Exploring Virtual Librarianship: Second Life Library 2.0

ABSTRACT

In April 2006, Alliance Library System and Online Programming for All Libraries partnered to start the Second Life Library 2.0 in the online world Second Life and in August 2006 purchased an island on the Teen grid of Teen Second Life. Second Life is a virtual world, a descendant of multiplayer online games. Educational institutions have recently been drawn into Second Life's robust economy and vibrant cultural life. The Second Life Library 2.0 works with librarians from around the world and with other educational partners such as TechSoup, WorldBridges, and the New Media Consortium. Second Life Library 2.0 provides “traditional” library services such as ready reference, book discussions, and search assistance, but, at heart, it explores what it means to be a virtual library in a virtual world.     

The effects of alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment on the nutritional value of tripe

Samples of tripe obtained after commercial processing with alkaline hydrogen peroxide were compared with raw tripe for nutritional quality. A large number (108) of commercial tripe samples were found to vary markedly in their protein content from 8·4 to 19·3%. The moisture content was negatively correlated with the pH of the tripe samples. However, the amino acid analyses and rat bioassays indicated that the nutritional value of the protein was not significantly decreased by the processing. Oxidation of sulphur amino acids and formation of lysino-alanine were not evident. Thiamine was completely destroyed by the processing.     

A hybrid data assimilation scheme for model parameter estimation: Application to morphodynamic modelling

We present a novel algorithm for joint state-parameter estimation using sequential three dimensional variational data assimilation (3D Var) and demonstrate its application in the context of morphodynamic modelling using an idealised two parameter 1D sediment transport model. The new scheme combines a static representation of the state background error covariances with a flow dependent approximation of the state-parameter cross-covariances. For the case presented here, this involves calculating a local finite difference approximation of the gradient of the model with respect to the parameters. The new method is easy to implement and computationally inexpensive to run. Experimental results are positive with the scheme able to recover the model parameters to a high level of accuracy. We expect that there is potential for successful application of this new methodology to larger, more realistic models with more complex parameterisations.     

Environmental information systems in malaria risk mapping and epidemic forecasting

Every year between one and two million African children under five die of malaria. If one adds to this the contribution of malaria to all-cause infant mortality then clearly the burden of the disease is catastrophic--a disaster quietly happening each and every year. New tools are needed urgently to support those currently available for control of the disease. An effective vaccine remains elusive. This article outlines the potential contribution to malaria control services of satellite information, which is being used by resource managers in other sectors. In particular, it highlights the lessons which can be learned from early warning systems in other areas, especially those designed to respond to famine. An appendix provides a brief introduction to satellite data and their interpretation.     

Using PRA in support of maintenance optimisation

For a number of years the Plant Specific Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station has been used to support maintenance optimisation. By ranking all components by their importance to nuclear safety we have ensured that the most stringent maintenance regimes are only applied to components where it is absolutely necessary. Further, the overall level of safety is set by our licensing authority. This implies that a certain level of reliability is required for each component involved in safety. By monitoring performance and using the Bayesian analysis technique, it can be deduced whether an acceptable reliability is being achieved and whether a reduction in the maintenance frequency may be justified.