material. [CL]
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Diamond Theory: Symmetry in Binary Spaces
http://m759.freeservers.com/
This Web site provides detailed discussions of Diamond Theory, and is intended for college math students or mathematicians. Diamond Theory, according to the author, is best classified in the subject of "finite automorphism groups of algebraic, geometric, or combinatorial structures." The main focus of the material is the technical aspects of the concept, but there are some references to its philosophical beginnings. Despite having extensive information on this site, the author also includes several links to offsite resources. The "Diamond 16 Puzzle" is a curious challenge that might be easier after learning about the Diamond Theory. [CL]
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RussianSpaceWeb.com: News and History of Astronautics in the Former USSR
http://www.russianspaceweb.com/
RussianSpaceWeb.com is an excellent source of information about current and past Russian astronautical technology. The historical part of the site is divided into five sections, including rockets, spacecraft, centers, people, and chronology. Each of these sections is very comprehensive, with plenty of material on almost every significant event since the birth of rocketry. There are lots of pictures that accompany the text. The site is frequently updated with news about the Russian space program, its contribution to the International Space Stations, and plans for future missions. [CL]
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SkyTower Telecommunications [RealPlayer]
http://www.skytowerglobal.com/
Helios is the name of an unmanned, solar powered aircraft that broke many records and made history on its first successful flight last summer. With more flights scheduled for this summer, there is growing interest in the potential applications of so-called "atmospheric satellites" like Helios. This Web site, operated by the company that developed the prototype, has lots of information about the aircraft, its specifications, and, most importantly, its possible uses. The main focus is on telecommunications; because this kind of aircraft could remain at high altitudes for long periods of time, it could be used as an extremely tall tower that relays signals to and from ground stations. A video clip demonstrating this technology is also provided on the site. [CL]
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Break the Chain: Stop Junk E-Mail and Misinformation
http://www.breakthechain.org/
False virus alerts, hoaxes, and chain letters sent through e-mail are becoming almost commonplace, which makes them more annoying than ever. This is why Break the Chain tries to educate people to stop forwarding junk e-mail to their entire contacts list. The site offers some good guidelines for e-mail etiquette and how to research chain letters. It also has a searchable database of over 300 chain letters and hoaxes currently in circulation. A fun part of the site is the Yanking the Chain Awards, which is a monthly award given out to a particularly effective (and usually humorous) response to junk e-mail. [CL]
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Solid-State Lighting: Illumination through Semiconductor Science [.pdf]
http://lighting.sandia.gov/
Sandia National Laboratories has an active research focus on solid-state lighting, and this site highlights not only their accomplishments, but other work around the world. The reason for the interest in this technology is due to the potential that it holds. Based on current projections, solid-state lighting can be significantly more efficient than current lighting techniques. There are many links to news articles and research papers, national programs, and other resources given on this site. An informative article about a breakthrough last month at Sandia is also provided, which discusses the development of a tungsten photonic lattice. A patent database is currently being planned, but no specific date for its release is set. [CL]
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Welcome to the US Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems [.pdf, .ppt]
http://www.its.dot.gov/
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) represent the convergence of advanced technologies with current forms of transportation. The result, according to the US Department of Transportation, will be safer, more efficient traveling for the private and commercial sectors. This site focuses mainly on ground transportation, including cars, trucks, and trains in both metropolitan and rural areas. One of the most interesting sections is "ITS In Your State," which outlines specific ITS projects around the country. There is also a very large document library that contains hundreds of ITS reports and studies, as well as some slides from speeches on the subject. [CL]
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Privacy Foundation
http://www.privacyfoundation.org/
The Privacy Foundation conducts "research into communications technologies and services that may pose a threat to personal privacy." Its Web site has a large amount of information to raise awareness of privacy related issues and help the public understand them. For people wanting to learn some basic terminology in digital privacy, a glossary describes things like firewalls and cookies. There are detailed articles that answer many common questions about Web Bugs and suggest guidelines for how they should be used by companies. A large section of the site discusses workplace surveillance, and a legal database documents several important court cases. [CL]
