Architectural design principles for extra-terrestrial habitats

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Myanmar Libraries after the `Opening Up`

This article assesses the recent development of libraries in Myanmar and efforts to build the sector`s capacity leading up to and after the first democratic elections held in the country in nearly 50 years, at the end of 2015. Cyclone Nargis in 2008 is viewed as a `framing event` (Birkland, 1998) that led to national legal and policy reforms, an increase in national and international projects to support development of Myanmar libraries, and the strengthening of local actors including the Myanmar Library Association to coordinate and lead development activities. Although in need of modernisation, networking, and professional skills, the existence of a widespread number of all library types across the country provides an important foundation for further development. The current status and readiness of libraries is explored in the broader context of the rapid leap from limited to more widely available access to information and technology. The article finds that there is great potential for libraries in Myanmar to support the continued transition to democracy as evidenced by the role of libraries and access to information in other countries that have transitioned. Remaining challenges include the potential of backsliding on national reforms, and the need for significant investments in infrastructure and skills. Libraries must be transformed to meet the changing needs of information users in a young democracy

IFLA, sustainability and impact assessment

As an international organisation dedicated to improving access to information through libraries, IFLA has a number of core activities in place to achieve this goal. The Action for Development through Libraries Programme (ALP), and the Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) Committee are two such activities that have in recent years benefited from substantial funding from the Swedish International Development and Co-operation Agency (Sida). Through Sida’s funding IFLA has been able to undertake training and education activities for librarians in all areas of librarianship – from cataloguing to internet access in libraries. Sida’s funding for IFLA ended in December 2009. What do libraries and library organisations do when the money for activities runs out? How do they best persuade funders, potential funders and other stakeholders that the activities they carry out offer value for money, and have an impact beyond the numbers of people trained? How can libraries show exactly how important they are to their users and wider society? This paper talks briefly about IFLA’s experiences with funders’ evaluation requirements and the difficulties of finding an evaluation methodology that is appropriate for the type of international activities IFLA engages in. It discusses the need for success stories and best practice in IFLA’s advocacy work, and suggests that impact assessment offers a way to show the real value of library work to key partners and stakeholders

Myanmar Libraries after the `Opening Up`

This article assesses the recent development of libraries in Myanmar and efforts to build the sector`s capacity leading up to and after the first democratic elections held in the country in nearly 50 years, at the end of 2015. Cyclone Nargis in 2008 is viewed as a `framing event` (Birkland, 1998) that led to national legal and policy reforms, an increase in national and international projects to support development of Myanmar libraries, and the strengthening of local actors including the Myanmar Library Association to coordinate and lead development activities. Although in need of modernisation, networking, and professional skills, the existence of a widespread number of all library types across the country provides an important foundation for further development. The current status and readiness of libraries is explored in the broader context of the rapid leap from limited to more widely available access to information and technology. The article finds that there is great potential for libraries in Myanmar to support the continued transition to democracy as evidenced by the role of libraries and access to information in other countries that have transitioned. Remaining challenges include the potential of backsliding on national reforms, and the need for significant investments in infrastructure and skills. Libraries must be transformed to meet the changing needs of information users in a young democracy

Professional Organisations

Library and information organisations play an essential role in the development of libraries and information services on behalf of users, and the standing of the profession locally and internationally. Professional organisations set standards, develop guidelines, and advocate for the value of library and information services to decisionmakers. A strong membership is necessary for organisations to have a strong voice

Ultrasonic, molecular and mechanical testing diagnostics in natural fibre reinforced, polymer-stabilised earth blocks

The aim of this research study was to evaluate the influence of utilising natural polymers as a form of soil stabilization, in order to assess their potential for use in building applications. Mixtures were stabilized with a natural polymer (alginate) and reinforced with wool fibres in order to improve the overall compressive and flexural strength of a series of composite materials. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and mechanical strength testing techniques were then used to measure the porous properties of the manufactured natural polymer-soil composites, which were formed into earth blocks. Mechanical tests were carried out for three different clays which showed that the polymer increased the mechanical resistance of the samples to varying degrees, depending on the plasticity index of each soil. Variation in soil grain size distributions and Atterberg limits were assessed and chemical compositions were studied and compared. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) techniques were all used in conjunction with qualitative identification of the aggregates. Ultrasonic wave propagation was found to be a useful technique for assisting in the determination of soil shrinkage characteristics and fibre-soil adherence capacity and UPV results correlated well with the measured mechanical properties

