University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 09-27-2012

Dr. Sajal Das

Grant helps engineers aid consumers

A computer science and engineering team is developing a sensor and monitoring system to put consumers in charge of tracking energy, gas, and water use with a goal of saving them money.

The project builds on pervasive computing technology developed by Professor Sajal Das, director of the Center for Research in Wireless Mobility and Networking. Dr. Das and doctoral student Giacomo Ghidini are among 100 recipient teams of a 2012 National Science Foundation Innovation Corps, or I-Corps, grant intended to move research to the marketplace.

“If this technology can save homeowners or businesses 10 to 15 percent of their energy expenses, that’s monumental,” Das says. “It gives them great insight and allows them to make informed decisions.”

Until now, energy providers have been in control of web-based, smart meter applications that can help homeowners and other consumers monitor and regulate energy consumption. With the pervasive computing system developed by Das and Ghidini, consumers would have the power.

Read more about the sensor and monitoring system.

Dr. Judy LeFlore

Nursing, social work collaborate on grant

The College of Nursing and the School of Social Work will use nearly $900,000 during the next three years to fund research to improve connections between nurses and social workers before they meet in the health care workplace.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration awarded an $862,532 Advanced Nursing Education Grant to Judy LeFlore, a professor and interim associate dean for research in the College of Nursing. The funding reflects the growing popularity of interprofessional education and the important role social workers and nurses play in treating patients holistically, she says.

“There is a realization from the federal government all the way down to academia that education of health care professionals in silos is not very effective or efficient," Dr. LeFlore says. "We need to shift the task of learning to work together as a team to the education end, rather than the service end.”

LeFlore will work with School of Social Work faculty members Gail Adorno and Joan Blakey, as well as fellow nursing faculty members Mindi Anderson, Patricia Thomas, Sharolyn Dihigo, Lindy Moake, and Sara Moore.

Read more about nursing and social work.

MavAlert Emergency Notification System test Oct. 3; update your contact information

To ensure timely communications in the event of an emergency, UT Arlington plans a system-wide test of the MavAlert Emergency Notification System at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3.

The MavAlert system is designed to rapidly notify faculty, staff, and students in the event of a campus emergency. The system sends emergency notifications via registered email addresses and text message devices when a life-threatening situation arises.

To enable MavAlert text messages, you must add your mobile phone number or other SMS text message device to your UT Arlington emergency contact information. To add or verify your mobile phone, log in to MyMav at uta.edu/mymav, then click on the "Sign up for MavAlerts" link in the right column.

During the Oct. 3 test, faculty, staff, and students will receive the following message via the email addresses and mobile devices designated in their MavAlert profile: “This is a test of the UT Arlington MavAlert Emergency Notification System. In an actual emergency, you would be instructed as to what actions to take.”

The MavAlert test will coincide with the regular monthly test of the Outdoor Warning System, also at 12:30 p.m. The University’s voice annunciation system will be activated inside campus buildings. The City of Arlington's monthly weather warning test will follow at 1 p.m.

Help make the MavAlert system test a success by confirming and updating your information prior to Oct. 3.

Cokie Roberts brings 'Insider's View' to Maverick Speakers Series next week

ABC News political commentator Cokie Roberts presents an "Insider's View of Washington, D.C." in the Maverick Speakers Series at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in Texas Hall. A question-and-answer session and book signing follow the lecture.

Roberts provides analysis for all network news programming at ABC. She also serves as a contributing senior news analyst for NPR and a regular roundtable analyst for This Week With George Stephanopoulos. She has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and American Women in Radio and Television has cited her as one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting.

General admission tickets are free. A premium seating package is available for $25. The package includes a front-of-the-house seat, reserved parking near the venue, front-of-the-line access to the book signing, and more. All tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Good sport Legendary sportswriter and novelist Frank Deford opened the fifth season of the Maverick Speakers Series with his lecture "Journalism: Sports and Beyond," Tuesday night in Texas Hall. Deford, who has spent 50 years as a writer for Sports Illustrated, talked about America's obsession with sports and how colleges often overemphasize athletics.

Packaging foundation launches partnership with UT Arlington

The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation will establish a Corrugated Prototype Design and CAD Production Lab in the Department of Art and Art History through a major, in-kind gift of state-of-the art production equipment and structural design software.

