e-Science: Open, Social and Virtual Technology for Research Collaboration

E-Science is a broad field that encompasses changes in scientific work driven by grid-based worlds, information and communication systems, and existential infrastructure. This open access book explores emerging issues such as open access, collaboration, and virtual communities, and highlights the diverse range of developments associated with e-Science. It is of interest to researchers and scholars in information technology and knowledge management.

Format: Hardback
Length: 185 pages
Publication date: 20 March 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and multifaceted realm of e-Science, showcasing its wide-ranging applications and interconnected core aspects. The transformative shift towards grid-based worlds, the pervasive utilization of information and communication systems, and the fundamental infrastructure comprising global collaboration have propelled significant changes in scientific endeavors. In response to these developments, the book addresses emerging challenges such as open access, collaborative efforts, and virtual communities, while also highlighting the remarkable range of advancements associated with e-Science. As a valuable resource for researchers and scholars in the domains of information technology and knowledge management, this book provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of e-Science.

Introduction:
E-Science, a rapidly evolving field, encompasses a wide range of disciplines and methodologies that leverage digital technologies to advance scientific research and innovation. This open-access book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of e-Science, its applications, and the underlying principles that drive its development.

The Shift to Grid-Based Worlds:
The shift towards grid-based worlds has been a significant driver of change in scientific work. Grids enable the seamless integration of computational resources, data storage, and communication networks, allowing researchers to collaborate and share data and insights on a global scale. This has facilitated the creation of large-scale scientific collaborations, such as the International Linear Collider (ILC) and the European Space Agency (ESA), which have made groundbreaking discoveries in fields such as physics and astronomy.

The Use of Information and Communication Systems:
Information and communication systems have played a pivotal role in the advancement of e-Science. The widespread adoption of internet technologies, mobile devices, and cloud computing has facilitated the rapid exchange of information, the development of virtual communities, and the automation of scientific processes. These technologies have enabled researchers to access vast amounts of data, analyze complex datasets, and collaborate remotely, overcoming geographical barriers and enhancing the efficiency of scientific research.

The Existential Infrastructure:
The existential infrastructure, which encompasses global collaboration, is a critical component of e-Science. The internet has facilitated the formation of virtual communities, where researchers from different countries and disciplines can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and access resources. This has led to the development of international collaborations, such as the Human Genome Project and the International Space Station, which have made significant contributions to our understanding of the human body and the universe, respectively.

Emerging Issues:
In addition to the technological advancements, e-Science faces several emerging issues. One of the most significant challenges is the issue of open access. Open access ensures that scientific research findings are accessible to the public, regardless of their financial or geographical constraints. However, there are still barriers to open access, such as subscription-based access to scientific journals and the lack of infrastructure for digital preservation.

Collaboration and Virtual Communities:
Collaboration and virtual communities are essential aspects of e-Science. The internet has enabled researchers to connect with peers from around the world, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. Virtual communities, such as online forums, social media groups, and collaboration platforms, have facilitated the formation of interdisciplinary teams and the exchange of expertise.

Developments in e-Science:
E-Science has witnessed a wide range of developments in recent years. These developments include the use of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and virtual reality (VR) technologies. AI has been used to analyze large datasets, automate scientific processes, and develop new algorithms for scientific research. Big data analytics has enabled researchers to extract valuable insights from massive amounts of data, while VR has been used to simulate complex scientific phenomena and enhance the understanding of scientific concepts.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this open-access book offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and multifaceted realm of e-Science. It highlights the transformative impact of grid-based worlds, the pervasive utilization of information and communication systems, and the fundamental infrastructure comprising global collaboration. The book addresses emerging issues such as open access, collaboration, and virtual communities, while also showcasing the remarkable range of advancements associated with e-Science. As a valuable resource for researchers and scholars in the fields of information technology and knowledge management, this book provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of e-Science.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030662615
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021