Approximation based on orthogonal and almost orthogonal functions

In this paper, we define a class of almost orthogonal rational functions of Legendre type in a new manner. Relations of these functions with classical exponentional functions orthogonal over interval (0, ∞), as well as classical polynomials orthogonal over (0, 1) are explained. Defining relations of these functions can be used for designing almost orthogonal filters. These filters are generators of orthogonal signals and can be successfully applied in finding the best signal approximation in the sense of the mean square error. The filters orthogonal property enables building of physical (in this case electrical) models of dynamical systems (the sources of signals to be approximated) either with less components for the same model accuracy or higher accuracy for the same number of components than the other known models. New filters represent further improvement of previously designed filters, by the same authors, in the sense of simplicity, higher accuracy, lesser approximation time and even a possibility to approximate signals generated by systems with built-in imperfections. Series of experiments were performed to analyze the dependence of approximation accuracy and the number of filters sections.     

University drop-out: an Italian experience

University students’ drop-out is a crucial issue for the universities’ efficiency evaluation and funding. In this paper, we analyze the drop-out rate of the Economics and Business faculty of Sapienza University of Rome. We use administrative data on 9,725 undergraduates students enrolled in three-years bachelor programs from 2001 to 2007 and perform a Generalized Linear Mixed Model. Our aim is to improve the general understanding of the students’ withdrawing focusing on personal characteristics of students rather than on institutional aspects of the university. The empirical analysis unveils the statistically significant effect of students’ characteristics, like citizenship and income, while the main findings relate a high drop-out probability to a high secondary school final mark and a low individual students’ performance.     

Remember Me? Content Development in a User-Centered Services Library

As a response to the University of Kansas' (KU) strategic planning process and the need to identify budgetary efficiencies, the KU Libraries created a strategic plan and underwent a structural reorganization. In the new structure, the libraries went from thirty librarians doing collection development to seven selecting library materials for the core collection. The new, smaller, more agile department is responsible for all tasks related to collection development as the library moves from being a collection-centered institution to being user-centered. The new organization shifts the collection development paradigm from one based on academic disciplines to one that embraces a holistic view.     

Stimulators and barriers towards social innovations in public libraries: Qualitative research study

Public libraries have a huge potential to be creators and facilitators of social innovation in communities and society. Qualitative research based on interviews with 27 librarians showed that social innovation in libraries can take the form of educational and cultural activities, leisure and networking activities and social support services. The main goal of the research was to find out what factors support and make these innovations difficult in public libraries. A four-layer model of barriers and stimulators for social innovation is presented, which includes structural, local, organizational and personnel levels. The model could serve to inform librarians, their stakeholders and governments about all levels of barriers and stimulators connected to innovation of library services and social re-positioning of public libraries in the future.     

How Birth Doulas Help Clients Adapt to Changes in Circumstances,Clinical Care,and Client Preferences During Labor

This study examined how doulas adapt to challenges in client’s labors. There were 104 Canadian and 92 American doulas who responded to a survey distributed at a doula conference. We report results from open-ended questions in which doulas describe how they manage changes deviating from the mother’s birth plan and how they navigate differences of opinion between themselves and providers. Four themes emerged: giving nonjudgmental support, assisting informed decision making, acting as a facilitator, and issues with advocacy. Although 30% of doulas said that advocacy and information giving could result in conflict with providers, doulas reported working within their scope of practice and striving to be part of the team. Issues in doula responsibility and patient advocacy remain, and ongoing role clarification is needed.     

Visions,Provisions and Reality: Political changes and education for democratic citizenship in Croatia

This paper is an attempt to describe and critically analyse the emergence and development of education that is directed at promoting citizens' empowerment and responsibility in the framework of political changes and democratic challenges that Croatia faces as a post-Communist and post-war country within a prospect of European integration. In the beginning, a short reference to a politically unstable, economically extremely unfavourable and culturally complex context of education for democratic citizenship is given. Following the vision/provision/implementation/evaluation rationale for achieving the expected results, the author addresses three main issues: the changes in the government's priorities for the period 1991-2001, with special emphasis on education; the implementation measures that support educational changes pertinent to the quest for citizens' empowerment; and their actual outcomes. The gap that exists between the visions and reality is explained as resulting from number of structural and psychological barriers that may be resolved through a more pronounced, coherent and co-ordinated development-oriented policy and implementation strategy based on consensus and commitment.     

THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION: A POINT OF VIEW FROM A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

This article takes a close analytical look at the internationalization of higher education, asking penetrating questions with regard to its basis, its forms, and its results. The author is particularly concerned with problems of asymmetry with regard to the educational links, particularly at higher education level, between the developed western democracies and the developing countries. Going beyond the question of brain drain, the article probes the problem of the alienation of third world academics trained in the higher education institutions of developed countries. While on the balance the author praises the results of the internationalization of higher education and, at any rate, recognizes that it is here to stay, he cautions all those involved in it be aware of who in fact gains and who loses as a result of it.