bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A semantic account of mirative evidentials
Authors: Rett Jessica , Murray Sarah
Published: June 2015

Many if not all evidential languages have a mirative evidential: an indirect evidential that can, in some contexts, mark mirativity (the expression of speaker surprise) instead of indirect evidence. We address several questions posed by this systematic polysemy: What is the affinity between indirect evidence and speaker surprise? What conditions the two interpretations? And how do mirative evidentials relate to other mirative markers? We propose a unified analysis of mirative evidentials where indirect evidentiality and mirativity involve a common epistemic component. A mirative interpretation requires a close temporal proximity between the speech event and the event of the speaker's learning the at-issue content.
Coreference and Contextually Restricted Quantification
Authors: Groenendijk Jeroen , Stokhof Martin , Veltman Frank
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Semantic and Pragmatic Context-Dependence: The Case of Reciprocals
Authors: Kim Yookyung , Peters Stanley
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Towards a Compositional Semantics for Locative Modifiers
Authors: Maienborn Claudia
Published: June 2015

Within linguistic theory, very little effort has been devoted so far to a comprehen­sive theory of the syntax and semantics of modifiers. It is predominantly assumed that modifiers make a constant semantic contribution to the meaning of the constituent that is modified, irrespective of any conceivable syntactic differentiations. This account cannot cope with a multitude of empirical data and should therefore be replaced by a theory of modification that pays more attention to the exact nature of a given syntactic configuration and its impact on semantic composition. The approach advocated here is illustrated with locative modifiers of verb phrases. It will be shown that these expressions have a large range of meaning variability. Using German data, it is argued that differences in meaning can be correlated with diffe­rences in syntactic structure. On this basis, a compositional semantics for locative modifiers is proposed.
Front matter
Authors: Galloway Teresa , Spence Justin
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 6th Semantics and Linguistic Theory Conference, held April 26-28, 1996 at Rutgers University, edited by Teresa Galloway and Justin Spence.
Long Distance Selective Binding: The Case of Focus
Authors: Wold Dag E.
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
The Size of Events
Authors: Bayer Samuel
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Towards a Dynamic Semantics Account of Weak Islands
Authors: Honcoop Martin
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
What Does the Strongest Meaning Hypothesis Mean?
Authors: Winter Yoad
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Discourse Parallelism, Scope, and Ellipsis
Authors: Asher Nicholas , Hardt Daniel , Busquets Joan
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Dynamic Action Semantics and Deontic Operators
Authors: Gutiérrez-Rexach Javier
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
On Context Dependence In Modal Constructions
Authors: Frank Anette , Kamp Hans
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates a new representation format for dynamic discourse in DRT, where contextual dynamics is modeled in terms of update conditions. This new representation format is motivated by the study of context depen­dence in modal constructions, in particular by serious problems besetting ear­lier approaches to modality and modal subordination in DRT. We present an alternative DRT analysis that provides a unified analysis of relative modality and modal subordination, and which accounts for a wider range of data as regards modal subordination relative to negation and graded modal contexts.
Partitives, Reference to Kinds and Semantic Variation
Authors: Chierchia Gennaro
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
The Definiteness Effect in Attributive Comparatives
Authors: Beil Franz
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Types of Predicates and the Representation of Existential Readings
Authors: Dobrovie-Sorin Carmen
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Atom Predicates and Set Predicates: Towards a General Theory of Plural Quantification
Authors: Winter Yoad
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Events and Modification in Nominals
Authors: Larson Richard K.
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Micro-Events in Two Serial Verb Constructions
Authors: Pi Chia-Yi Tony , Stewart Osamuyimen T.
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
More Structural Analogies Between Pronouns and Tenses
Authors: Kratzer Angelika
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Tense, Aspect, and Argument Structure
Authors: Ogihara Toshiyuki
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
A Somewhat More Definite Article
Authors: Percus Orin
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Embedded Present Tense and Attitude Reports
Authors: Gennari Silvia
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Focus, Parallelism and Accommodation
Authors: Fox Danny
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Front matter
Authors: Matthews Tanya , Strolovitch Devon
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 9th Semantics and Linguistic Theory Conference, held February 19-21, 1999, at the University of California, Santa Cruz, edited by Tanya Matthews and Devon Strolovitch.
Indefinites between Predication and Reference
Authors: De Swart Henriëtte
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Reconciling Dependent Plurals with "Each Other"
Authors: Dimitriadis Alexis
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
The Logic of Interrogation: Classical Version
Authors: Groenendijk Jeroen
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Conservative Generalized Quantifiers and Presupposition
Authors: Fernando Tim
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Function Domains in Variable-Free Semantics
Authors: Dimitriadis Alexis
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Introducing Continuations
Authors: Barker Chris
Published: June 2015

