Science Degree Research Articles

Comparing Satisfaction of Emergency Medical Services Personnel in Using Electronic Forms Instead of Paper Forms in 2020

Background: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) can play a vital role in decreasing morbidity and mortality. Due to the increasing development of electronic systems, their use can be effective in improving the quality of services and reducing costs. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of EMTs with electronic forms. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 99 EMTs in Rasht City, Iran. Data was collected via a questionnaire, including demographic characteristics (age, sex, work experience, type of employment, level of education, field of study, and retraining course) and 17 questions about the satisfaction of personnel in using electronic forms. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed by 7 emergency medicine specialists via a pilot study. The questionnaire had a Likert scale to respond with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. Data were analyzed using SPSS software v. 22. Results: The mean±SD age of participants was 36.08±0.73 years. Most of them had a bachelor’s degree (71.7%), contractual employment (40.4%), and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in nursing (46.5%) or emergency technician (42.4%). Their average work experience was 10.45±0.69 years. The level of satisfaction of most EMTs (65.7%) in using the electronic form was moderate, which statistically had a significant relationship with their employment status (P<05). Conclusion: According to the average satisfaction of EMTs in using electronic forms, it is necessary to increase the level of use and satisfaction of electronic forms by holding appropriate retraining programs on how to use and benefits of electronic forms.

Factors Affecting Computer Science Student's Academic Performance During Covid-19

Abstract : In this research, the factors that affect the computer science student's academic performance are investigated in the scenario of online learning induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is found that while staying at home, and getting tutored online, the academic achievement of the students of Computer Science gets affected by the following group of factors: Family characteristics (family causal factors), Student's academic characteristics, Social and personal characteristics, Psychological and Health Related Factors, Institutional characteristics, Teachers (academic causal factors), Perceptions about Online Learning, Perception about Computers. As opposed to the general usage of only the CGPA as a measure of the academic performance, this research introduces the online self-study time (OSST) as well, as a measure of the academic performance. A total of 170 students had responded to a questionnaire administered to them to assess the effects of the identified factors. The questionnaire was checked for reliability and validity as well, using construct reliability, indicator reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. The students were from various semesters of Bachelor of Computer Science degree program. The questionnaire data is subjected to the multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results have shown that there is relation that exists between the identified factors and the academic performance of the students that is reflected in their CGPA and the OSST. Keywords : COVID-19, Academic performance, Online learning, Online Self-study Time (OSST).

PROSPECTS OF CHANGES IN THE VECTOR OF HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT: RESULTS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

In the paper the changes in the development vector of higher education under the influence of negative factors of the external environment are analyzed. It was established, on the example of the activities of the Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University, that in recent years the number of students in regional higher education institutions has significantly decreased and there has been a problem of employment of scientific and pedagogical personnel who have scientific degrees, titles and publications, the leading place among which is publications in publications, that are indexed by the Scopus database. The problem is that recently there is no connection between such important participants of the educational process as the school-higher educational institutions-stakeholders. In today’s conditions of rapid development of information technologies, this connection should be very close, since there is strong competition not only among domestic higher education institutions, but also among foreign ones in the market of educational services. In such a competitive environment, not all higher education institutions have the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths. It is proposed to coordinate the activities of the participants of the educational process within the framework of the project “International educational and scientific park “school- higher educational institutions-stakeholders”. The hierarchy of the structure of works related to the creation of the international educational and scientific park “school-university-university-stakeholders” has been defined and a grid model of the distribution of the complex of works into separate parts and their fixation by performers has been built. The implementation of this project provides an opportunity to create a multi-functional and multi-format scientific environment, which will contribute to the solution of tasks related to the formation of an educational environment through the functioning of scientific and educational hubs and online courses; introduction of mobile applications into the scientific and educational process as part of asynchronous learning; creation of electronic sociological laboratories, in particular with the use of crown funding tools; wide implementation of dual education as a tool for increasing the rating of regional universities.