The new packaging and design lab will be located in the Fine Arts Building and will integrate new corrugated and structural curriculum into the Visual Communication program.

The program and lab are expected to launch during the 2012-13 academic year with the installation of ICPF’s online corrugated curricula, a Data Tech computer-aided design table donated by ICPF corporate partner Vanguard Packaging, and Esko donated design software.

Read more about the packaging foundation.

Service to honor Truman Black

Physics Professor Emeritus Truman Black will be remembered in a memorial service 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, in the Planetarium at the Chemistry and Physics Building.

Dr. Black, who passed away Sept. 12, was a pioneer in the Department of Physics. He retired in 2011 after 45 years as a member of the faculty.

For more information, see memorial service.

Smiling Moose Deli coming to College Park District

Smiling Moose Deli is bringing its mix of hearty sandwiches and salads, fresh-made soups, and specialty coffees to College Park District. The restaurant is expected to open in November.

Coolberry Frozen Yogurt is expected to open next month immediately north of the deli. Digg’s Taco Shop is scheduled to open to the south in November.

Pie Five Pizza Co. opened last month, and Mavs Sports Grill, GRIP Mediterranean Grill, and Pho Xpress will open later this fall.

Read more about College Park District restaurants.

Spinning wheel Joey Usher, a graduate assistant in the Leadership Center, focuses on pedaling while competitors in the World Heart Day Cyclethon keep pace. The fundraiser for the American Heart Association had teams spinning from noon to midnight Monday at the Maverick Activities Center as they raised $1,600. Team Armstrong, which consists of members of the Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball team, finished first for the fifth straight year. The event included 22 teams, the most ever, and approximately 340 participants.

Labor grant provides funding for Indian government officials

The Division for Enterprise Development will provide training to Indian government officials under a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs.

The $250,000 grant will fund the first phase of what is intended to be a three-year project to train Indian government officials on occupational safety and health in hazardous industries such as construction and mining.

UT Arlington’s project team will deliver instructor-led and web-based courses, as well as train-the-trainer academies, on best practices in the prevention and reduction of worker illness and injuries.

Internet Explorer vulnerable

Microsoft has reported a widespread computer security vulnerability in versions 7, 8, and 9 of Internet Explorer that has the potential to impact all Microsoft Windows systems. UT Arlington has not yet experienced a problem resulting from this, but is proactively working to prevent it.

To protect against this vulnerability, avoid using Internet Explorer to access websites that are not familiar. In addition, the Office of Information Technology will patch all University computers running the Microsoft Windows platform that are properly configured on the UTA domain. Restart your computer if you are prompted to do so.

If your computer is not a member of the UTA domain or is not managed by the Office of Information Technology, you will need to install the security patch as soon as possible. To update your computer, click Start->All Programs->Windows Update.

Windows 7 users should click on Check online for updates from Microsoft Update and install Important updates. Windows XP users click on Custom and install High Priority updates.

For more information, contact the OIT Help Desk at 2-2208.

Mud ball Friday's Oozeball tournament served up a muddy mess of fun that benefited the Student Alumni Association's Sophomore Scholarship fund. More than $12,000 was raised as a record 160 teams, including more than 1,000 students, competed in the annual event. First place went to We Work For Sets, with Soiled Six second and UTA Shorthorn third. See more photos or check out snapshots on Facebook.

Encryption software supports Macs

The recent upgrade of the SecureDoc Encryption Management software to version 5.3 SR 4 now supports Intel Macs running Mac OS X 10.7.5 and OS X 10.8.1.

SecureDoc users with Mac OS X 10.7 need to install the SecureDoc 5.3-SR4 client before installing the Mac OS X 10.7.5 update. The SecureDoc 5.3-SR4 client will not install on OS X 10.8.2 Macs but will install on Macs with OS X 10.8.0 and 10.8.1.

If you are upgrading to OS X 10.8.x from previous versions, the following is recommended: (1) back up your data, (2) remove the current version of SecureDoc by reformatting with the newer OS, (3) restore your data, and (4) install SecureDoc 5.3-SR4 to encrypt the drive.

If you have SecureDoc installed on a Mac with OS X 10.8.0 or 10.8.1, do not install the OS X 10.8.2 update until OIT announces compatibility.

The installation package is available at software downloads.

For more information or assistance, contact the OIT Help Desk at 2-2208.