This working paper introduces CONTINUATIONS (a concept borrowed from computer science) as a new technique for characterizing certain aspects of the semantics of a natural language. I should emphasize at the outset that this is just an introduction, and that more a rigorous and thorough treatment is under development (see Barker (ms)). In the meantime, this paper mentions certain formal results without proving them, and describes certain new empirical generalizations without exploring them. What it will do is provide an explicit account of a range of familiar phenomena relat­ed to quantification, including quantifier scope ambiguity, NP as a scope island, and generalized coordination. What makes the account noteworthy is that it provides a fully and strictly compositional analysis of quantification and generalized coordina­tion that does not rely on syntactic movement operations such as Quantifier Move­ment, auxiliary storage mechanisms such as Cooper Storage, or type ambiguity as in Hendriks' Flexible Types system.
Probabilities of Conditionals
Authors: Kaufmann Stefan
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Result Clauses
Authors: Meier Cécile
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
The Semantics of Case in Russian Secondary Predication
Authors: Filip Hana
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
The Semantics of the Plural Pronoun Construction
Authors: Vassilieva Masha , Larson Richard K.
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
A Cross-Linguistic Perspective on the Expression of Manner
Authors: Arregui Ana , Matthewson Lisa
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Determiners and (Un)certainty
Authors: Jayez Jacques , Tovena Lucia M.
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Direct Compositionality and Variable-Free Semantics: The Case of Binding into Heads
Authors: Jacobson Pauline
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Verum Focus in Negative Yes / No Questions and Ladd's p / ¬p Ambiguity
Authors: Romero Maribel , Han Chung-hye
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Superlative 'More'
Authors: Stateva Penka
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
A Lexical Account of Implicit (Bound) Contextual Dependence
Authors: Breheny Richard
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
A New Semantics for Number
Authors: Sauerland Uli
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
A Uniform Analysis of 'Before' and 'After'
Authors: Beaver David , Condoravdi Cleo
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Binding Alongside Hamblin Alternatives Calls for Variable-free Semantics
Authors: Shan Chung-chieh
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Domain Restriction and the Arguments of Quantificational Determiners
Authors: Giannakidou Anastasia
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Free Indirect Discourse and 'De Re' Pronouns
Authors: Sharvit Yael
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
The Telicity Parameter Revisited
Authors: Filip Hana
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Inertia in Temporal Modification
Authors: Fernando Tim
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Japanese Honorifics as Emotive Definite Descriptions
Authors: Potts Christopher , Kawahara Shigeto
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
A Logic of Interrogation Should Be Internalized in a Modal Logic for Knowledge
Authors: Nelken Rani , Shan Chung-chieh
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Functional Parasitic Gaps
Authors: Russell Benjamin
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Quantifiers, "Again" and the Complexity of Verb Phrases
Authors: Bale Alan
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Size Adjectives and Adnominal Degree Modification
Authors: Morzycki Marcin
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Why Do Modified Numerals Resist a Referential Interpretation?
Authors: Umbach Carla
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
You Do What You Gotta Do, Or Why "must" Implies "will"
Authors: Werner Tom
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Lexical Decomposition and Comparative Structures for Japanese Determiners
Authors: Tanaka Takuro
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
On Concealed Questions
Authors: Romero Maribel
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Attitudes without Monsters: A Japanese Perspective
Authors: Ogihara Toshiyuki
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Closure and Telicity across Categories
Authors: Winter Yoad
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Modalized Questions and Exhaustivity
Authors: Spector Benjamin
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
More Facts that Isomorphism Cannot Explain
Authors: Moscati Vincenzo , Gualmini Andrea
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Weak Exhaustivity and 'Whether': A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Guerzoni Elena
Published: June 2015

No abstract.
Another argument for embedded scalar implicatures based on oddness in downward entailing contexts
Authors: Magri Giorgio
Published: June 2015

In Magri (2009), I argue that a sentence such as 'Some Italians come from a warm country' sounds odd because it triggers the scalar implicature that not all Italians come from a warm country, which mismatches with the common knowledge that all Italians come from the same country. If this proposal is on the right track, then oddness can be used as a diagnostic for scalar implicatures. In this paper, I use this diagnostic to provide one more argument that scalar implicatures are computed not only at the matrix level but also in embedded position. The argument is based on a puzzling pattern of oddness in downward entailing contexts.
Crossing the appositive / at-issue meaning boundary
Authors: AnderBois Scott , Brasoveanu Adrian , Henderson Robert
Published: June 2015

Our goal is to provide systematic evidence from anaphora, presupposition and ellipsis that appositive meaning and at-issue meaning, e.g. as contributed by the relative appositive and the main clause in John, who nearly killed a woman with his car, visited HER in the hospital, have to be integrated into a single, incrementally evolving semantic representation. While previous literature has provided partial arguments to this effect (Nouwen 2007 for anaphora, Amaral et al 2007 and Potts 2009 for both anaphora and presupposition), the systematic nature of this evidence – in particular, the evidence from ellipsis we will introduce – has been previously unnoticed. We propose an analysis of these phenomena that integrates the dynamic account of anaphora and ellipsis as discourse reference to individuals and properties (respectively) with an account of at-issue meaning as a proposed update of the input Context Set (CS) that is to be negotiated and of appositive meaning as an actual / imposed update of the CS that is not up for negotiation.
On the negativity of negation
Authors: Potts Christopher
Published: June 2015