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MuPAD Research Group
http://www.mupad.de/index_uni.shtml
MuPAD is a tool for general purpose numerical and symbolic algebra computations. The latest version can be downloaded from this site, and a free license can be obtained if the software is registered and used for non-profit personal, educational, or research purposes. Some of MuPAD's special features include "object oriented programming and user definable data types," dynamic modules, and a source code debugger. The download process is somewhat confusing, because FTP is used. However, the README files are quite helpful in locating the correct version. [CL]
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DVD Forum [.pdf]
http://www.dvdforum.org/forum.shtml
The DVD Forum, an association of companies that contributes to the development of the technology, has information for both users of DVD products and those interested in their evolution. There are a few frequently asked questions lists on the site, which mainly explain the basics of DVDs, contrast them with CDs, and describe the differences between various DVD formats. Some technical specifications are also provided on the site for people in industry. For instance, the "Guideline of Transmission and Control for DVD-Video/Audio through IEEE1394 Bus" can be freely downloaded, as well as general recommendations for DVD video, audio, and production. [CL]
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Anti-Terrorism Technology
1. Publications: The Bridge: The Bridge Archives, 2002 (Volume 32) [.pdf]
http://www.nae.edu/nae/naehome.nsf/weblinks/CGOZ-58NKUN?OpenDocument
2. TSWG.GOV [.pdf]
http://www.tswg.gov/tswg/home.htm
3. Brain Fingerprinting: A New Paradigm in Criminal Investigations and Counterterrorism
http://www.brainwavescience.com/
4. Science and Technology Review: L-Gel Decontaminates Better Than Bleach
http://www.llnl.gov/str/March02/Raber.html
5. Early Warning and Remediation: Minimizing the Threat of Bioterrorism
http://www.homelanddefense.org/journal/Articles/displaySciTech.asp?article=54
6. ECSI International [.pdf]
http://www.anti-terrorism.com/
7. Cybersecurity Today and Tomorrow: Pay Now or Pay Later [.pdf]
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/cpsma/cstb.nsf/files/prepub_cybersecurity.pdf/$file/prepub_cybersecurity.pdf
8. Homeland Defense [.pdf]
http://hld.sbccom.army.mil/
The September 11 terrorist attacks have spurred intense research efforts to develop new and better technologies that can be used in the War on Terror. Whether these innovations are designed to combat immediate threats or prevent future disasters, they will undoubtedly save lives.
The Bridge (1) is a quarterly publication of the National Academy of Engineering. The latest issue is comprised of seven articles that address various engineering challenges that arose from the aftermath of September 11. Mainly involved in research and development for the US, the Technical Support Working Group (2) strives to fight terrorism at all levels. Its Web site describes many of its current projects, which range in topic from infrastructure protection to surveillance. Brain Fingerprinting (3) is a remarkable technology that detects information stored in a subject's brain by the brain waves produced when presented with certain material on a computer screen. Its application to counterterrorism, as well as to criminal investigations, is outlined on the site. An article in a recent issue of the Science and Technology Review (4), published by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, looks at a breakthrough in combating "biological and chemical warfare." Called L-Gel, the material neutralizes hazardous substances (e.g., anthrax) while being safe for humans. The April issue of the Journal of Homeland Defense (5) has an article by the esteemed Dr. Philip J. Wyatt. He focuses on how to effectively detect and respond to a bioterrorism attack. The Web site of ECSI International (6) has a lot of detailed technical information on their anti-terrorism products, including a facial recognition system and intrusion detection systems. While the September 11 attacks were aimed at causing physical damage, cyberterrorism can be a serious problem as well. This paper (7) addresses cyber security and offers some ideas that can minimize the risk. Homeland Defense (8) is a Web site of the US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command. It provides specific information, in the form of fact sheets and reports, about the response capabilities of government and emergency authorities in the event of a terrorist act involving weapons of mass destruction. [CL]
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Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, and Technology.
The single phrase below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing any portion of this report, in any format:
From The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, & Technology, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
The paragraph below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing the entire report, in any format:
Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or the National Science Foundation.
For information on additional contributors, see the Internet Scout Project staff page:
http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/about/team.html