RIGHTS OF THE MECHANISMS OF THE STATE MANAGEMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOREIGN DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE

The article examines the legal mechanisms for the development of higher education in Ukraine. The management of the lighting sphere of Ukraine has been reviewed in terms of the legal aspect. Vіdnosin in the sphere of social development. The main legislative acts, which are observed in the field of higher education of Ukraine at the legislative and regional level, have been designated. The main legislative act is the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 53, which secures the right of the skin to the illumination. The act on the adoption of the pledge is the Law of Ukraine No. 1060-XII “On the Light” dated 23 January 1991, which establishes the forward and basic norms of legal regulation in the field of higher education. Chinna edition of the law was passed on December 18, 2019. Other relevant laws establish and supplement their regulatory provisions, for example, the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of the Light of Ukraine” dated 16.09.2022. No. 1556-VII. The main mutual tendencies of the current legal regulation of the system of higher education are characterized: the need to adopt a new Law “On the Protection of Light”, or to introduce substantive changes to the future; renewing the criteria for evaluating the validity of the Ukrainian primary foundations, which in turn meet the light standards of the quality of illumination; promoting the development of scientific talents, and itself assigning scientific degrees to doctors and candidates of sciences.

Проблемы разработки и развития онтологии науки: анализ классификаций

The existing classifications of science are distinguished by a variety of approaches. The next change in the nomencla-ture of scientific specialties, presented by the Higher Attestation Commission under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, and the unresolved problem of “simplifying the procedure for making changes and additions to it” determined the relevance of the topic covered in the article. The recommendations of the Higher Attestation Commission on the development of the nomenclature and passports of scientific specialties were consid-ered. The efforts of the Higher Attestation Commission to reduce scientific specialties, their generalization in order to reduce bureaucratic barriers in the qualification assessment of applicants for scientific degrees at the intersection of fields of knowledge were noted. The quantitative results of scientific achievements over the past decade in the form of dissertations submitted for defense in various fields of science are considered. The dominance of technical and medical sciences is expected, while a surge in achievements in economic and political sciences, which was observed especially in 2013-2018, can be noted. The scientific achievements of applicants in the physical and mathematical, philological and biological sciences tend to keep up with the leaders. An analysis of the nomenclature of scientific specialties is present-ed: names, passports, research areas. A frequency analysis of the terms used in the passports of scientific specialties was carried out. A quantitative assessment of the declared areas of research in scientific specialties and the words used in their description was carried out. A significant difference in approaches to the description of areas of research in sci-entific specialties and a significant quantitative difference were revealed. As an example, an analysis of the social and humanitarian field of science, which includes the largest number of branches of science, is given. The author believes that the development of the ontology of science will be the very "legal mechanism" for updating the nomenclature, which will allow the Higher Attestation Commission to achieve its goal.

Perception of the Bachelor of Applied Science degree at 4-year institutions: a look through the lens of university personnel

ABSTRACT Using Academic Plans in Sociocultural Context as a framework, this study examined university personnel’s perspectives of the Bachelor of Applied Science degrees. Through quantitative techniques, the findings from this study show university faculty and administrators associated with liberal arts education view Bachelor of Applied Science degrees differently than those associated with specialisation majors. It was also found that workforce demand was a strong predictor of university personnel’s support in the offering of a Bachelor of Applied Science. In addition, results suggest university personnel background characteristics, such as academic position and the type of courses taught, were associated with their support of the offering of a Bachelor of Applied Science. The findings of this study are informative to academic leaders, faculty, administrations, and policymakers who are interested in the development or revision of Bachelor of Applied science degrees at 4-year institutions.

What is the Preferred Educational Background of Forensic Scientists?

