Information Specialist Secrets

Treasure Hunt for Missing Funds

2012-01-14T00:13:00.000-05:00

It is incredible that each time I search names of family members on missing funds websites, names that I recognize turn up! My niece recently claimed funds and the process was grueling but she got the funds. I see my sister's name on various lists as well as the name of neighbors and friends!

Missing funds sites, sometimes termed "unclaimed funds" or "unclaimed property" are organized in aggregate but knowing the state helps in double checking results. Whenever I check a list, I find a relative or friend's name. I check the names on as many sites as possible but not as often as I should!

To start your search, below are a few of the sites for identifying missing/lost funds:

National list: http://www.unclaimed.org/

Ohio: http://www.com.ohio.gov/unfd/treasurehunt.aspx

Other Sites: http://www.dc2net.com/unclmdprpty.htm
http://www.missingmoney.com/

The last site above, missingmoney.com, is great if you do not have a clue as to which State you should be searching!

The treasure hunt is fun and can be rewarding! If you ever find my name on your search
(Rosa Raskin, Rosa Shine, Rosa Shine Raskin), please let me know!

Happy treasure hunting!

Rosa

Butterflies as Models for Fabric Fiber Colors

2011-07-11T01:48:00.005-04:00

Like butterfly wing structure, fibers of various thicknesses have been found to determine colors. Thin films of polyester or nylon of 70-nm thickness are laminated in 61 alternative layers, By controlling layer thickness according to visible wavelength, four colors are produced without using dyes or pigment: red, green, blue and violet.

The butterfly-inspired fibers produce diverse colors, improve material quality and are expected to be used in painting, cosmetics, crafts. The invention is patented, commercialized and identified as "Morphotex" used for clothing, nail polish, mascara, coating musical instruments and fishing rods as reported in NASA Tech Briefs, July 2011, p. 33 -- see also www.techbriefs.com/tow/201107a.html for the full report.

Laboratory Supervisor Opportunity in Applied Coatings R&D

2011-07-09T21:25:00.003-04:00

Coatings Research Group, Inc. (CRGI) located in Independence, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, has an interesting opportunity for a Laboratory Supervisor. Coatings Research Group is an international association of paint and coating manufacturers dedicated to the benefits of shared research and development.

Dr. Jackie Savoca, Executive Director of Coatings Research Group, and her team, created the "Green Wise" paint certification program. CRGI is certified as an ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory by Laboratory Accreditation Bureau. Through a system of international agreements, this accreditation is recognized worldwide.

CRGI operates a 6,000 sq. ft. (550 sq. m.) applied technology laboratory staffed by 6 full time professional employees. The laboratory conducts private studies for global member companies and cooperative R&D projects on raw material evaluations, worldwide product benchmarking (often more that 100 products are evaluated), and paint formulation optimization.

If you are interested in contributing to applied R&D paint and coating research as CRGI's Laboratory Supervisor, contact Coatings Research Group, Inc., in Independence, Ohio.

Research Trends in Anti-corrosion Additives

2011-05-03T01:24:00.006-04:00

Research trends in identifying novel corrosion inhibitors include identifying natural extracts, creating new compounds via biomimicry and nanotechnology, studying conducting polymers, incorporating noble metals in coatings and recycling waste streams.

If your goal is to reduce costs of environmentally friendly additives that protect our marine infrastructure, water quality and human health, you might wish to read the current article in APCJ: Asia Pacific Coatings Journal entitled "Research Trends in Innovative Anti-corrosion Additives", Volume 24, Number 2, pages 20-21, April/May 2011.

Reprinted with permission from APCJ at http://www.raskinfo.com/corradfinal.html

Searching the Web

2011-04-11T12:12:00.003-04:00

The May 2011 issue of Website Magazine cites some interesting alternatives for searching the web including Blekko, DuckDuckGo (DDG), Greplin, Wajam and Quora.

Blekko allows limiting a search by the use of a slash, "/recipes" while Quora is a question-and-answer site. Greplin, created by a 19 year 0ld entrepreneur from Israel, searches Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Gmail, Google Docs, etc. DDG shares slash tags with Blekko.

