The Rubicon Foundation saw many new changes and collaborations in 2011. The most noticeable of our changes is to the web site. On September 16th we launched our new site that included a major change to the look and feel. In updating the Rubicon Research Repository (RRR) software and site content management tools, we were also able to provide regular updates to keep users better informed of new additions and news. Please check us out on Facebook and become one of our over 500 fans or pick another method to connect with us today!
In addition to the new functionality above, we have moved the server to a host that can provide better bandwidth and support for our services. As with any major improvement in technology, these changes come with a cost. For the first time we now have recurring overhead associated with our site. In an effort to offset some of these cost being taken on by our board of directors, we are now accepting sponsors and the new frontpage includes a section to thank our sponsors. We will be evaluating other methods of support throughout the next year so please contact us if you want to help out or have any ideas.
Rubicon also continued our efforts to help you connect with medical researchers around the globe. This year we saw the launch of two questionnaires. Project Pink Tank is drawing its first phase to a close the end of January so if you are a breast cancer survivor that scuba dives or you know one, please take a look. Our second questionnaire was aimed at rebreather owners so if you own or dive a rebreather, we need your help to better understand how you monitor carbon dioxide in your loop by the end of this week. Results from both of these questionnaires will be made available in 2012 so stay tuned!
Rubicon Research Repository 2011 summary
The most searched phrase for 2011 was “caisson disease” with the most searched single term being “hyperbaric”. Below you will find the top ten most downloaded articles from the RRR.
10. Cymerman, A; Rock, PB. 1994. Medical Problems in High Mountain Environments. A Handbook for Medical Officers. US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Technical Report. RRR ID: 7976 (Note: this is down from #1 last year)
9. Ma, AC; Pollock, NW. 2007. Physical Fitness of Scientific Divers: Standards and Shortcomings. IN: Pollock, NW; Godfrey, JM (Eds.) The Diving for Science…2007, Proceedings of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), Twenty-sixth annual Scientific Diving Symposium RRR ID: 6991
8. Vann, RD. 2004. Lambertsen and O2: beginnings of operational physiology. Undersea Hyperb Med. Spring;31(1):21-31. RRR ID: 3987
7. Vann RD, Lang MA. 2011. Recreational Diving Fatalities Workshop: Summary IN: Vann RD, Lang MA, eds. Recreational Diving Fatalities. Proceedings of the Divers Alert Network 2010 April 8-10 Workshop. RRR ID: 9304 (The full report came in at #12 this year, RRR ID: 9303)
6. Bitterman, N. 2004. CNS oxygen toxicity. Undersea Hyperb Med. Spring;31(1):63-72. RRR ID: 3991
5. Acott, CJ. 1999. A brief history of diving and decompression illness. South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Journal Volume 29 Number 2. RRR ID: 6004
4. Muza, SR; Fulco, CS; Cymerman, A. 2004. Altitude Acclimatization Guide. US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Technical Report. RRR ID: 7616
3. Nuckols, ML; Purer, A; Deason, GA. 1985. Design Guidelines for Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers. Revision. A. Naval Coastal Systems Center Technical Manual. NCSC-TECH-MAN-4110-1-83-REV-A RRR ID: 4104
2. Sweger, JF. 2003. Design Specifications Development for Unmanned Aircraft Carrier Landings: A Simulation Approach. US Naval Academy Technical Report USNA-316. RRR ID: 3589
1. Butler, WP. 2004. Caisson disease during the construction of the Eads and Brooklyn Bridges: A review. Undersea Hyperb Med. Winter;31(4):445-59. RRR ID:4028
Previous top ten lists are available in our resource room.
Upcoming events
Rebreather Forum 3.0 is coming up in May and the Proceedings of Rebreather Forum 2.0 came in at number 16 this year: Richardson, D; Menduno, M; Shreeves, K. (eds.) 1996. Proceedings of Rebreather Forum 2.0. Diving Science and Technology, Santa Ana, CA. RRR ID: 7555