Forensic science is a broad and rapidly developing field where fundamental scientific principles and techniques are used to investigate crimes. As the field evolves, universities offering forensic science degrees are increasing in both number and diversity of curricula. Paramount to any discussion around forensic science education is an assessment of what educational degrees are preferred by those hiring both entry- and supervisory-level forensic scientists. Quantification of degree preference through surveys of hiring officials occurred in 1986 and 1996. Since then, the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission was established and has flourished, potentially enhancing the desirability of forensic science degrees. An updated survey was conducted to identify current educational background preferences within the field. The survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and members of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists in hiring or leadership roles, yielding 221 responses. Results indicated a continued preference for a degree combination of master's in forensic science and a bachelor's degree in physical or biological sciences for both entry- and supervisory-level candidates. Holding only a bachelor's in the physical or biological sciences was also preferred for entry-level candidates whereas the preference for supervisory-level candidates was strongly influenced by the respondents' terminal degree.

Kristin Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., a Recipient of the 2022 James E. Cottrell, M.D., Presidential Scholar Award

Kristin Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., a Recipient of the 2022 James E. Cottrell, M.D., Presidential Scholar Award

Analysis of Graduation Thesis for Master's Degree in English Translation

In 2007, in order to meet the development needs of socialist modernization, the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council and the Ministry of Education approved the establishment of Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) in China to cultivate advanced translators with professional interpretation and translation capabilities. Today, more than 200 colleges and universities have set up this major, which has cultivated a large number of translation talents for the society. This paper takes the recent five years of Guangxi University of Science and Technology's English translation master's degree thesis as the research object, and conducts analysis from the aspects of topic selection, theory, and case analysis. The research found that these papers have problems such as too simple topic selection, insufficient Chinese-English translation, insufficient integration of theory and practice, and insufficient case analysis. In order to solve the above-mentioned series of problems, corresponding measures can be taken from the three aspects of tutors, schools and students to improve the writing quality of students' dissertations.

THE PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUTONOMY OF UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITIES IN 1884–1917

It was established that the statute of 1884 transformed universities from free institutions into “semi-free” ones. After the adoption of the reactionary statute, the teacher’s authority drops sharply, young people no longer perceive them as their mentors, do not trust their word, and rarely attend classes.The organizational autonomy of Kharkiv University is characterized: the competence of the council is narrowed; the main management function in the university was carried out by the board; the inspection is vested with judicial and administrativepower over students; the election of higher officials of the educational institution was abolished and restored only in 1905; the rector had no right to resolve issues related to university life without prior agreement with the trustee; the teachers were chosen by the ministry, while the scientific achievements of the candidate for the position were often taken into account, and his obedience to the authorities.The academic autonomy of Kharkiv University is analyzed: teachers had no influence on the management of the university in accordance with the new charter; there was a need to restore the former authority of professors at the expense of a wider organization of practical classes, the establishment of scientific and literary circles, and the arrangement of student dormitories.In connection with this, the professors had to work in a difficult atmosphere, which did not contribute to the rise of theirspirit and energy, but even under such conditions, the teachers tried to conscientiously fulfill their duty and be scientifically productive. It became possible to obtain a scientific degree without defending a dissertation (Honoris causa).The organizational autonomy of Kyiv University is highlighted: in the process of selecting candidates for the positions of rectors, deans, and professors, the ministry was guided by the so-called “benevolence” of applicants, which is why many progressive scientists ended up outside higher educational institutions. “Temporary Rules on the Management of Higher Educational Institutions of the Ministry of National Education” (1905), the draft of the new charter returned a certain independence to universities: the university council had the right to elect the rector, adjuncts, professors, faculty meetings – deans and secretaries; the management of the inspection passed to the powers of the rector, the duties of the inspector were performed by the vice-rector, who was appointed from among the professors.The academic autonomy of Kyiv University is represented: the educational process was controlled by the trustee and the Minister of Education; the schedule of classes had to be approved by the ministry; the educational activity of the professorial board was subject to careful inspection. The Ministry, noting the negative impact of the statute on the development of science and the educational process, was forced to turn to educators with a request to express proposals for improving the requirements that universities should be guided by in their activities. As a result, a number of notes-answers of professors, in particular of Kyiv University, were published, in the content of which the strengthening of the autonomy of higher educational institutions is justified in order to improve the quality of the educational process.

