Redefining library space: managing the co-existence of books, computers, and readers

Library design must better integrate space for collections and computers than it has. This article presents planning strategies that integrate digital products and print collections based on patron needs. Many flexible solutions in developing buildings will enhance library service in the technologically dynamic future.     

On stabilisability of 2-D MIMO shift-invariant systems

We concentrate on the linear spatially distributed time-invariant two-dimensional systems with multiple inputs and multiple outputs and with control action based on an array of sensors and actuators connected to the system. The system is described by the bivariate matrix polynomial fraction. Stabilisation of such systems is based on the relationship between stability of a bivariate polynomial and positiveness of a related polynomial matrix on the unit circle. Such matrices are not linear in the controller parameters, however, in simple cases, a linearising factorisation exists. It allows to describe the control design in the form of a linear matrix inequality. In more complicated cases, linear sufficient conditions are given. This concept is applied to a system with multiple outputs—a heat conduction in a long thin metal rod equipped with an array of temperature sensors and heaters, where heaters are placed in larger distances than sensors.     

Food Safety and Regulation: Evaluation of an Online Multimedia Course

ABSTRACT: The effectiveness of, and student attitudes toward, an online Food Safety and Regulation course (WEB) were compared with lecture (LECTURE) and combined lecture/online (COMBINED) courses. All students took identical pre-tests, post-tests, and attitude assessments. No significant differences were detected in pre-test scores. Post-test results for WEB, LECTURE, and COMBINED groups were 65.9±3.02, 67.1±2.62, and 73.5±2.59 (mean±SEM), respectively. After controlling for the pretest, the COMBINED score was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than the LECTURE and WEB scores. Some student attitude scores in the LECTURE and COMBINED groups were better than the WEB group. The results indicate that students perform as well in the Web-based course as the lecture-based course and that student performance is maximized by combining online and lecture methods.