How May I Help You? [.pdf, .ps, .mpg, QuickTime]
http://www.research.att.com/~algor/hmihy/
How May I Help You? (HMIHY) is a product of AT&T research that revolutionizes the way customers interact with automated telephone technical support services. Until recently, callers were required to choose from a list of options with their keypad. Newer systems allow the user to make the same choices by using certain words. HMIHY is much more flexible. It can actually create a dialog with the user, determine what he or she wants, and ask questions to clarify what it might not understand. This Web site gives a brief introduction to the system, as well as several research articles that discuss key issues involved in speech recognition. There are also some dialog examples that show how HMIHY handles various situations. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
News@SEI Interactive [.pdf]
http://interactive.sei.cmu.edu/
The Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University publishes an online quarterly journal called news@sei interactive. The columns and features of the latest installment can be viewed online or downloaded as an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file. Of particular interest in this issue is the continuation of The Future of Software Engineering, a series of articles that considers industry trends and changes in technology. Another column examines overall Internet security and the risks inherent in doing business online. An archive on the site provides access to all previous issues of the journal, dating back to 1998. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Science and Engineering Indicators 2002: National Science Board [.pdf]
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/seind02/start.htm
Science and Engineering Indicators is a biennial report of the National Science Board on the trends and capabilities of technical fields within the United States. The document is made to help government and corporate policy makers consider the best directions to take for their respective organization, but it also offers valuable insights into the country's growth. It is a very comprehensive analysis (over 400 pages long), and can be downloaded as a single file or viewed online in several sections. Secondary and higher education, industry, and research and development are all considered in local and international contexts. The quantitative information presented in this report gives an excellent overview of the constantly changing scientific, engineering, and technology industries in the US. This site is also reviewed in the May 10, 2002 Scout Report. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
National Aviation Research Plan 2002 [.pdf]
http://204.108.10.116/nasiHTML/RED/narp02/02NARP.html
The National Aviation Research Plan is a yearly report of the FAA that summarizes the projected research activities for "Fiscal Years 2003 through 2007." The report is divided into several sections that are available for download in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. Section Two comprises the bulk of the information, describing specific projects and their goals. Specifically, all of the research is focused to improve safety, efficiency, technology, and passenger comfort. There is also a section that discusses research plans to minimize the environmental impact of aircraft and airports. With such a long planning cycle, this report provides a lot of information about research operations for several years. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Platts: Global Energy
http://www.platts.com/engineering/index.shtml
Platts is a major provider of energy information, and this site offers two publications that address research operations and significant technological developments in the energy industry. The first is Power Magazine, which examines recent issues and advancements in electricity generation. This includes plant design and operation, environmental concerns, and region-specific news. The second publication, Electric World T&D, is released quarterly. Transmission and distribution is the topic of this magazine, covering items like transmission line losses and transformers. The material in Electric World T&D looks at many practical considerations involved in the distribution process. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Complexity International [.pdf, .ps]
http://www.csu.edu.au/ci/
Published by the Charles Sturt University in Australia, Complexity International is a journal that includes scientific papers about research in complex systems. Complex systems are defined as "the generation of complex behaviour from the interaction of multiple parallel processes," and topics can range from chaos theory to artificial life. The journal is not published on a regular basis, but on average, it is released once a year. The current volume has a few papers ready for viewing, but its "in progress" status implies that additional papers have yet to be accepted. A particularly interesting paper examines a biological application of complexity; the author considers "junk DNA" and argues that this label might be inaccurate. All previous volumes are also available on the Web site. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
The Electronic Journal of Linear Algebra [.pdf, .ps]
http://www.math.technion.ac.il/iic/ela/
The International Linear Algebra Society publishes this yearly electronic journal. The 2002 volume has six articles that deal with various aspects of research and theory in matrix analysis and linear algebra. Some of the articles propose a proof for specific complex problems, while others offer original perspectives on various algorithms or computation techniques. A useful feature of the Web site is the direct link to each article's author, for those wishing to collaborate or discuss the topic further. Also on the site are all eight previous volumes, as well as information for mathematicians interested in submitting papers for consideration. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Information Technology and Libraries: Special Issue: Open Source Software