‘Biology is easy, physics is hard’: Student perceptions of the ideal and the typical student across STEM higher education

ABSTRACT This paper draws upon in-depth interviews with 89 students from two UK universities to explore how students from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees describe the ideal as well as the typical student in their respective disciplines. We provide a comparative insight into the similarities and differences between disciplinary identities based on student perceptions. More specifically, we consider how undergraduates from biology, engineering, mathematics and physics construct the ideal and the typical student in their degree, highlighting the popular discourses and desirable traits that appear to characterise students in these disciplines. In addition to a masculinised construction of students in engineering, mathematics and physics, we found a social hierarchy within STEM degrees where biology was perceived as the easier STEM subject. We conclude with a discussion of the impact of such hierarchies on student identities in STEM, and potential implications for equality, diversity and inclusion.

An opportunity for remote professional networking to support undergraduate career goals.

Engagement in research as an undergraduate and the availability of mentorship from peers and professionals are effective strategies for improving retention of students in STEM fields. Undergraduates in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder enroll in one of two large introductory course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) as a requirement of the degree. However, more diverse efforts toward formally supporting students seeking to refine their career goals is needed. We designed a networking-based workshop series aimed at providing access to the current and former students who have been recently successful in achieving relevant educational and career goals. This 5-week series focused on (1) how to convert a resume to a curriculum vitae, (2) careers that are accessible with a bachelor's degree in the life sciences, (3) types of research opportunities as an undergraduate and as a post-graduate, (4) the application process and strategies for successful candidacy in medical school applications, and (5) PhD programs and approaches to producing a competitive application. The workshop connected 52 undergraduates with mentors; the majority of participants requested contact information for continued mentoring. Here, we describe the structure of this remote workshop series and highlight results that emphasized the need for such support that may extend beyond pandemic times.

Effects of a Personalised Physical Exercise Program on University Workers Overall Well-Being: "UAL-Activa" Program.

Background and objectives: Regular individualised physical exercise (PE) is a habit that not only has consequences for overall health (physical, emotional, social and mental) but can also have positive effects on organisations and institutions, as it helps workers to improve their personal balance and recover from the effort of their working day, showing higher levels of energy, commitment and productivity. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between the practice of PE and well-being in personal life and at work, as well as job satisfaction, overall health and the assessment of the personal training service provided by final-year students studying for a degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. Methods: This study used a qualitative research methodology. There were 25 employees of the University of Almeria (UAL) (M = 52.16 ± 9.55 years), divided into two focus groups and participating in the physical exercise program “UAL Activa”. Results: The following three main themes, based on the results, emerged: (a) social well-being during PE practice, (b) assessment of the personal training service and (c) physical exercise as an emotional benefit at work. Conclusion. The workers’ interventions have shown that participating in a personalised PE program led by a personal trainer can improve overall health and mood, with a very positive influence on the working environment.

ACADEMIC ETHICS COMMITTEE — FUNCTIONING, LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND ETHICS

In Bulgaria, a legal commission on academic ethics has been operating since recently; it is a subsidiary body to the Minister of Education and Science. The regulations of this special body are structured through the Law of Academic Staff Development of the Republic of Bulgaria. Its functions are related to the implementation of certain control of the procedures for obtaining of the educational and scientific Doctor degree and the scientific Doctor of Science degree, as well as for academic positions in Bulgarian universities. In the past, the most frequently considered cases have been related to incrimination in plagiarism and filing a special report to the Minister of Education and Science.. A priori, the question arises as to how to structure this Academic Ethics Committee, which is determined by order of the Minister of Education and Science. In the practice of forming the membership of such committee, the selection criteria, which must be high enough to be able to guarantee a certain impartiality, are not clear. These are not defined either in the Law for academic staff development of the Republic of Bulgaria and the regulations for its application or in other public normative document. Determining the membership of this kind of national specialized body is of particular importance both for its functioning as well as the competences of its members. Those are currently in active employment relationships with certain universities or research organizations, which predetermines their direct dependence on their managers, who are at the same time their employers. Last but not least, it is worth mentioning the direct connection between the Minister of Education and Science and the heads of higher education institutions in Bulgaria, who have contractual relations of special type of management contracts. These direct and indirect relations create preconditions for dependence of this specialized body - the Academic Ethics Committee. This study attempts to provide a legal and ethical response to the actions of the Academic Ethics Committee at the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science.

