Abstract

The current paper discusses the conservation and restoration of the Guang Sheng Si Pagoda of the Liao Dynasty in Liaoning Province, China. The Southeast University, together with the Conservation Center of Liaoning Province, the Sapienza University of Rome, and the IUAV University of Venice, organized a workshop on the current project, which consists of a preliminary investigation, the restoration design, and on-site construction. The current study attempts to introduce the expressing procedure through precise on-site investigations and the rendering of restoration drawings based on the integral definition of the structural damages. This project is a new technique in the field of traditional restoration in China.

Abstract

More than 60% of older Americans have sedentary lifestyles1 and are recommended more physical activities for health benefit. Nearby outdoor environments on residential sites may impact older inhabitants׳ physical activities there (defined as walking, gardening, yard work, and other outdoor physical activities on residential sites). This study surveyed 110 assisted-living residents in Houston, Texas, regarding their previous residential sites before moving to a retirement community and physical activities there. Twelve environmental features were studied under four categories (typology, motivators, function, and safety). Based on data availability, a subset of 57 sample sites was analyzed in Geographic Information Systems. Hierarchical linear modeling was applied to estimate physical activities as a function of the environments. Higher levels of physical activity were found to be positively related with four environmental features (transitional-areas, connecting-paths, walk-ability, and less paving).

Abstract

This study aimed to (i) examine the prevalence and types of gambling, (ii) establish prevalence of ‘pathological’ gambling, (iii) explore the correlates of gambling, and (iv) establish psychiatric and physical comorbidity in a sample of older adult gamblers (≥ 60 years) in contrast to younger gamblers in a representative population sample in Singapore. This paper reports the results of a secondary analysis of data from a representative community survey of 6616 participants, of which 2252 had engaged in gambling activities at least once in their lifetime. 48.9% of older adults reported lifetime gambling. Older gamblers were more likely to be males, married or widowed (vs. never married), with pre-primary, primary and secondary education (vs. university), economically inactive (vs. employed) and had personal annual income of SGD $19, 999 and below (vs. SGD $50, 000 and above). Older gamblers had significantly higher rates of betting on horses, playing numbers or betting on lotteries, and playing Mahjong. After adjusting for demographic variables in multiple logistic regression analyses, gamblers aged 60 years and older had significantly lower odds of having pathological gambling than those in the younger age group (OR = 0.4). Older gamblers had significantly higher odds of having diabetes (OR = 3.2), hypertension (OR = 4.9), and any comorbid chronic physical condition assessed in this study. For the majority of older adults, gambling remains a recreational activity that is entertaining and a way of socialization. However, one must remain cognizant of the possible risks for some to develop disordered gambling.

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,453 libraries in 63 countries between 14 November 2015 and 21 January 2016, based on their experiences with a total of 138 integrated library systems (ILS). The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Alma (Ex Libris), Symphony (SirsiDynix), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Koha (independent or self-managed), Library.Solution (The Library Corporation), Opals and Spydus. The original English report was published January 31, 2016 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2015

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 4,042 libraries in 92 countries between November 3rd 2015 and January 18th 2017, based on their experiences with a total of 138 integrated library systems (ILS), both commercial and open source. The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Alma (Ex Libris), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Symphony (SirsiDynix), Opals, Library.Solution (The Library Corporation), and ByWater Solutions. The original English report was published on January 25, 2017 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2016

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,992 libraries in 87 countries between November 2017 and February 2018, based on their experiences with a total of 127 integrated library systems (ILS), both commercial and open source. The best products classified in their respective category analysed were Apollo (Biblionix), ByWater Solutions, Alma (Ex Libris), Polaris, Symphony (SirsiDynix), and Opals. The original English report was published on March 17th, 2018 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2017

Abstract

Results are presented of an online survey answered by 3,141 libraries in 80 countries between 12 December 2014 and 29 January 2015, based on their experiences with a total of 154 integrated library systems (ILS). The best products classified in the various categories analysed were Polaris, Apollo (Biblionix), Alma and Aleph (Ex Libris), Sierra (Innovative Interfaces), WorldShare Management Services (OCLC), Koha (independend or self managed), Library.Solution (The Library Corporation) and Opals. The original English report was published February 10, 2015 on the author’s website: http://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2014

Abstract

In December 2005 a 42-item survey was sent to all Spanish university libraries to determine the user training each provides and present a thorough and integrated summary. A total of 48 centres responded to detailed questions about the types of training offered, instructional materials, staff involvement, evaluation methods, and future user training needs and approaches. The results indicate that university libraries are immersed in a transition from traditional user training to efforts that are more related to information literacy and the emerging concept of the European university, beyond national borders.

Abstract

The open access (OA) movement has exploded in the last few years. In 2016 we invited 1,896 researchers based in Spanish institutions to fill in a survey on their opinion, attitudes and practices towards OA. We analysed the 554 responses received from researchers in all fields of knowledge (29% response ratio). Most researchers are aware of OA outlets in their fields (86%) and believe OA is beneficial (76%). There isn’t a clear position on the quality of OA journals among Spain-based researchers and there are differences between disciplines. Almost 70% of researchers have published at least one OA article in the last 5 years. Half of them had to pay article processing charges (APCs) that were covered with research funds.

Abstract

The current ease of online education allows students to acquire the professional and personal competencies demanded for the XXI century. In this article we study the media empowerment of students, as citizens, using multiple means of communication. We have established the first scale for the measurement of such empowerment, analyzing the exercise of active citizenship and the use of various media, as skills acquired through e-learning. The study was carried out with alumni of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (n=544), constructing a consistent and reliable scale for the two subscales that comprise it: active citizenship (5 items, α = 0.93) and diversified use of media (3 items, α = 0.95).