Thanks WebSite Magazine, May 2011, "Search Alternatives", p.38, for a most interesting article!

Try them and report back soon!

Rosa

Asia's Most Active Undercoats

2011-03-20T08:30:00.005-04:00

What do priming a tooth and etching metal have in common?

Adhesion is an important property in materials science, as well as medicine. Dental crowns, for example, tend to eventually fall out. After much research, a Japanese team patented a method to self-etch or prime a tooth preparing the tooth for bonding to metal, resin or an orthodontic bracket (U.S. patent 7614879). For more details, see my article, "Asia's Most Active Undercoats" in the February/March 2011, issue of APCJ: Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, pp. 31-32.

Transparent and Innovative Fillers

2011-01-08T03:21:00.006-05:00

If you are interested in fillers for paint, you might wish to read my article in the Dec/Jan 2011 issue of APCJ: Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, p 16, 18.

I mention food grade fillers in the article too. Food fillers help dysphagia. I am thankful for the food fillers as use them everyday for my 93 year young Mom. The thickeners make swallowing so much easier for her.

Unfortunately, per the APCJ website, the journal is nolonger free full text online and one needs to contact their subscription services.

Should you desire the reference for this article, check my website at http://www.raskinfo.com/publications.html.

Statistics on the Sales of the Book You Authored!

2011-01-02T23:54:00.010-05:00

I have had this question more than once from authors interested in the sales of their books.

For book authors who wish to double check sales of their books, in addition to the figures given to them from their publisher, Nielsen Bookscan is one possible source, accessed free for those authors registered with AMAZON.

A recent article in the LA Times (Dec 9, 2010) details how and when authors may obtain the information they seek per the sales of their book.

Please note the LA Times article says the data is free for authors --

Authors, link to the LA Times web site article and let me know if the information is helpful:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2010/12/amazon-gives-nielsen-bookscan-to-authors.html

Thanks in advance,
Rosa

U.S. Department of Energy Report

2010-12-21T18:16:00.005-05:00

The U.S. Department of Energy's report entitled "Critical Materials Strategy" published December 2010, is online.

If you are involved in materials science or energy, find the full report at
http://www.energy.gov/news/documents/criticalmaterialsstrategy.pdf

Table of Contents of the full text DOE report includes:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..6
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION..10
CHAPTER 2. USE OF KEY MATERIALS IN CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES..14
CHAPTER 3. HISTORICAL SUPPLY, DEMAND AND PRICES FOR THE KEY MATERIALS..27
CHAPTER 4. CURRENT DOE PROGRAMS..53
CHAPTER 5. OTHER U.S. GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS..58
CHAPTER 6. MATERIALS STRATEGIES FROM OTHER NATIONS..61
CHAPTER 7. SUPPLY AND DEMAND PROJECTIONS..69
CHAPTER 8. CRITICALITY ASSESSMENT..95
CHAPTER 9. PROGRAM AND POLICY DIRECTIONS..100
APPENDIX A: CRITICALITY ASSESSMENTS BY ELEMENT..111
APPENDIX B: MARKET SHARE ASSUMPTIONS AND MATERIAL CONTENT CALCULATION..127
APPENDIX C: 111TH CONGRESS RARE EARTHS AND CRITICAL MATERIALS LEGISLATION ..133
APPENDIX D: TREM CONFERENCE 2010 ADDRESS – ASSISTANT SECRETARY DAVID SANDALOW..140
APPENDIX E: U.S.–JAPAN ROUNDTABLE ON RARE EARTH ELEMENTS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AGENDA..146
APPENDIX F: TRANS-ATLANTIC WORKSHOP ON RARE EARTH ELEMENTS AND OTHER CRITICAL MATERIALS FOR A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE..149
APPENDIX G: ARPA-E WORKSHOP AGENDA

Research

2010-12-09T00:11:00.005-05:00

Fascinating new discovery while studying nature's models in regard to de-icing!

If you have any interest in de-icers or coatings read:

Harvard University's work on new de-icing methods based on nature:

"Breaking the ice before it begins."

There is no end to what a seemingly simple yet most complex, Lotus plant, having a superhydrophobic structure capable of repelling water droplets can teach us!