Innovation: It's in Our DNA.

Colleen M. Kigin, PT, DPT, MS, MPA, FAPTA, the 52nd Mary McMillan Lecturer, is a consultant focused on innovation. She is a visiting clinical professor at the University of Colorado physical therapy program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, and an adjunct associate professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP). From 1998-2014, she held the positions of chief of staff and program manager for the Center of Integration of Medicine and Innovative Technology, a 12-institution consortium based in Boston, Massachusetts, developing innovative solutions to health care problems. She subsequently has served as a consultant to such efforts as the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, United Kingdom, to develop an innovation culture. In 1994, she joined the newly formed Partners HealthCare System in Boston, coordinating the system's cost reduction efforts through 1998. Kigin previously served as director of physical therapy services at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) (1977-1984) and as assistant professor at MGH IHP (1980-1994). While at MGH, she was responsible for the merger of 2 separate physical therapy departments, the establishment of the first nonphysician specialist position, and practice without referral for the physical therapy services. Kigin has held numerous positions within the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), serving on the Board of Directors from 1988-1997, including as vice president; co-chair of The Physical Therapy Summit in 2007; and co-chair of FiRST, the Frontiers in Rehabilitation, Science and Technology Council. She also served as prior chair of the APTA Committee on Clinical Residencies and served on the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Kigin earned a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy at the University of Colorado, a master of science degree at Boston University, a master's degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a doctor in physical therapy degree from the MGH IHP.

ATTESTATION OF ACADEMIC STAFF - OPPORTUNITY OR BARRIER IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The criteria for attesting the academic staff are part of the respective regulations of the autonomous higher education institutions. They shall lay down the entire procedure for carrying out this process. With the introduction of the new Law on the Development of Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria and the Regulation for its implementation, criteria for registration in a national portal with certain criteria were introduced. With these actions the Bulgarian Ministry of Education wants to unify the minimum requirements for holding academic positions and obtaining scientific degrees. At the next stage, the policy in this respect involves greater funding of the scientific work relevant to the attestation of academic staff. This study aims to establish the prerequisites for changing the attestation system, the possibilities for its linking with the financing of scientific research activities, as well as the perspectives for career growth

A qualitative study exploring how students’ conceptualisations of lifelong learning develop in an undergraduate medical training programme

ABSTRACT There is currently a paucity of evidence regarding how medical undergraduate training influences students’ attitudes and skills for lifelong learning (LL). This study describes medical graduates’ conceptualisations of LL at the University of Dundee and proposes a provisional theory regarding related curriculum influences. Using a methodology informed by scientific realism, semi-structured interviews were employed to explore six graduating medical students’ conceptualisations of and preparedness for LL. Findings were thematically analysed and aligned with existing educational theories. Graduates characterised LL as a continual process which emphases reflection, responsibility for learning, and maintaining motivation. Their conceptualisations did not translate readily beyond professional medical practice. The strongest curriculum influences were experiences in the authentic clinical environment, use of learning portfolios, and the intercalation of a medical science degree. In the absence of formal teaching, medical students’ conceptualisations of LL develop in accordance with both the implicit prevailing professional narrative and from curriculum interventions which: increase their sense of relatedness with their community of practice; provide autonomy in learning; and engender a sense of responsibility to learn. This provisional theory could be valuable in guiding the teaching and assessment of LL in-line with contemporary graduate outcome frameworks.

