The Scout Report - October 25, 1996

October 25, 1996

A Publication of Internet Scout
Computer Science Department, University of Wisconsin

A Project of the InterNIC

The Scout Report is a weekly publication offering a selection of new and newly discovered Internet resources of interest to researchers and educators, the InterNIC's primary audience. However, everyone is welcome to subscribe to one of the mailing lists (plain text or HTML). Subscription instructions are included at the end of each report.

An Acrobat .pdf version of this report is available for printing and distributing locally. For information on Adobe Acrobat Reader, visit the Adobe site.

The Scout Report Web pageSend comments and contributions to: scout@cs.wisc.edu

Integrated Human Gene Map
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/SCIENCE96/
Accompanying article
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/vol274/issue5287/
The first report of the international research consortium organized to map gene-based sequence tagged site markers is now available on the web as an integrated gene map. The human genome is thought to harbor 50,000 to 100,000 genes, of which about half have been sampled to date in the form of expressed sequence tags. More than 16,000 human genes have been mapped relative to a framework map that contains about 1000 polymorphic genetic markers. The gene map unifies the existing genetic and physical maps with the nucleotide and protein sequence databases in a fashion that should speed the discovery of genes underlying inherited human disease. Based on the research of eight institutions, the resulting map debuted yesterday on the Human Gene Map site. Users may browse featured genes, and follow the link to the explanatory article from Science Online (October 26, 1996).
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Cells Alive [Animated .gifs, QuickTime]
http://www.cellsalive.com
Have you ever wondered about the private lives of some of the smallest living things in existence? Cells Alive, a richly graphical site provided by James A. Sullivan and Quill Graphics, presents users an intimate view of cellular life. At present the site contains 14 stories of cellular life, from "The Anatomy of a Splinter" to "Apoptosis: When a Cell Commits Suicide." The animated .gifs and/or QuickTime movies that accompany the explanations are the real power of the site, showing the viewer what really happens in "the lives of cells" in a way no text can. Note that while the graphical nature of the site can make download times long, the content of the graphics makes it time well spent.
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NCSTRL--Networked Computer Science Technical Reports Library [.ps]
http://www.ncstrl.org/
The goal of the Networked Computer Science Technical Report Library (NCSTRL, pronounced "ancestral") is to provide access to research papers produced at over 60 computer science departments and laboratories worldwide. Users may browse an institution's collection by author or year of publication, or may search through either a simple or an advanced interface. The site aims to advance the field of CS through resource sharing and by exploring related implementation issues. A word of caution: unless using a singular, unique term, avoid the simple search method since "or" operators are implied. Your best bet for searching multiple terms is the advanced search option.
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New Deal Network [TrueSpeech]
http://newdeal.feri.org/
The New Deal Network, a collaborative effort of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Marist College, and IBM, is a secondary (grade 7-12) education site that seeks to "document the social and cultural legacy of the New Deal era." The site at present is highlighted by three sections: "Dear Mrs. Roosevelt," "TVA: Electricity for All," and "Debating the FDR Memorial." Each section contains an explanatory essay, along with archival documents or photographs. The site also contains a large selection of photographs (see the Library section), suggested lesson plans, and a timeline (under construction at present) that includes Roosevelt's first inaugural address and a Fireside Chat. The New Deal Network promises to be a major resource for secondary educators.
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Three Publications from UN FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
Commodity Market Review
http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/economic/esc/escp/cmr96/httoc.htm
Food Outlook
http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/economic/giews/english/fo/fotoc.htm
Food Crops and Shortages
http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/economic/giews/english/fs/fstoc.htm
The Economic and Social Department of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has made three international food-related publications available. Commodity Market Review is a new title, replacing Commodity Review and Outlook. It presents general developments in the world food economy. Food Outlook is a bimonthly publication that discusses aspects of world food production, imports, and exports, and is highlighted by detailed selected country and region tables on those variables. World Food Shortages is a bimonthly publication that concentrates on unfavorable crop prospects, food supply shortfalls, and local surpluses by country. Together, the three publications provide an excellent overview of the world food situation.
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CIESIN Stratospheric Ozone and Human Health
http://sedac.ciesin.org/ozone/
At its Stratospheric Ozone and Human Health web page, the Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network provides information on the consequences of human exposure to ultraviolet light caused by the depletion of stratospheric ozone. The site is highlighted by a bibliographic database of over 3,000 citations related to the topic, searchable by author, title, source, and year published (Boolean free text searching is not supported). The site also contains a set of thematic guides on environmental and health effects, as well as information on chlorofluorocarbons and ozone depletion. An interactive map of "biologically effective" UV dose amounts for 9 US cities (time coverage 1979-1990) is also available. Note that although this site is "undergoing beta test," there is already a large amount of useful information on the topic.
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D-Lib Magazine--Digital Libraries and Education
http://www.dlib.org/dlib/september96/09contents.html
D-Lib
http://www.dlib.org/
The September edition of D-Lib Magazine is a special issue devoted to "digital libraries" and education. Articles are based on the themes of: "what makes this generation of technology in the classroom different from earlier efforts; what does education have to contribute to the digital libraries research discussion; and what does education need from digital libraries?" Most of the articles have a K-12 orientation, but there is also an article on lifelong learning, as well as one on implementing a national digital library of theses and dissertations. On the whole, the issue presents an interesting overview of developments in the digital library field. D-Lib, a monthly ezine devoted to digital library research, is a project of The Corporation for National Research Initiatives (CNRI).