Publications from Rosa S. Raskin & Associates

2010-12-06T02:11:00.021-05:00

I love the cover of the October 2010 issue of PPCJ:
Polymers Paint Colour Journal.

PPCJ and a companion journal, APCJ, include vivid color pictures and exquisite graphics. A beautiful photograph of trees and the title of the issue, "Natural world: Creative colours measure up", reflect the beauty of fall's color palate.

"Eye catching" is the subheading in PPCJ's Table of Contents where one can read the reference to my article entitled "Living Colour: Functional Pigments". The term "living" was so much on my mind when I wrote the article on pigment qualities as I had immediate family in the hospital. Survival, "living" was the issue of the day.

My family has done remarkably well. We had the best Thanksgiving ever. The world looks more colorful.

Thanks PPCJ, you are more than an "eye catching, informative, trade" journal to me --

You reflect life itself!

Unclaimed Funds

2010-07-23T00:50:00.005-04:00

When browsing the web, don't forget to check unclaimed funds. Each time I enter surnames of family and friends, I find a list of persons I know having unclaimed monies from a variety of sources. Not all institutions report or forward unclaimed funds that are held by participating states but I have never searched the database without finding someone I know that has unclaimed funds.

If you enjoy "treasure hunting" start your free search at http://unclaimed.org/

You will be glad you did and so will your family and friends.

Happy hunting!

Social Networking Search Sites

2010-06-22T05:05:00.008-04:00

There are many social networking search sites to check what is being said about companies, brands, people, and any topic of interest.

Some of the search sites list the names of persons who have searched for the company or brand most often, and comments are interpreted as positive or negative. The reach of the brand, sentiment, and/or passion may be included. Sites may check blogs, videos, conversations, or anything searchable on the web. One generally has a choice as to what to include. I suggest doing a broad search including all types of information at regular intervals to see what is out there.

Once you know who is talking about your brand you may chose to answer or have someone answer for you.

Want to know who is searching your company, brand, or what people are saying about your product? To be ready to reply in a timely manner, you need regularly scheduled updates on what is being said about your brand.

Many articles on searching social networking web sites are published on the web and more search sites will be created in the future. One rarely finds the same materials on the sites as some include the information sooner than others, some may delete if after a time period, and is no one comprehensive social search tool is available. Each site has its advantages. Many social networking "search" sites are free while others are fee-based.

If you do not have time to keep up with what is being said about your product or company, hire an information professional to do the search for you on a regular basis.

Of course I would be pleased if you "Keep Askin for Raskin" at rosa@raskinfo.com or call 440-461-4125 for help with your brand or any scientific or business research topic.

Automotive Coatings Article

2010-05-25T03:51:00.005-04:00

My article entitled, Automotive Coatings: Innovation and Collaboration is published in the current, May 2010 issue of PPCJ: Polymers Paint Colour Journal, Volume 200,
Number 4548, on pp 24-26.

The picture of the honey bee is most relevant to the article -- read it and let me know if you agree?

Soon to be published, "Secrets of Marine Coatings," (PPCJ) "Biocides and Nature,"(PPCJ) and "Flame Retardants" (APCJ).

Did you miss my February article in APCJ on smart coatings, check it full text online in the
February/March 2010 issue of APCJ, pp 29-31 at http://www.asiapacificcoatingsjournal.com/

An Exciting Week!

2010-04-15T23:50:00.010-04:00

A most special "thank you" to Dr. Jackie Savoca, Executive Director of Coatings Research Group, Inc., CRGI, who inspired me to attend the incredible American Coatings Show in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I was surprised when an exhibitor asked me to autograph an article on smart coatings published in the February/March 2010, issue of the APCJ: Asia Pacific Coatings Journal.

I was pleased to meet the Senior Editor of PPCJ: Polymer Paints Colour Journal, Sue Tyler, at the international show in Charlotte.

While catching up on my email I read that the Library of Congress is digitizing all tweets since Twitter's inception in March 2006 -- see:

How Tweet It Is!: Library Acquires Entire Twitter Archive
April 14th, 2010 by Matt Raymond

As I catch up on tweets, I am viewing the tremendous cloud from the eruption of the volcano in Iceland on T.V., wonder how my new international and U.S. friends will get home from the show with many flights cancelled per volcanic ash, and continue to be in awe of the forces of nature.