Notes for Notes

Notes for Notes Misti Shaw, Melissa A. Weber, Maristella Feustle, Kristina Krämer, Jane Gottlieb, and Jonathan Sauceda During the 2022 Music Library Association virtual annual meeting, the following awards were given: The Diversity Scholarship offers candidates from under-represented groups the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science with financial support. The goal of the scholarship is to recruit students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups into music librarianship by providing support for master’s-level LIS education. The first is Michelle Rivera. The second is Jade Vaughan. The Kevin Freeman Travel Grant supports travel and hotel expenses to attend the Music Library Association's annual meeting along with gratis registration. This year’s recipients will be permitted to apply their travel grants to the next in-person conference. The four recipients are as follows: Margaret Cuddihy, George (Geo) Flores, Jackson Harmeyer, and Mia Watts. This year we are gratified to be offering a brand new award, for Paraprofessionals and Public Librarians. As with the Freeman award, our five recipients will use their travel grants for the next in-person conference, and we heartily welcome them now. Our five recipients are: Rita Alfaro, Abigail Bass, Jennifer Eltringham, Kathryn Kuntz, and Amanda Steadman. The Walter Gerboth Award and the Carol June Bradley Award were combined into one award committee last year, while maintaining two separate awards to support research. No Gerboth award was chosen this year. We do have two Bradley award recipients for research in the history of music library collections and they are: Carolyn Doi for her project, “Sounds of Home,” documenting local music collections across Canada. Patricia Sasser for her project, “Documenting Music among Russian Jewish Kharbinsty, 1910–1929,” with research at the New York Public Library. The Dena Epstein Award supports research in archives or libraries internationally on any aspect of American music. This year’s recipients include Michael Cooper, for his book-length biography project about [End Page 50] Margaret Allison Bonds (for the Master Musicians series of Oxford University Press), Michael Kramer, for his book project, “This Machine Kills Fascists: What the Folk Music Revival Can Teach Us About the Digital Age,” David Rugger, for his book project, “Simple Man: Klaus Nomi’s Life and Art,” and Emmalouise St. Amand, for her dissertation on semi-professional and amateur Black girl groups in New York City between 1950 and 1965. The Vincent H. Duckles Award is the Music Library Association’s annual prize for the best book-length bibliography or reference work in music. This year’s recipient is Alexander Sanchez-Behar, for John Adams: A Research and Information Guide (Routledge, 2020). The Richard S. Hill Award is an annual award for the best article on music librarianship or article of a music-bibliographic nature. This year’s Hill Award goes to Elizabeth Berndt-Morris and Sandi-Jo Malmon for their article, “Surveying Composers: Methods of Distribution, Discoverability and Accessibility of their Works and the Corresponding Impact on Library Collections,” which appeared in Fontes Artis Musicae. The Eva Judd O’Meara Award honors the best review published in Notes. This year’s recipient is K. Dawn Grapes for her review of The Norton Guide to Teaching Music History. The MLA Citation, the Association’s tribute for lifetime achievement, is awarded in recognition of distinguished service to music librarian-ship over a career. It is the highest honor we bestow. This year, we have one recipient of the MLA Citation. As a true champion of the music of African Americans and of paraprofessionals in music libraries, she has positively contributed to the work of MLA’s members and their patrons. Her decades-long, groundbreaking work has produced a multifaceted body of research and performances of African-American vocal music. Her websites, including “Afrocentric Voices in ‘Classical’ Music,” “The Spirituals Database,” and “Afrocentric Sounds Radio,” document the work of Black musicians and increase access to oft-neglected bodies of literature. Her published articles, presentations at many national and regional conferences, and her first book, “So You Want to Sing Spirituals,” demonstrate the breadth of her authority, as do recognitions of her expertise, such as grants and requests for interviews. She is...