http://www.lita.org/ital/ital2101.html
This issue of the quarterly journal Information Technology and Libraries (ITAL) focuses on open source software (OSS) and its use in the library community. About half of the articles are available for public viewing; the rest are for subscribers only. The first article provides a good account of the history of OSS, with specific attention given to three popular OSS operating systems. The next article considers many opportunities that OSS has in libraries and emphasizes the potential benefits. Lastly, the author of the final article warns that, before OSS can become a powerful tool, its developers must be connected with standards that can be universally understood. For further reading, the ITAL home page offers full text of selected articles in issues dating back to 1999. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Fibonacci Numbers and the Pascal Triangle
http://milan.milanovic.org/math/index.php
Offered in English, German, and Serbian, this site is a good introduction to the mathematical concepts of Pascal's Triangle, Fibonacci numbers, and the Golden Section. Because it is operated in Yugoslavia, there are occasional grammatical errors in the English version. Nevertheless, the information presented gives a valuable account of the significance of these topics. The content of the site includes historical perspectives (with brief profiles of the mathematicians who originated the ideas) and descriptions of the arithmetic and formulas involved in each concept. The close relationship of Pascal's Triangle, Fibonacci numbers, and the Golden Section is also outlined. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Cyberchase [Flash, Real Player]
http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/
Cyberchase, a daily, animated show on PBS, portrays three kids in their adventures in Cyberspace. To be successful in their missions, they must overcome mischievous scoundrels by using their mathematical know-how. The Cyberchase Web site has daily, weekly, and monthly features that follow the episodes. For instance, each day, there is a new game that demonstrates a concept covered in the show. Seven original adventures are also scheduled to appear on the site. For teachers and parents, there are lesson plans and tips for educating children about math. The site's interface has plenty of graphics that will entertain kids while they are learning. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
TeachingPlastics.org: Your Virtual Plastics Classroom [.pdf]
http://www.teachingplastics.org/
This site, operated by the American Plastics Council, has a huge amount of plastics resources for both teachers and students. The site is divided into two main sections. Hands On Plastics is geared primarily for middle and high school levels, and Hands On Plastics Jr. is better for elementary school. Educators will find many lesson plans and activities to help them introduce various topics, and they can order a free supplement kit with plastic products. Interactive multimedia walk-throughs of the activities show exactly what needs to be done and how to do it. There is also a large hyperlink list with information about many aspects of plastics. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
The Code Project
http://www.codetools.com/
The Code Project is an online repository of free tutorials, source code, and articles about a wide variety of programming languages. Sections devoted to C++, HTML, DirectX, and .NET are among the resources available on the site. Discussion forums and message boards are excellent places for developers to get quick answers to their questions from other members of the community (this requires a short registration). Featured articles and industry news keep the site up-to-date. There are some advertisements on the site, but they do not detract from the content. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
RobertNiles.com: Statistics Every Writer Should Know
http://nilesonline.com/stats/
Robert Niles, a journalist and producer for the LA Times, created this site to help other writers learn the basics of statistics. He explains many key concepts that are essential to report accurate, meaningful numbers and facts. After starting with the fundamentals of mean, median, and percent, Niles goes on to describe more advanced topics like normal distribution, margin of error, and data analysis. For each section, an example or two are provided to demonstrate proper usage of the techniques. A discussion of some frequently asked questions is also given, which covers survey sample sizes and choosing the right statistical test for different kinds of data. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
RAD University
http://www.rad.com/networks/netterms.htm
Operated by RAD Data Communications, this site has glossaries and a myriad of tutorials related to computer networks. Students "at Tel Aviv University and the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology" created the tutorials, which are grouped into several categories. These include introductory information, security and application protocols, infrastructure, and network layers. The tutorials are quite well made; most are very comprehensive with diagrams and illustrations. There are even some games and quizzes to reinforce what is presented in the tutorials. The three glossaries give simple, straightforward definitions and descriptions of various terms and technologies. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
ElectroSim 2.0: Interactive Simulations of Basic Electronic and Operational Amplifier Circuits