Real Estate Services

2010-02-27T13:26:00.006-05:00

An expert in real estate services in the Greater Cleveland, Ohio, area is Thomas W. Savoca (phone: 216-373-2828). Tom was involved in real estate before he officially became a realtor. He helped my husband and I in our relocation from Cincinnati, Ohio to Cleveland. Tom and his wife Jackie advised us and answered many questions we had during our move back to Cleveland, Ohio, having been gone from the area for almost 20 years. While we were building our house in Highland Heights, Tom gave us excellent suggestions. Tom and Jackie visited my mother each holiday season.

Mom decided it is time to sell her home at 1426 Belrose Road, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124, and chose Tom as her realtor.

Mom has an incredible memory, continues to help me with my research business, and remains an entrepreneur at almost 93 years young. Mom enjoys working in a garden as she has for over 40 years.

Perhaps a secret to longevity is loving and taking care of the home you live in, making your house a home, baking cherry pies from the cherries on your tree, growing your own vegetables and herbs, having wonderful neighbors, and belonging to an extended family of caring residents on a street such as Belrose Road. The residents created a park for the children and adults in the area called Oakville Park.

The slogan of the neighborhood, "make Oakville Park a reality," is a reality including activities for all ages. I still have my tea shirt, attended the pancake breakfasts supported by neighbors who care about and participate in numerous activities. It is incredible what a group of caring neighbors can accomplish.

Over the years I learned much from Mom's wonderful neighbors and their children. Today I found out about the grandfather that built Mom's house and the two granddaughters that lived in it. The custom cabinets, desks, and dressing tables made by the owner, a respected carpenter.

Every house has an interesting history. Original or long time owners have a story to tell. This is a best kept secret. Conduct personal interviews with neighbors to find a wealth of information and the story about your home.

If you are planning a move to the Greater Cleveland area or moving within the area, I can think of no better person to tell you about the secrets of Cleveland other than Tom Savoca.

Nanocoatings

2010-02-22T23:03:00.003-05:00

Are you interested in the technologies related to Harry Potter's invisibility cloak? Do you remember the space ship of the Klingons or have interest in smart coatings?

Want to know what type of paint hides more flaws? How does the lotus flower keep itself clean in the muddy waters where it grows? What country now leads the world in chemical patents?

Find the picture of the gecko and read our latest article published in the February/March, 2010
issue of the APCJ: Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, pp 29-31.

News in Materials Science

2010-01-28T19:28:00.003-05:00

As an expert researcher and information specialist, keeping up with the many facets of materials science is a most interesting challenge.

One of my favorite activities is to check the ASM International web site for the ASM Newswire at least once a week, if not every day, at http://asmcommunity.asminternational.org/portal/site/www/NewsArchive/

From carbon nanotube paint to prevent ice buildup on aircraft, to bacterial cellulose for artificial blood vessels, ASM's Newswire is one of my secrets to keep up with "what's new?"

The news titles link to the story for additional information, a time-saving feature.

I recently joined ASM International and look forward to networking with members!

Coupon Web Sites

2010-01-17T16:09:00.005-05:00

The February 2010 issue of Website Magazine (websitemagazine.com) includes popular coupon web sites (per Compete.com) such as Coupons.com, RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com, FatWallet.com, DealCatcher.com

Since I often do not have time to clip or print grocery coupons, but spend many hours on the web, I love the new feature of loading digital coupons to my supermarket loyalty card or possibly to my mobile phone.

For your research and information needs, Keep Askin for Raskin.

Google

2010-01-17T15:34:00.002-05:00

Logging in at http://www.google.com/experimental allows you to participate in one Google experiment at a time. Have fun!

Have a research question? Rosa will find the information you need to succeed.
Keep Askin for Raskin

Social Media Resources

2010-01-17T15:25:00.007-05:00

If you are interested in social media resources you might wish to check the free February 2010 issue of Website Magazine (websitemagazine.com).

