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October 26, 2021

New imaging system captures text from barely open books

the novel, "Where Peril Beckons" by Nicholas Carter, is positioned prior to a scan. // A group of Lazarus Project members image dime novels from the collection of the River Campus Library in University of Rochester’s Rettner Hall May 13, 2021. Consisting of engineers Ken Boydston of California and Dr Keith Knox of Hawaii with wife Dale Stewart assisting, and Gregory Heyworth, director of the Lazarus Project and associate professor of English and digital imaging at UR with support from Rare Books & Special Collections Assistant Director Autumn Haag, the team is trying to digitize the content of the novels without destroying them as they cannot be opened more than 30 degrees due to deterioration of the cheap paper with which they were made in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Heyworth and Knox came up with a way to image them safely using the Scheimpflug principle and multispectral imaging.

More than 10,000 dime novels—a form of middlebrow American literature that emerged in the 1860s—are held by the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation. Much of this collection is fragile and difficult to use. Led by Gregory Heyworth, an associate professor of English and of textual science, a team from the Lazarus Project has developed a novel method of producing digital images of manuscripts and similarly rare and fragile books without opening them more than 30 degrees.

In today’s issue:

  • It’s Open Access Week and River Campus Libraries is highlighting “zero-cost” heroes and events
  • Today’s Lunch and Listen concert for Medical Center staff and clinical workers features the Sequoia Reed Quintet
  • Registration is open for Wilmot Cancer Institute’s 26th annual Scientific Symposium
TODAY’S UPDATES

One new positive case of COVID-19

There is one new case of COVID-19 to report: a River Campus student. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated when a new case is reported. Find the latest COVID-19 messages and updates here.

A reminder on face masks: they must be worn properly covering the nose and mouth indoors on the University’s campuses and properties. Visit the face mask FAQ page for full information. Face masks with air valves are not permitted, nor are face shields alone without a proper face mask underneath.


FOR STUDENTS

Dr. Chat Bot reminder

In a message to students yesterday, Ralph Manchester, vice provost and director of University Health Service, reminded students of the importance of completing the required Dr. Chat Bot health screening every day when on campus. “Using Dr. Chat Bot to connect with UHS when you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms is the most effective way to alert us that you may need to be tested,” Manchester said.

While some student cases have emerged each week, the number of positive COVID-19 cases among students since the beginning of the semester has been relatively low compared to some peer institutions, which Manchester attributes to high levels of adherence to the current COVID-19 protocols as well as having a student body that is 99 percent vaccinated.

Apply to enroll in the Study Zone program

Located within the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the Study Zone is a quiet, focused place to work. Students commit to spending at least three hours a week in the Study Zone and benefit from peer support in planning effective study sessions. By providing a productive, low-distraction location and personal support at the beginning and end of each visit, the Study Zone helps students get past common barriers to studying and turn academic goals into reality. The Study Zone has expanded its enrollment capacity and is able to offer a place to everyone on the waitlist; apply to enroll today. The Study Zone serves students in AS&E, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Simon Business School, and Warner School of Education.

Writing support for AS&E graduate students and postdocs

The Graduate Writing Project is offering writing workshops, boot camps, and consultant-led writing groups for AS&E graduate students and postdocs this fall. Learn more and register online.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Virtual session on faculty-led or organized education abroad programs

Join Theodore Pagano, associate director for the Center for Education Abroad, for an informal discussion on faculty or staff-led or organized programs abroad. A brief overview, discussions of future collaboration, and idea-sharing will be part of this virtual coffee and tea time, taking place Thursday, October 28, from 9 to 10 a.m. EDT. This session is open to Arts, Sciences & Engineering faculty. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.

‘Lunch and Listen’ program for Medical Center staff and clinical workers features the Sequoia Reed Quintet

The next “Lunch and Listen” concert from Eastman Performing Arts Medicine and the Office of Patient Experience takes place today, October 26, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Medical Center staff and clinical workers can join via Zoom and call in to make requests. This week’s concert features the Sequoia Reed Quintet, comprised of current Eastman School of Music students.

Say yes to healthy holidays

Enjoy the holidays and stay on track with your health goals. By modifying holiday recipes and practicing intuitive eating techniques, Leah Webster, a registered dietitian from Well-U’s lifestyle management team, can help you celebrate without feeling deprived. Register to attend the seminar on Thursday, October 28, at noon EDT.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Events for Open Access Week

There’s a week’s worth of opportunities to learn about Open Access Week from River Campus Libraries.

  • Introduction to preprints: Learn about the pros and cons of preprints and how they fit into the publishing landscape. Take “Preprints 101” today, Tuesday, October 26, at 10 a.m. EDT in the Carlson Science and Engineering Library, Room 103, or via Zoom.
  • Free your paper: Talk to a librarian about how you can make something you’ve published available at no cost. Find a schedule of office hours here.
  • “Preprints—Friend or Foe?” Rochester faculty share their preprint experiences and wisdom. Attend the panel discussion on Wednesday, October 27, at 4 p.m. EDT. This event will be offered online via Zoom with an in-person live streaming option in Carlson Science and Engineering Library, Room 103.
  • Code and workflows: Make the results of your work easier to verify by others. Start with better code. Get tips and learn tricks at this session on Thursday, October 28, at 10 a.m. EDT in the Carlson Science and Engineering Library, Room 103, or via Zoom.

Learn about TEAM master's program

Are you looking for a master’s degree that is both business and technical? The master of science in technical entrepreneurship and management program (TEAM) is tailored to professionals seeking to advance their careers in the industries of engineering and business. Learn more at an informational session on Wednesday, October 27, at 4 p.m. EDT via Zoom. The session will feature a Q&A, and attendees will receive application fee waivers.

Zero-cost hero: Jessica Guzmán-Rea

Day two of the River Campus Libraries’ celebration of Open Access Week highlights Jessica Guzmán-Rea, assistant dean for diversity and the director of the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center. Guzmán-Rea is always taking advantage of ways to unburden students—including graduate and pre-college—with the cost of course materials. Get all the details on how she does it—and, if you missed it, learn more about yesterday’s hero.

Register for Wilmot Cancer Institute 26th annual Scientific Symposium

The Wilmot Cancer Institute’s 26th annual Scientific Symposium will be held on Monday, November 15, from 1 to 5:15 p.m. EST in the Class of ’62 Auditorium (G-9425), Medical Center; the event will also be streamed lived for those who would prefer to attend virtually. Register here by Friday, November 12.

Wilmot will host a virtual short talk competition again this year in place of the traditional poster presentation competition. All members of the University community are invited to submit short talks on basic, translational, or clinical cancer-related research in the form of a PowerPoint presentation.  In this context, “cancer-related” may be interpreted in the broadest sense. Short talk presentations are limited to 10 slides maximum. 

Faculty judges will evaluate short talk submissions, and two winners will be selected for each research program focus area to receive a $300 prize. Registered symposium attendees will receive a separate link to vote, and the winning entry will be awarded the Wilmot Fan Favorite designation and will also receive a $300 prize. The deadline for short talk submissions is Thursday, November 4, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Screenshot of the Eastman School of Music Facebook page highlighting Baljinder Sekhon '08E (MM), '13E (PhD) and the Eastman Voices series
Eastman School of Music alumnus Baljinder Sekhon ’08E (MM), ’13E (PhD) discusses “community” as part of the Eastman Voices series. Find the video on the Eastman School’s YouTube page, and learn how you can be featured in Eastman Voices.

COVID-19 QUICK LINKS


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