http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Topic/Chemistry/ChemConference/Software/ElectroSim/
ElectroSim 2.0 is a collection of modules, created by Professor Thomas O'Haver of the University of Maryland at College Park, that simulate various kinds of electronic circuits. Available for free download, the software can be used on Macintosh or Windows computers (although a special utility is required to run it under Windows). Over twenty common analog circuits are included in the package. For each simulation, properties such as voltage, resistance, current, capacitance, and many more can be changed to see how particular circuits behave under different operating conditions. There are easy to follow instructions and simple controls, making this a very useful tool for understanding some fundamentals of electronics. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
NonEuclid: Interactive Constructions in Hyperbolic Geometry [.zip]
http://cs.unm.edu/~joel/NonEuclid/
Joel Castellanos, a graduate student at the University of New Mexico, in cooperation with a professor and another graduate student, is the author of the Java applet NonEuclid. Intended for high school and undergraduate students, the "software is a simulation of a non-Euclidean Geometry called Hyperbolic Geometry." This is most commonly associated with Einstein's General Theory of Relativity and topology. The NonEuclid home page has good documentation, examples, and activities for using the applet, but perhaps the most useful parts of the site are the basic concepts. These give a good introduction to Hyperbolic Geometry and help the user understand what is represented in the NonEuclid simulation. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
University of New Hampshire InterOperability Lab [.pdf]
http://www.iol.unh.edu/
The InterOperability Lab (IOL) at the University of New Hampshire helps the vendor community "verify the interoperability and/or conformance of their computer communications products." Comprised of seventeen consortiums ranging from Gigabit Ethernet to Voice Over Broadband, the lab has a wide range of resources available on its Web site. Specifically, there is a large assortment of tutorials about various network technologies and standards; some are direct from industry sources, while others are products of the IOL. There are also several test suites that can be used to evaluate the functionality of computer communications equipment. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Imagination Engines, Inc.
http://www.imagination-engines.com/
Imagination Engines, Inc. (IEI) is a company that specializes in artificial neural network technology. Although some of the ideas presented on the Web site might seem like science fiction, most people with a basic understanding of neural network principles will realize the potential of IEI's work. This field is not a new science; in fact, it has been around for several decades. The technologies described on this site build on established concepts (e.g., back propagation) to make some original, creative theories. A small tutorial on neural networks is given for people with little knowledge of them, and there is a lot of information about the projects and developments of IEI. A large collection of articles is also offered, which range from technology discussions to considerations of philosophical issues. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Cybercrime
http://www.cybercrime.gov/
This site about Internet-related crime is a service of the US Department of Justice. It contains a tremendous amount of information concerning intellectual property and computer crimes. Federal policies, specific cases, laws, and government testimony are all covered on the site. There are also news updates, including information about the recent sentencing of the creator of the Melissa computer virus. A link on the page has some excellent resources regarding "Internet Do's and Don'ts" for kids. A section about encryption policies addresses many controversial issues of public and law enforcement access to encryption technology. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Starship 2040 [.pdf]
http://www.starship2040.com/
Starship 2040 is NASA's vision of what the future could be like in four decades. It is an exhibit that showcases the technology needed to create a "highway to space." Today's Technologies is a section that considers the past achievements that created the US highway system, and builds on this to show what will be required for a similar endeavor into space. There is an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file at the bottom of this page that discusses some of the space transportation challenges that rocket science must overcome. A very entertaining account of the possible public space transportation process is given in The 2040 Experience. About the Exhibit has a lot of information about Starship 2040, including a fact sheet and tentative tour dates. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Global Speech Day [.pdf, Flash, RealPlayer]
http://www.globalspeechday.com/home_main.asp
Global Speech Day is a "live and free Web event dedicated to speech technologies" that will take place on May 21st and 22nd. To participate in the online activities and Web casts, a short registration is required. Industry experts will give talks in streaming video about the latest news in speech recognition, standards, and applications. Some will even answer questions from the audience via online chat. Registrants have access to many other features on the Global Speech Day Web site. People with little knowledge of the material can download brief overviews to familiarize themselves. There are also several documents that outline the current and potential uses of speech technology in various industries around the world. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
ITworld.com
http://www.itworld.com/