Keep Askin for Raskin

Free Sample Search

2010-01-08T04:11:00.003-05:00

Free sample search to selected companies interested in information specialist research services.

To win a search, email your topic to rosa@raskinfo.com by January 15, 2010. Include your email address, phone number, company name, and preferred time of day you wish to be called.

The search product may link to full text but will not include full text materials.

All communications regarding topics are confidential.

Energy Databases

2010-01-04T15:22:00.003-05:00

Have you checked out ETDE, Energy Technology Data Exchange? As of today, January 4, 2010, the database includes over 4,277,000 records of which 281,000 include full text from over 90 countries.

ETDE was created in 1987 under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA). ETDE's founding members include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Scientific Search Engines

2009-12-23T08:37:00.002-05:00

One place to start when searching the sciences is the search engine, Scirus. Scirus may help you to limit your topic. For difficult quesions and to save time, make a New Years resolution to find an information professional with access to the fee-based databases in your field. An information professional will save you time, find the answers you need to succeed, and provide value-added benefits.

"Keep Askin for Raskin" in 2010!

Article to be Published in 2010

2009-12-23T08:31:00.003-05:00

Look for my article in the January-February, 2010 issue of the APCJ: Asia Pacific Coatings Journal! The article should be online at the end of February.

Interested in Moving Forward in 2010?

2009-12-04T16:28:00.002-05:00

"Keep Askin for Raskin" for your research and information needs.

Customized services and value-added benefits provided by Rosa S. Raskin & Associates, phone: 440-461-4125, email rosa@raskinfo.com, will move you to the front of your field.

Touched by Suicide

2009-11-28T15:39:00.004-05:00

If you have been touched by suicide, I recommend the book

Voices of Strength: Sons and Daughters of Suicide Speak Out

If Judy is doing a book signing in your area, run, do not walk to have her sign your book while you can still obtain a copy.

The book is appropriate for those touched by suicide and every public and medical library.

I suggest that first responders, clergy, as well as therapists working in the area of suicide, read this book and include it in their library to share with those having a need to know.

Do not be surprised to hear Judy and Mia on the radio talking about parental suicide or see these most talented women on T.V. in the near future.

New Clients

2009-11-27T14:29:00.002-05:00

Looking forward to doing research in 2010 for clients in the material sciences, metals, and medicine. Email me at rosa@raskinfo.com or call me at 440-461-4125, and I will be pleased to help you with your research and information needs.

"Keep Askin for Raskin"

Green Resources Web Portal - Selected Links

2009-10-09T19:06:00.005-04:00

If you are looking for links to "green" information and technologies, from fuel cell news to treehugger.com, check out my Green Resources Web Portal.

Are you a small business interested in becoming more energy efficient? See business.gov or Small Business Guide to Energy Efficiency.

Looking for funds? Check out Financing Energy Efficiency Projects.

As a home owner I am watching the progress of rebates for turning in my clunker washing machine and my Mom's clunker dishwasher via energystar.gov

As a scientist and information specialist, I want to keep up with federal stimulus information in regard to renewable energy, especially fuel cells information via the many links on The Online Fuel Cell Information Resource.

Comparing Three New Search Engines

2009-08-25T22:21:00.019-04:00

Interested in comparing three new search engines?

Check out The Disruptive Library Technology Jester for reviews and comparisons of WolframAlpha (search for facts), Microsoft Bing (traditional search engine), and Google Squared (retrieves hyperlinked lists/data in table format).

Take a moment to discover how each search engine finds and presents information; then read some user comments.

Search engines are time savers as starting points for a vacation, for example. I will head to the library later to leisurely read details in books.

My 92 year young Mom loves to search for facts and asks me to find answers on the internet as she searches in her treasured World Book Encyclopedia and other books.

My interest in research and helping others find information comes from my Mom.

Although she has low vision, she has a continued interest in learning new things and participating in new adventures by reading. Mom likes the process of discovery and has always loved books! Information technology has come a long way since her treasured book was published, a family bible published in 1903.

I appreciate the table format of Google Squared, as a first step in creating lists, when Mom thinks of one or two examples and wants more of the same, especially when I can not think of additional examples!

