Building professionalism and employability skills: embedding employer engagement within first-year computing modules

This paper outlines a means of improving the employability skills of first-year university students through a closely integrated model of employer engagement within computer science modules. The outlined approach illustrates how employability skills, including communication, teamwork and time management skills, can be contextualised in a manner that directly relates to student learning but can still be linked forward into employment. The paper tests the premise that developing employability skills early within the curriculum will result in improved student engagement and learning within later modules. The paper concludes that embedding employer participation within first-year models can help relate a distant notion of employability into something of more immediate relevance in terms of how students can best approach learning. Further, by enhancing employability skills early within the curriculum, it becomes possible to improve academic attainment within later modules.     

Publishing in China

This paper discusses the structure of the publishing industry in the People's Republic of China (with brief comments on Taiwan and Hong Kong). It analyses the implications of state control, of recent liberalisation, and of increasing contact with western publishers. The propagandist function of publishing in the Communist period and the supervisory role of the Press and Publication Administration are examined. Particular attention is given to the recent developments of copyright legislation and mechanisms of education and enforcement. As China becomes more market-orientated, changing patterns of publishing, problems in distribution, and innovations in retailing are noticed.     

Public policy and literary culture: Publishing subsidies in Scotland

Public subsidies of publishing have a number of goals, including the extension of both international cultural activities and national cultural enterprise. The Scottish publishing industry is described and its recent history is reviewed. The activities of the publishing subsidy program of the Scottish Arts Council are enumerated. Finally, the impact of subsidies on Scottish authors and publishers is evaluated.     

A rural virtual health sciences library project: research findings with implications for next generation library services

PURPOSE: The Shared Hospital Electronic Library of Southern Indiana (SHELSI) research project was designed to determine whether access to a virtual health sciences library and training in its use would support medical decision making in rural southern Indiana and achieve the same level of impact seen by targeted information services provided by health sciences librarians in urban hospitals. METHODS: Based on the results of a needs assessment, a virtual medical library was created; various levels of training were provided. Virtual library users were asked to complete a Likert-type survey, which included questions on intent of use and impact of use. At the conclusion of the project period, structured interviews were conducted. RESULTS: Impact of the virtual health sciences library showed a strong correlation with the impact of information provided by health sciences librarians. Both interventions resulted in avoidance of adverse health events. Data collected from the structured interviews confirmed the perceived value of the virtual library. CONCLUSION: While librarians continue to hold a strong position in supporting information access for health care providers, their roles in the information age must begin to move away from providing information toward selecting and organizing knowledge resources and instruction in their use.     

How acceptable do older adults find the concept of being physically active? A systematic review and meta-synthesis

Despite the significant health benefits of regular physical activity for older adults, only a minority achieve recommended levels. To develop effective interventions, the reasons for the low levels of physical activity in this population must be understood. The present review identifies and synthesizes qualitative studies concerning the acceptability of physical activity to community dwelling older adults. A systematic search of four electronic databases identified 10 studies meeting inclusion criteria. These were appraised, and findings were combined and compared using thematic synthesis. Older adults construed physical activity as a by-product of other activities, rather than as a purposeful activity within itself. This seemed to be linked to their self-perception as an ageing member of society, with physical activity considered irrelevant, and competing roles and responsibilities (e.g., family) taking precedence. Additionally, older adults appeared to experience conflict between maintaining their autonomy and accepting the physical and social vulnerabilities associated with ageing. As older adults do not see physical activity as purposeful within itself, interventions promoting moderate or vigorous physical activity are likely to have limited success. As even small increases in physical activity benefit older adults, future interventions may wish to target the reduction of sedentary behaviour in this population.     

海水也分层

光合作用带 这里聚集了大部分的光与热,藻类能充分进行光合作用.大多数海洋生物都生活在这个区域,其中包括浮游生物、软体动物、 中层带 光合作用带之下,200～1000米深的水层,虽有微弱的光线透入,却不足以促使藻类进行光合作用,因此,人们常将此水层形象地称为"暮光区",这里的水深1000～4000 米的区域,又被称为宁静...     

纸杯打鸣

<正>本期我们为大家准备了一个有趣的物理实验。借助生活中的常见物品,你不但能制作出形态逼真的发声模型,还可以将其中的原理与弦乐器相联系,探索悠扬旋律背后的奥秘。【实验材料】基本用具:一次性纸杯,缝衣针(可用锥子代替),剪刀,粗棉线,直尺,曲别针,纸巾装饰材料:彩纸,胶水,活动眼睛,橡皮泥注意:请在成年人的帮助下使用针和剪刀,以免发生意外。【操作步骤】1首先,我们来制作基础版的纸杯模型。请你用缝衣针在杯底中央戳一个小洞。2用直尺量取30厘米长的棉线绳,将其一端穿过杯底的小孔,另一端系在曲别针上。拉紧绳子,使曲别针紧贴在杯底外侧。     

Supporting Indigenous Studies Programs Through Sustainable Budget Allocation

ABSTRACT

This study assesses acquisitions budget allocation for sustainable support of Indigenous Studies (IS) and the challenge of addressing the needs of an emergent subject area. A survey of collections librarians provided context for library allocation practices of other Canadian institutions offering IS programs. An analysis of titles purchased before and after creating an IS subject fund was performed; results reveal that there was an increase in the number of IS titles purchased annually after the fund was created. A defined subject fund allowed flexibility beyond conventional library collections structures to address the unique needs of IS as an academic discipline.     

Exploring the Influence of Parasocial Relationships and Experiences on Radio Listeners’ Consumer Behaviors

The purpose of the present study was to explore the influence of radio listener experiences on radio listening behaviors, consumer perceptions and behaviors, and social media involvement. A national sample of listeners (N = 2,700) from a variety of small, medium, and large designated market areas (N = 9) throughout the United States revealed the presence of parasocial relationships (PSRs) and experiences of parasocial interaction (EPSI) with local and nationally syndicated radio personalities. Both PSRs and EPSI predicted radio listening, positive perceptions about, recall of, and purchasing of the brands, products, and services recommended by listeners’ favorite radio personalities. Results also show that PSRs and EPSI predicted listeners’ involvement with social media platforms.