ITworld.com is a massive site that tracks the current events and trends that shape the information technology (IT) industry. After a short registration, users can view white papers from many top companies, or receive free email newsletters about a wide range of IT solutions and insights. The news section has articles and stories grouped in categories, which include networks, computers and peripherals, security, and application development, among others. Some of the news is business related, but there is also a lot about technology developments and innovations. Additionally, several Web casts that are scheduled for the near future are listed on the site. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
The WildList Organization International
http://www.wildlist.org/
The WildList is a free list of all known computer viruses that are spreading in the world, as compiled by volunteer antivirus experts of the WildList Organization International. It is updated monthly and, as one can imagine, is quite lengthy. The site has many other interesting features besides the list. For example, a somewhat humorous article by the WildList's founder describes his views on "how scientific naming works" for computer viruses. Several other papers are also offered that deal with virus issues. Some links to sites that test products or describe viruses are given as well. This site takes a very objective approach to releasing information and, therefore, does not endorse any particular antivirus software. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Microsoft Hardware: Healthy Computing Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/ergo/default.asp
The Healthy Computing Guide from Microsoft is an instructional tutorial on the proper use of a computer to maximize comfort and, hence, productivity. There are five sections to the guide, starting with an important health warning. Simply put, this emphasizes some of the physical risks associated with using a computer. The next section goes into detail about how to achieve correct positioning and posture. Eyestrain is also addressed here. The third section suggests ways to reduce long-term effects of low forces, such as using a keyboard or mouse. The last two sections explain the importance of taking breaks and having a healthy lifestyle. Despite being operated by Microsoft, this site does not mention any products and is purely informative in nature. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
Wireless Communications
1. Ipso Factor
http://www.ipsofactor.com/links/telecommunications-history.htm
2. Wireless Networking Mini-Tutorial [Flash]
http://www.wkmn.com/newsite/wireless.html
3. WirelessDevNet Online Training
http://www.wirelessdevnet.com/channels/wireless/training/
4. 3G Newsroom
http://www.3gnewsroom.com/
5. PaloWireless: Bluetooth Resource Center
http://www.palowireless.com/bluearticles/
6. Ultrawideband: How it Could Watch You in Your Boudoir
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2848758,00.html
7. GSM World [.pdf]
http://www.gsmworld.com/index.shtml
8. Invention of Radio [RealPlayer]
http://www.inventorsmuseum.com/radio.htm
Wireless communications is an industry that is growing at an incredible rate. Cellular phones are the most obvious example of this trend; it is hard to go anywhere without seeing someone using one. Rapidly advancing technologies and lower prices are making this all possible. At the current pace, there seems to be no limit to what is possible in the wireless industry.
To learn about the events that led up to present day wireless communications, this site offers a very informative history of telecommunications (1) that goes all the way back to the time of carrier pigeons. A good introduction to wireless networking can be found in this mini-tutorial (2). The best parts of this tutorial are the discussions of many recent wireless developments and technologies. There are a few interactive games and activities that are supposed to be instructive and entertaining, but some of them can be annoying. For the more technically savvy user, the third site (3) starts by describing many of the principles that drive current wireless systems. The second part examines the technologies that will be used in future generations of services. To build on this material, the third generation mobile communications systems (3G) is the central topic at 3G Newsroom (4), providing breaking news about the development of 3G technology. Additionally, the site has an excellent introduction to 3G, including its applications and specifications. One of the advancements that is paving the way toward 3G is Bluetooth, which is explained in great detail here (5). This technology is capable of very high data transfer rates, but there are some limitations, which are all discussed in the articles on the site. Although Bluetooth is raising plenty of interest, this recent news story (6) is creating more than its share of debate. It outlines a very controversial move by the FCC to allow the use of ultrawideband technology in commercial wireless applications. The author explains in simple terms why there are so many concerns about something that could revolutionize wireless systems. The evolution of the global system for mobile communications (GSM) is traced at GSM World (7). Here users can learn about the roots of the wireless industry as well as what is in store for the future. A special section addresses health concerns associated with mobile phone use. Radio was one of the earliest form of wireless communication, and the Invention of Radio (8) documents the people and events that made it what it is today. The stories of such famous scientists and inventors as Marconi, DeForest, and Armstrong are told in brief accounts, and there is even a link to the well known War of the Worlds radio broadcast. [CL]
[Back to Contents]
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