Access policy goes into effect Monday

Effective Monday, Oct. 1, Mav Express will automatically remove electronic access privileges to campus doors and parking gates based on various conditions that affect a cardholder’s status with the University.

For example, access privileges will be automatically removed 10 days after an employee no longer has an active employment assignment. For students, access privileges will be automatically removed 10 days after the student is no longer enrolled.

While departments will continue to be responsible for immediately requesting removal of electronic access privileges when an individual is no longer eligible, this automatic removal of privileges is an important safeguard to enhance campus safety and security.

See more details and examples. Send questions or concerns to mavexpress@uta.edu.

Parking lot closures this week

A portion of lot F-11, north of the E.H. Hereford University Center at the corner of West First and South Oak streets, will be closed Friday, Sept. 28.

Lot 49, at the corner of South Cooper and West Mitchell streets, will be closed Saturday, Sept. 29, for a car show hosted by Alpha Tau Omega.

World Heart Day

Learn how to protect your heart, with tips from the American Heart Association. Cooking demonstrations, raffle. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services.

Motorcycle Maintenance

Save money by learning how to perform an oil change, clutch lever replacement, belt/chain change, and much more. Call 2-2581 for faculty, staff discount fee of $62.50. 10-11:30 a.m., Saturdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 3, Continuing Education Workforce Building. Continuing Education.

Babysitting Training Course with First Aid & CPR Certification

Learn the essential skills necessary to run your own babysitting business and become a CPR-certified babysitter. This comprehensive course trains young people to be prepared to handle emergencies while caring for younger children. For ages 11-15. $115. 9 a.m-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13, Continuing Education Workforce Building. Continuing Education.

Employment Information

Check out employment opportunities at uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2-3461 or TDD 2-8139, or email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Setting it up: Amanda Welsh (15) ranks third in the Western Athletic Conference in assists with 9.9 per set.

Volleyball hosts WAC matches this week

The Maverick volleyball team will play its first home Western Athletic Conference volleyball matches against San Jose State at 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 27, and Utah State at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in College Park Center.

Thursday is Student Organization Night with a prize awarded to the organization with the most in attendance. On Saturday, the semester books giveaway contest continues with free posters.

Coach Diane Seymour's squad is 1-2 in the WAC, opening with a win over Louisiana Tech before losing to Denver and New Mexico State last week. The Mavericks are 5-10 overall.

Cross country travels to Notre Dame

Men's and women's cross country teams will compete in the Notre Dame Invitational on Friday, Sept. 28, in Notre Dame, Ind.

The men took the top five spots in both their own season opener and the Louisiana Tech meet, while the women also finished first at Louisiana Tech.

Freshman Virgilio Martinez leads the men with two first-place finishes while sophomore Hannah Nilsson leads the women as she was the runnerup at Louisiana Tech.

Golfers tie for fifth at Colorado Invitational

The golf team finished tied for fifth at the Mark Simpson Colorado Invitational on Tuesday at the Colorado National Golf Club in Erie, Colo.

Freshman Riley Fleming paced the Mavericks as he tied for seventh, shooting a 6-under-par 210. Seniors Hunter Brown and Paul McConnell also finished in the top 20.

Next action for the Mavericks is at the Fighting Irish Gridiron Golf Classic Oct. 7-9 in Notre Dame, Ind.

Athletics launches redesigned website

UT Arlington Athletics unveiled its redesigned website, UTAMavs.com, on Tuesday. The re-launch coincides with the debut of "Inside UTA Athletics," a sports-specific program created for UTAMavs.com.

The new UTAMavs.com incorporates expanded multimedia and social media options, while continuing to inform the University community of the latest Mavericks' news and events. Team pages, schedules, rosters, and more have been given a fresh, updated look aimed to deliver information more efficiently.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, uta.edu/movinmavs, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Thursday, Sept. 27

Volleyball Mavericks vs. San Jose State in first home Western Athletic Conference match. Tickets $6. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Levitt Pavilion Final weekend of fall series. Thursday's concert features the Honey Island Swamp Band. Also Leroy Bell, Friday, Sept. 28; and The Quebe Sisters Band, Saturday, Sept. 29. Free. 7:30 p.m. Abram at Pecan streets, downtown Arlington. Levitt Pavilion.