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Trademarks-L Mailing List
Washburn University Law School Library is pleased to announce the availability of a mailing list devoted to the discussion of trademark law. The list aims to encourage an interchange of ideas and information among lawyers and law students about the practice of trademark law, pending legislation and case law.
To subscribe send email to:
listserv@lawdns.wuacc.edu
In the body of the message type:
SUBSCRIBE TRADEMARKS-L YOUR FULL NAME
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Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce
http://www.arraydev.com/commerce/JIBC/
The Journal of Internet Banking and Commerce, published by ARRAY Development, is a bimonthly ezine devoted to all aspects of electronic commerce. Though published in Canada, it has an international flavor. Articles are of varying length and complexity, and reader submissions are solicited. The present issue (Vol. 1 No. 5) contains articles on stored-value cards, 2560 bit encryption keys, and the possible future role of Central Banks in Internet payments, among others. A complete archive of all issues (browsable only) is available at the site.
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Roads to Refuge--Witness online documentary series [QTVR, frames]
http://www.worldmedia.fr/witness/
Witness, an original documentary series produced by World Media Live in conjunction with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), "presents first-person accounts of the issues and events shaping our world." The first in the series, Roads to Refuge, tells the stories of six civilians who survived the war in Bosnia. Panoramic QuickTimeVR scenes, photographs, maps, sound clips, and a substantial amount of text combine effectively to make each of these individuals' stories a powerful reality. While this site is a rich multimedia experience, the information provided in text alone may be worthwhile for anyone lacking the requisite multimedia capabilities.
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Election Notes--Klipsan Press
http://www.klipsan.com/elecnews.htm
A fast, economical way to keep up with worldwide election news is Election Notes, a daily web service provided by Klipsan Press. The site provides concise summaries of election news by country, with hypertext connections to the news sources when available. Election returns (with sources) are provided when available.
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Berit's Best Sites for Children
http://www.cochran.com/theodore/beritsbest/
If you want to introduce your young child to some of the better Internet sites for children, Berit's Best Sites for Children is the place to start. Provided by Berit Erickson for Cochran Interactive, this site offers over 400 briefly annotated and rated sites in the subjects of "Just for Fun," "Kids on the Net," and "Serious Stuff." There are pointers to museums, elementary schools, "creepy crawlies," pen pals, stories, and other attractions. Ratings (on a 5 point scale) are based on appearance, content, ease of use, organization, relevance, and suitability for children.
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Arcosanti--An experimental city in Arizona [Frames]
http://www.arcosanti.org/
Arcology, in simplest terms, is "the fusion of architecture with ecology." Designed by Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti is located in the high desert of northern Arizona. Begun in 1970 as an "urban laboratory," it can house 7000 people while occupying only 25 acres of a 4,060 acre preserve. The site promotes this alternative use of space and seeks to educate people on arcology and Soleri via a virtual tour, various essays and e-mail links to some of the residents. The Arcosanti web site is the next best thing to being there.
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Two Spooky Sites
The Official Halloween Safety Quiz
http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/play.html
The Cabinet of Doctor Casey--The horror web page
http://www.drcasey.com/index.html
As All Hallow's Eve approaches, the Official Halloween Safety Quiz can help all of the little ghosts and goblins practice safe trick-or-treating. The quiz site first presents a list of rules to follow while haunting the neighborhood, followed by a series of questions (some practical, some slightly far-fetched) to be answered. Each correct answer is met with confirmation, while bad guesses bring the bogeyman.
While not specifically a Halloween site, the Cabinet of Doctor Casey will get you into that horrifying spirit. Here users can learn about the genre of the classic horror film. There is a large collection of horror film posters, a horror reference (name index, timeline, even an atlas of horrible places!), and, of course, a page of links to Halloween sites, categorized for easy browsing.
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FTHB-First Time Home Buyers--Frustrations of Home Buying Mailing List
First Time Home Buyers, FTHB, is a discussion with first time home buyers who need assistance in understanding real estate laws, contracts, negotiations, Realtors, real estate professionals, how-to's, etc. Professional participation is welcome.
To subscribe send email to:
azhomes@netzone.com
In the body of the message type:
SUB FTHB (email address)
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ZDNet
http://www.zdnet.com/
ZDNet is highlighted by access to over 20 Ziff-Davis computing magazines and newspapers, of which 13 have searchable archives at this time. Included in this collection are MacWeek, PC Magazine, PC Computing, MacUser, and Yahoo Internet Life. The site has an intuitive interface and is relatively speedy throughout the day. It also contains an "On the Net" section, with information on Internet hardware and software.
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Teaching Critical Evaluation Skills for World Wide Web Resources
http://www.science.widener.edu/~withers/webeval.htm
This site, created by two librarians at the Wolfgram Memorial Library of Widener University, provides a set of checklists to help users analyze the quality of the information at various websites. Types of pages include advocacy, business/marketing, informational, news, and personal web pages. Criteria explained include authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage. As information proliferates on the web, users need to be aware of information quality considerations. This site is a good place to start for that awareness.
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Copyright Susan Calcari, 1996. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the Scout Report provided the copyright notice and this paragraph is preserved on all copies. The InterNIC provides information about the Internet to the US research and education community under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation: NCR-9218742. The Government has certain rights in this material.

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, the National Science Foundation, AT&T, or Network Solutions, Inc.

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The Scout Report - October 25, 1996

October 25, 1996

Research and Education

General Interest

Network Tools

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