A multilevel approach for the damage assessment of Historic masonry towers

In the paper some case studies of damaged towers in Italy are presented: the Tower Masserano of Palace Ferrero - La Marmora at Biella, the bell tower of the Collegiata of San Vittore at Arcisate, and three medieval towers in Alba. A methodology is put forward for combining laboratory and nondestructive testing methods with monitoring systems in order to reach the goal of evaluating the state of conservation of historic towers and its evolution in time.     

Assessment of seismic vulnerability of art objects: The “Galleria dei Prigioni” sculptures at the Accademia Gallery in Florence

The seismic assessment of art objects requires a multidisciplinary approach and the definition of a specific methodology for evaluating the level of safety and the possible interventions necessary for seismic risk prevention, finding a compromise between safety and conservation. This paper describes a first step in this direction, in which the different aspects of the procedure, from knowledge path of the art object to the structural analysis, were studied in the six Michelangelo's statues located in the “Galleria dei Prigioni” (Slaves’ Gallery) at the Accademia Gallery of Florence. We showed that the general principles and criteria expressed in the “Italian Guidelines for evaluation and mitigation of seismic-risk to cultural heritage”, which are specifically devoted to masonry constructions, could be profitably extended to other artworks, like statues, starting from historical research, geometrical survey and material characterization, up to the developing of specific methods of analysis. This research could be the base for future studies to be performed concerning the prevention of seismic damage of art objects, including both bare minimum interventions and specific devices, such as isolation systems.     

Evaluation of the non‐formal forest education sector in the state of North Rhine‐Westphalia,Germany: organisations,programmes and framework conditions

Although a large number of different organisations offer various forest education programmes within Germany, specific information (i.e., sectoral and programme content and provision at a state level) is lacking. This study used a survey of all 61 forest education organisations (43 respondents) in the state of North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany, to evaluate its forest education sector, with a specific focus on the organisations, demand for its services, forest educational programmes and framework conditions. Input from expert interviews was also used to develop recommendations. The study indicates that, especially with children as the main target group, many non‐formal programmes are offered to support the formal environmental education sector and to promote leisure activities in the forest. Yet, despite a high demand for forest education, low personnel resources restrict the number of visits and activities, principally owing to limited financial resource. We also discuss the provision of innovative new educational programmes and supplementary services, combined with increased quality management, that could be beneficial to the future development of the sector in NRW.     

预算法律制度存在的问题与对策探析——基于公共财政视角

《预算法》作为一国财政领域最为核心的法律,为现代财政制度构建了一个基础性的制度框架。文章以公共财政理论作为我国预算法律制度之基石,以公共预算作为我国预算法律制度发展之目标,着眼于公共财政视野下的预算法,指出预算法对构建社会主义市场经济秩序、制约政府的预算行为与维护纳税人的权益具有重要作用。进而对新预算法中存在的问题进行分析,并基于公共财政视野提出了完善我国预算法律制度的对策。     

An Empirical Comparison of DDF Detection Methods for Understanding the Causes of DIF in Multiple-Choice Items

This study compared and illustrated four differential distractor functioning (DDF) detection methods for analyzing multiple-choice items. The log-linear approach, two item response theory-model-based approaches with likelihood ratio tests, and the odds ratio approach were compared to examine the congruence among the four DDF detection methods. Data from a college-level mathematics placement test were analyzed to understand the causes of differential functioning. Results indicated some agreement among the four detection methods. To facilitate practical interpretation of the DDF results, several possible effect size measures were also obtained and compared.     

Criticism and Assessment Applied to New Media Art

Developing new criteria with which to assess work in new media arts.     

Autistic young people’s experiences of transitioning to adulthood following the Children and Families Act 2014

Changes to special educational needs and disability (SEND) legislation in England were implemented in 2014. Here, we evaluate the impact of these changes from the perspective of 80 autistic young people aged 16–25 years. Using an online survey and/or interviews, we examined young people’s views on three key principles of the SEND reforms: the help and support provided to them; whether they were given a say in the choices and support that they were offered; and their satisfaction with their educational journeys and outcomes. The results paint a mixed picture. Our sample of young people reported varied experiences regarding the help and support they received, and how much of a say they had regarding the choices and support available to them. The types of schooling they accessed played a role here: young people in mainstream schools highlighted particular challenges in accessing appropriate support, while many young people in special schools said they felt well supported. Parental advocacy was crucial for all young people, as was having key ‘champions’ in the form of teachers who really knew them well. The need for the development of general life and self-advocacy skills was apparent, however, especially in preparing the young people for life after school. Encouragingly, most of our participants were generally happy with their current situation, despite identifying several areas for further improvement. Overall, the results highlight the importance of listening to—and learning from—autistic young people, throughout their educational journeys and especially as they transition to adulthood.