I used WolframAlpha to find out the population of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, Microsoft Bing for links on things to do in Kona, and Google Squared for a quick table of Kona restaurants, including thumbnail photos!

Search Engines

2009-08-10T05:12:00.004-04:00

Glearch.com is a search engine that includes the results of Google, Bing, Yahoo, and newspapers!

Bing and Google Squared?

2009-06-08T15:30:00.002-04:00

Want to compare two new search engines, Bing and Google Squared, read the
University of Minnesota Law Library Blawg.

Bing

2009-05-31T00:25:00.004-04:00

As our Bing cherries ripen on our cherry trees that were covered with blooms earlier this Spring, I am looking forward to trying Microsoft's new Bing search engine.

I like the name Bing. The name is reminiscent of the sweet, dark red cherries that we love.

Microsoft announced the new Bing.com search engine on May 28, 2009, at

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/may09/05-28NewSearchPR.mspx.

Bing is being described as a "decision search engine". I look forward to trying Bing.com and compare the results with Google, Yahoo, Carrot, Pandia, and the many other search engines, I use.

Trade Shows

2009-05-25T01:48:00.002-04:00

For trade show information, a guide to trade shows, exhibits and conventions, trade shows by state, designing a trade show booth and a calendar of shows, see the Trade Show Handbook at http://www.tradeshowhandbook.com/

Google vs Social Networking

2009-05-16T02:35:00.005-04:00

I never considered that Twitter and Facebook, social networking sites, might become competitors to Google. Read the recent post entitled "How Twitter and Facebook Now Compete with Google" at http://blogmaverick.com/2009/05/15/how-twitter-and-facebook-now-compete-with-google/#comments

I chat with my 16 year old nephew using Facebook. Per an unofficial Facebook source, soon we will have video chat - see blog post at http://www.allfacebook.com/2009/05/facebook-video-chat/

Swine Flu, H1N1 2009

2009-04-30T16:26:00.010-04:00

Keep up with the latest on the Swine Flu (H1N1) with the following web sites:

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) from the U.S. CDC U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pandemicflu.gov

Influenza Virus Resource from the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information).

Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR) from the World Health Organization (WHO) web site.

Check the Official Google Blog: Adding search power to public data

2009-04-29T03:13:00.004-04:00

Official Google Blog: Adding search power to public data is a potentially very useful, interesting, and truly incredible feature. Imagine the possibilities for instant comparisons as a picture (in this case a graph) is worth a million words.

The Wallstrip Edge - by Howard Lindzon

2009-04-25T17:54:00.018-04:00

The WallStrip Edge by Howard Lindzon emphasizes the importance of understanding trends to make money, specifically how to buy and sell stock in our shrinking world.

Trends are very important to those of us in the information profession and any book that helps one identify secrets to discovering new trends is a most worthwhile read for the information professional.

Information specialists often identify trends, report trends, research trends, predict trends, and create them! Trends are born, reborn, end, and die.

Lindzon reviews past trends and suggests how we might easily view trends in a business, sector, or country. He reviews popular web sites, blogs, and browsers for trend tracking, and includes the new roles of social networking. Lindzon's book is centered on stocks but the information he provides is not limited to the stock market as Lindzon is a student of the study of human nature, society, the global economy, the importance of networks, our past, and our future.

Lindzon suggests we continuously quick scan technology, headlines on the web, and "hot buttons" to keep us in the loop and up-to-date.

The book is easy and fun to read. Lindzon includes a "To-Do List" at the end of each chapter for our review. Lindzon reviews the importance of doing our "homework" in any endeavor.

Lindzon echoes the importance and power of information and includes information as the first in his list of everlasting trends. He states that "information is the most important everlasting trend because information gives people power."

Lindzon's four categories of everlasting trends include:

1. Information
2. Vices
3. War & Defense
4. Health, Wellness & Vanity

I hope that my husband will turn off the television (as Lindzon suggests) and read this inspiring book that I found in the "new nonfiction section" of our public library.

Howard Linzon's web site Wallstrip.com states it is "where pop culture meets stock culture."