Modelling and visualization for the analysis and comprehension of the acoustic performance of buildings through the implementation of a building information modelling-based methodology.

Technical and technological advances have revolutionised the architecture, engineering, and construction industries in recent decades. Building information modelling (BIM) methodology has become essential in the process of information management and the development of building projects. This study aims to analyse the potential advantages of the implementation of BIM-based models for the acquisition of theoretical and procedural knowledge about building acoustics. This procedure was implemented as part of a problem-solving exercise in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) university degrees. For this purpose, three-dimensional (3D) BIM models were generated to assess the contribution of their implementation in the process of visualization, comprehension, and analysis of the acoustic behaviour of buildings. The participants' experiences and satisfaction with the BIM models were measured through a questionnaire. The results showed a high level of satisfaction among the participants and good potential for the application of 3D models based on BIM methodology for the acquisition of knowledge and practical skills in building acoustics. These results highlight the potential of BIM models to provide information for understanding the procedure followed during data collection in the experimental analysis and to facilitate the understanding of system behavior.

Yu & Me Books | Manhattan

Yu & Me Books | Manhattan Olivia McCourry (bio) Click for larger view View full resolution LUCY YU, OWNER OF YU & ME BOOKS. PHOTO CREDIT: OLIVIA MCCOURRY. WALKING THROUGH THE streets during winter in New York City can be beautiful but also a challenge. You’re either trudging through snow or the temperature can be below freezing for multiple days. For anyone living or visiting the city, it’s vital that you find a cozy haven to which to escape. When I first visited Yu & Me Books, it was the beginning of December, and this bookstore became that escape. Located in Chinatown in lower Manhattan, it is one of a few bookstores within the area but is the first Asian American woman-owned bookstore in the city. The walk from the Canal Street station was cold, and you could still see the remnants of snow that fell just a few days before. The buildings tower over you, looking gray and brown in the cold air, but once I got closer to Chinatown, a red banner stood out amidst the concrete. The bookstore sits between local businesses and dim sum restaurants and faces Columbus Park, where residents of the neighborhood bring their kids, play board games, and relax. Once I reached the entrance, I pulled on the door yet it wouldn’t budge. I pulled again, thinking the bookstore was closed and I would have to walk back in the cold. With one more pull it finally opened with the help from someone inside. “It’s kind of heavy,” they said as I walked in. The person who helped me was just a visitor, who sat back down at a board game table at the front of the store with three friends. The bookstore is one large room with almost every wall covered in books. On one side of the square there is a counter where the owner, Lucy Yu, sits accented by lamps and fairy lights. One wall also has artwork, including an “Employee of the Month” picture of her basset hound named Odie. In the back there is a small sit-down room with a table and two chairs where two friends were chatting over coffee during my visit. There are also multiple chairs around the small room for those looking for a spot to read. Yu & Me is a new addition to the neighborhood, with its doors opening for the first time late last year, but it’s always been a dream for Yu, who grew up going to bookstores in Los Angeles, she told me. The bookstore provides a homey getaway from the cold and loud sounds of the city. The hustle and bustle of the colorful Chinatown streets disappears once you begin looking through the shelves of books. The offerings include literary fiction, fantasy, YA, nonfiction, and more with an emphasis on Asian cultural representation and immigrant stories. I ended up picking up a copy of Poet Warrior, by Joy Harjo. One visit to the Yu & Me Books, and you can tell Yu loves books and providing them for people. Even though it might seem like a small little enclave in the middle of a sprawling city, the atmosphere and cultural recognition give the sense that this little bookstore is somehow timeless. As I pulled myself away from the bookshelves and walked up to the counter, I could tell this place was different from the many other independent bookstores that try to make it in New York City. [End Page 80] Olivia McCourry Olivia McCourry is a journalist from Norman, Oklahoma. She has interned for both World Literature Today and Oklahoma Today and recently graduated with a master of science degree from Columbia University. Copyright © 2022 World Literature Today