Friday, Sept. 28

International Mystery Book Club Still Life by Canadian author Louise Penney is this month's selection. Faculty and staff members are invited to attend. Free. Noon, Language Lab Lounge, third floor, Trimble Hall. Modern Languages.

Maverick Spirit Friday Pep Rally A pep rally starts Maverick Spirit Fridays this week. Participating mall stores will offer discounts to shoppers wearing UT Arlington blue, orange, or logo gear on Fridays, Sept. 28-Nov. 16. UT Arlington athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, musicians, and mascot Blaze will be on hand for autographs, photos, and giveaways. Free. 7 p.m., center court, The Parks at Arlington. College Town UTA.

Friends of the Library Guest speaker is Jim Bevill, author of The Paper Republic: The Struggle for Money, Credit and Independence in the Republic of Texas. Copies of the book will be available. Free. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. LibraryFriends@uta.edu.

Friday Night Films: The Amazing Spider-Man Rated PG-13. Free popcorn. Other concessions available. Admission $1. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, Sept. 29

Car Show Alpha Tau Omega fraternity hosts a car show. 1-5 p.m., Lot 49, at Cooper and Mitchell streets.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Utah State in a Western Athletic Conference match. Tickets $6. 2 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Fort Worth Music Festival The UT Arlington Jazz Combo, directed by Tim Ishii, associate professor of music, performs at the festival. 5-6 p.m., Main Stage, downtown Fort Worth. Fort Worth Music Festival.

Wind Symphony Concert The UT Arlington Wind Symphony, conducted by Douglas Stotter, associate professor of music, presents Inspirations. Tickets $5. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Sunday, Sept. 30-Saturday, Oct. 6

Banned Books Week: Virtual Read Out Read an excerpt from your favorite challenged or banned book for Banned Books Week. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., by Welcome Desk, Central Library. Also, Lonny Harrison, assistant professor of modern languages, discusses "When Books Go Underground: Censorship and Media Control in Russia" in the Focus on Faculty series at noon Wednesday, Oct. 3, in the sixth floor parlor. See exhibits on the first floor of the Central Library. UT Arlington Library.

Monday, Oct. 1

Voice Division Recital Features vocal students. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Hispanic Heritage Movie: Stand and Deliver True-life story of East Los Angeles calculus high school teacher Jaime Escalante who surmounted overwhelming odds to inspire and educate. Part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Free popcorn. Free. 6:30 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Tuesday, Oct. 2

National Night Out Join the UT Arlington Police for information and free food, T-shirts, and more. Free. 6-7:30 p.m., University Center mall; rainsite is Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center.

Guest Piano Recital Features Gustavo Romero, professor of piano at the University of North Texas. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Coming up

Maverick Speakers Series ABC News political commentator Cokie Roberts speaks on "An Insider's View of Washington, D.C." Free, but tickets required. Premium seating $25. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, Texas Hall. Maverick Speakers Series.

Toby Mac Christian recording artist Toby Mac with special guests Chris August and Jamie Grace, along with the Diverse City Band. Tickets $15-$40. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, College Park Center, 2-9595.

Eighth Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures “Pearls of the Antilles: Maps of Caribbean Islands” is the theme for the Eighth Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures on the History of Cartography and the accompanying exhibit in the Central Library’s Special Collections. The Friday, Oct. 5, event focuses on how maps shaped the histories of Caribbean islands. Also, the Texas Map Society’s fall meeting, Saturday, Oct. 6. Lectures 9:30 a.m. both days, sixth floor atrium, Central Library.

Flo Rida Tramar Dillard, better known by his stage name Flo Rida, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter. Tickets $35-$80; four ticket limit. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 19, College Park Center, 2-9595.

Ongoing

Gallery 76102: Power Grid Greg Bahr and Josh Fletcher offer critical scrutiny of power structures in their art exhibit. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Through Saturday, Sept. 29. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

The Gallery at UTA: The State of Drawing Group exhibition showcasing drawing by artists living and working in Texas. At right, The Puppy Song by Michael Bise. Free. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through Saturday, Oct. 6. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

India Unveiled: The Photography of Robert Arnett A collection of images highlighting the diversity of India and its various regions. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Through Jan. 5, 2013. Special Collections.

Planetarium Learn how mammoth stars make a black hole and help figure out where they might lead in Black Holes. 6 p.m. Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Planetarium.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar.)