Image Search Engines - Imagery

2009-04-20T10:30:00.002-04:00

I can not believe how quickly the prototype search engine "Imagery" found images on my research topic. Almost every image was relevant. I could limit the images by adding additional terms in the search box.

Per the complicated question I have been working on as an information specialist searching for particular images, containing certain words, Imagery is another database that I am adding to my "to search list" for Rosa S. Raskin & Associates, LLC.

The search engine is user friendly with useful features. It quickly produced 100 relevant images on my topic. I especially like the option of clicking on the thumbnail to increase the size of the image so that I could read a label on a product. The enlarged image appears on the bottom of the screen so that I may compare the enlarged image with the search results (thumbprints) on the screen.

Intersection of Nanotechnology & Material Sciences

2009-04-16T05:39:00.001-04:00

Nanotechnology and the material sciences are of great interest to me. The intersection of these two areas holds promise for innovative technologies.

Much research is centered on drug delivery. Recent news concerning a new type of non-toxic nanoparticle drug delivery system that breaks down and is excreted by the kidneys after delivering the drug to the target is most exciting.

For more information see

Biodegradable luminescent porous silicon nanoparticles for in vivo applications

The April 6, 2009, news report about this discovery, includes a picture of the nanoparticle, see MaterialsToday online - Nanoparticles deliver the goods and leave without a trace. The news report reviews the research in which doxorubicin was used to target a tumor, without any toxicity to major organs of the mouse.

The Long Tail by Chris Anderson

2009-04-15T13:36:00.001-04:00

If you are ready for optimism about our world and the future of business, read and reread The Long Tail, by Chris Anderson. Anderson's book was recommended to me as a must read by my entrepreneurial mentor, Dr. William R. Sharp.

Anderson's work is the result of two years of research, interviews, and includes much analysis of the relatively new companies building on the concept of the "long tail".

What is the "long tail"?

Using Anderson's insight, the "long tail" is infinite, unlimited, unrestricted, abundant, "choice" and much more.

The book is relevant for those of us specializing in the dynamic field of research and information gathering, as well as those working in other business sectors.

Anderson includes insights into our internet-based economies, emphasizes the explosion of choices as a result of a digital world, and sums up how the future differs from the past in the subtitle of the book:

"Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More"

New Search Engine - Oparla

2009-04-11T19:18:00.000-04:00

There are new search engines almost every week. I have a huge list of my favorites but came across an unusual one before its official launch.

I am working on an ongoing difficult question for my company Rosa S. Raskin & Associates, LLC. that involves searching for an image including two common words. Today, I found a new search engine, Oparla, that to my surprise, includes the best results to date of any search engine I have used for my particular question.

One review of Oparla is "New search engine to reward its users". The scheduled launch date for the search engine is April 14, 2009, however, I am using it before the official launch date and am beyond satisfied in regard to the information I found, two different graphic images including the two words within the image that are of interest to me.

I do not know details about being rewarded for the search I did on Oparla other than being able to find the images needed using text words that were included as text or "within the image". This was reward enough for this persistent and professional information specialist.

A search engine such as Oparla is a worthwhile addition to my collection of fee-based and free deep web resources. I see this search engine as one more secret addition to my sources in the realm of intellectual property. Oparla is easy to use, results appear uncluttered, and offer options as to the formatted results.

I can not verify the completeness of this new search engine, or if it was serendipity that I found the information I needed after searching so many other sources.

I suggest that a quick search of the Oparla search engine may prove useful to the professional information specialist trying to find that needle in many haystacks, or a brief overview of a subject. The search in Oparla may not be complete. but the engine is one of the best kept secrets I have found to date for text words included in a graphic.

I welcome any comments if my initial experience with Oparla was just luck, coincidence, or a treasure!

Interesting Fact - Repainting the Eiffel Tower

2009-04-09T15:49:00.001-04:00

My interest in the material sciences includes paints and coatings. My father invented a homemade paint mixer and painted a three story house without using a ladder. My father used pulleys and bamboo poles to paint the shingles and the wood of our three story home that was beige and green in color. The neighbors would come and watch in amazement as he painted the entire house in a few days while my sister and I carefully painted each brick and mortar around our home's foundation.