A combination of SEM and EDX studies on a clay-based natural composite with animal fibre and its mechanical implications

A variety of natural fibres are nowadays being utilized as soil reinforcement. Test results demonstrate the positive effects of adding natural fibres to soils, in that they decrease shrinkage, reduce curing time and enhance compressive, flexural and shear strength if an optimum reinforcement ratio can be utilised. This paper describes a study which uses a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and an Energy Diffraction Analysis of X-rays (EDX) technique on clay-based composites stabilized with natural polymer and fibres. Different dosages of fibres and several types of soils have been used in this study with the aim of determining advantageous properties for building material applications. SEM and EDX test results reveal the degree of bonding between the particles of soil and the natural fibers. This has enabled a better understanding of the micro-morphology of the natural fibers and their effect on the overall composite material structure. Microscopic analysis was combined with mechanical tests to establish the different strength characteristics of every soil

Ultrasonic, molecular and mechanical testing diagnostics in natural fibre reinforced, polymer-stabilised earth blocks

The aim of this research study was to evaluate the influence of utilising natural polymers as a form of soil stabilization, in order to assess their potential for use in building applications. Mixtures were stabilized with a natural polymer (alginate) and reinforced with wool fibres in order to improve the overall compressive and flexural strength of a series of composite materials. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and mechanical strength testing techniques were then used to measure the porous properties of the manufactured natural polymer-soil composites, which were formed into earth blocks. Mechanical tests were carried out for three different clays which showed that the polymer increased the mechanical resistance of the samples to varying degrees, depending on the plasticity index of each soil. Variation in soil grain size distributions and Atterberg limits were assessed and chemical compositions were studied and compared. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) techniques were all used in conjunction with qualitative identification of the aggregates. Ultrasonic wave propagation was found to be a useful technique for assisting in the determination of soil shrinkage characteristics and fibre-soil adherence capacity and UPV results correlated well with the measured mechanical properties

Analysing trade-offs and synergies between SDGs for urban development, food security and poverty alleviation in rapidly changing peri-urban areas: a tool to support inclusive urban planning

Transitional peri-urban contexts are frontiers for sustainable development where land-use change involves negotiation and contestation between diverse interest groups. Multiple, complex trade-offs between outcomes emerge which have both negative and positive impacts on progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These trade-offs are often overlooked in policy and planning processes which depend on top-down expert perspectives and rely on course grain aggregate data which does not reflect complex peri-urban dynamics or the rapid pace of change. Tools are required to address this gap, integrate data from diverse perspectives and inform more inclusive planning processes. In this paper, we draw on a reinterpretation of empirical data concerned with land-use change and multiple dimensions of food security from the city of Wuhan in China to illustrate some of the complex trade-offs between SDG goals that tend to be overlooked with current planning approaches. We then describe the development of an interactive web-based tool that implements deep learning methods for fine-grained land-use classification of high-resolution remote sensing imagery and integrates this with a flexible method for rapid trade-off analysis of land-use change scenarios. The development and potential use of the tool are illustrated using data from the Wuhan case study example. This tool has the potential to support participatory planning processes by providing a platform for multiple stakeholders to explore the implications of planning decisions and land-use policies. Used alongside other planning, engagement and ecosystem service mapping tools it can help to reveal invisible trade-offs and foreground the perspectives of diverse stakeholders. This is vital for building approaches which recognise how trade-offs between the achievement of SDGs can be influenced by development interventions

“A World with universal literacy”: The role of libraries and access to information in the UN 2030 Agenda

In September 2015, after more than three years of negotiations and intense involvement from many stakeholders, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the Member States of the United Nations adopted the post-2015 Development Agenda to succeed the Millennium Development Goals, Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This paper outlines and reflects on the key steps in IFLA’s campaign and the importance of coalitions and national advocacy to realize the inclusion of access to information, universal literacy, public access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and cultural heritage in the UN 2030 Agenda