In my readings as an information specialist in the material sciences for my company, Rosa S. Raskin & Associates, LLC, I remember reviewing a news report last February, 2009. The report stated that the 220,000 square meter surface area of the 120 year old Eiffel Tower will be repainted beginning this month, (April, 2009) and that the job would be completed by the fall of 2010 (click here to read the full news report). Three shades of a specially prepared paint/coating formula are to insure that the Eiffel Tower will appear uniform in color. The last time the Tower was painted was in 2002.

I imagine that the workmen repainting the Eiffel Tower will have no fear of painting at heights as my father did!

Fun Book to Read by a Behavioral Economist

2009-04-09T08:55:00.001-04:00

After many decades, my adviser from The Ohio State University remains my mentor in my work as an independent information specialist and owner of Rosa S. Raskin & Associates, LLC. He recently suggested I read two books. I could not put the book entitled Predictably Irrational authored by Dan Ariely down until I finished reading it.

Ariely is an MIT behavioral economist, holds the Alfred P. Sloan Professor of Behavioral Economics, that has conducted many studies regarding how we make decisions. Ariely became interested in the field while a severely burned patient enduring much pain.

His pearls of wisdom include experiments where he illustrates that given three choices, most people take the second choice, that most things are relative, that first decisions turn to long-term habits, and one of my favorites, the value of offering something for "free".

Ariely describes how the realization that we are predictably irrational is a first step in improving our decision making. Ariely uses experiments to illustrate general principles. Some of his research is humorous, a pleasant surprise from a researcher from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, and the book is fun to read.

Ariely's web site related to the book is www.predictablyirrational.com

I highly recommend this book to the consumer, to business owners like me, and to anyone wanting to understand human behavior in regard to the hidden forces that influence our decisions.

In our current economic climate, I consider this engaging and entertaining book a must read!

Short Book Review of Voices of Strength: Sons and Daughters of Suicide Speak Out

2009-04-09T08:30:00.000-04:00

The book entitled
Voices of Strength: Sons and Daughters of Suicide Speak Out by Judy Zionts Fox, RN, LSW, and Mia Roldan, with a foreword by Senator Harry Reid, is a critical work for anyone working in psychiatry, in special or public libraries, or touched by suicide.

Zionts and Roldan, daughters of mothers that committed suicide, conducted research to create a book reviewing the haunting, long term effects of parental suicide, the stages in the grief process and the process of forgiveness and hope. The book includes their personal experiences as well as an incredible view of the effects of suicide as seen through other survivors included in their retrospective survey. This book is relevant to anyone touched by the suicide of a family member or friend.

Additional information on this book, including awards it has received, and other books of interest are detailed on my web site at www.raskinfo.com

If you are interested in this subject on any level, I recommend that you obtain a copy of this book. This book should be in the collection of every public, medical, and special library including the subject of suicide.

Information Specialist Secrets - April 6, 2009

2009-04-06T07:42:00.001-04:00

White Rose Photo by my dear friend Gerhardt Schlinke of Merzhausen, near Freiburg, Germany

I invite you to follow "Information Specialist Secrets", created in April 2009 by me, Rosa of Rosa S. Raskin & Associates, LLC.

The URL (address) for this blog is http://preciousinformationspecialist.blogspot.com

An information specialist is a professional researcher trained and experienced to find the "precious" information one needs to succeed.

Information specialists belong to professional organizations, generally have a Master's Degree in the field of information/library science, and often hold an additional Master's Degree in a subject specialty.

I was trained in the sciences, hold an M.S. in Microbiology (biotechnology) from The Ohio State University and an M.L.S. from Kent State University. My undergraduate work was in the biological sciences with a minor in chemistry and general science education.

My more than 25 years of experience and current interests include the material sciences, green technologies, business intelligence, and global issues.

I enjoy answering the questions you need to succeed as you Keep Askin for Raskin.

"Information Specialist Secrets" will include book reviews, interesting facts, and links to useful web sites and search engines. I hope this site will prove to be of value to you. Your comments, additions, or corrections to the site are most welcome and appreciated, as are your most precious "secrets".

Rosa
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Email: rosaraskin@gmail.com