Natural language negation is persistently negative in the pragmatic sense, and emphatic and attenuating negative polarity items modulate this effect in systematic ways. I use large corpora of informal texts with meta-data approximating features of the context to characterize this pragmatic negativity, and I attempt to explain it in terms of the ways in which negative sentences engage the questions under discussion. The discussion highlights some of the ways in which quantitative corpus methods can be used to achieve novel results in linguistic pragmatics.
USING SPACE SYNTAX METHOD AND GIS-BASED ANALYSIS FOR THE SPATIAL ALLOCATION OF ROADSIDE REST AREAS
Authors: Zaleckis Kęstutis , Kamičaitytė-Virbašienė Jūratė , Matijošaitienė Irina
Published: June 2015

A well-grounded system of Roadside Rest Areas (RRA) for transit travellers and local inhabitants in Latvia and Lithuania is absent. To select places for the location of RRA on Latvian–Lithuanian cross-border roads space syntax method and GIS-based analysis was used. The aim of this article is to present the developed methodology, results of the performed research and to lead discussion for the further development and applicability of the methodology. The application of space syntax method to nine transit roads in Latvian–Lithuanian border zone reveals that considering both local and regional contexts three roads or their parts could be recommended for the location of RRA. For the more precise location of RRA GIS-based method was developed. This method includes the GIS capabilities of information collection, spatial analysis and multi-criteria (eight criteria were selected) evaluation. The main proposed methodical stages are: creation of the thematic GIS database; formulation of RRA sites selection criteria, division of the analysed road into intervals, and assignment of attribute data according to the criteria to the road intervals; generation of buffer zones for the analysed road and evaluation of them according the selected criteria; assignment of values provided to the buffer zones to the road intervals attribute data and total rating of roadside area potential to equip rest areas; elaboration of road buffer zone area suitable for the location of RRA.
DESIGN CONCEPT FOR GREEN PUBLIC SPACE IN KAMPONG
Authors: Widharto Sukmo D. , Muchlis Nurfahmi , Laksono Sigit H. , Setijanti Purwanita
Published: June 2015

The lack of environmentally friendly development in major city has made the public space in kampongs (or kampung) neglected. The need of a green community space to interact is increasingly scarce. The remaining areas that can be used as an outdoor space are alleys and pathways inside kampong. Public space should then be adaptive in order to meet the demands in a diverse society, thus emerged a design concept of adaptive public space using the capabilities of bamboo to deliver adaptive spaces with a limited range of conditions in its design, construction and usability. Bamboo has been frequently used by the people because of its sustainable characteristic. The method used in this study is the case study method. Qualitative data were collected through observations and interviews resulted in the analysis of existing conditions then formulized as a design criteria. Design method uses the concept of programming which is to formulate the mission, goals and performance requirements to create a concept. The drawn conclusion is that the alleys inside the kampong can be used as a public space by applying adaptive design principles. The use of bamboo in design is an appropriate solution based on its construction and material properties.
CONTEMPORARY TWO-STOREY CHURCHES – ACOUSTIC INVESTIGATIONS
Authors: Sygulska Anna
Published: June 2015

The paper discusses the idea of two-storey churches, with insight into socio-political conditions which influenced their construction. The analysis of the issue was carried out on the basis of investigations in five two-storey churches in Poznań. The churches under investigation were: Visitation of Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Christ the King Church, Our Lady of Częstochowa Church, St. Lawrence Church, and Christ the Redeemer Church. In total, ten interiors were examined. The churches were erected in the late 70s and early 80s of the 20th century. The acoustic conditions were analyzed in terms of cubature, the shape of the interior and finishes. The upper and lower churches were compared within one building; the investigation also involved comparing the churches against each other. Moreover, functionality of the buildings was analyzed, which included aspects of acoustic as well as architectural functionality.
NOTHING IS TRANSMISSIBLE BUT THOUGHT / SPANISH EDITION OF LE CORBUSIER'S MISE AU POINT
Authors: Sequeira Marta
Published: June 2015

"Book ‘Nothing is transmissible but thought / Spanish edition of Le Corbusier's Mise au point’ review." Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, 39(2), p. 161-164
The role of governance structures in supply chain information sharing
Authors: Denolf J.M. , Trienekens J.H. , van der Vorst J.G.A.J. , Omta S.W.F.
Published: June 2015

Information sharing in supply chains may result in concerns related to information security, information access privileges, and allocation of claimed benefits. To mitigate such concerns in order to efficiently and effectively share information, relationships among the supply chain actors need to be managed and effective governance structures need to be chosen. Despite initial research, a comprehensible supply chain analysis of the role of governance structures in information sharing is missing. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to investigate how and to what extent supply chain information sharing can be explained by supply chain governance structures. To take into account the multi-dimensionality of information sharing, the specifications of which information to share and how to share it are considered. Based on case study data from three European pork supply chains, we conclude that information sharing cannot be solely explained by governance structures. The results show that information sharing is apart from governance structures strongly determined by quality regulations, financial strength (power) of the chain partners, and the relationships that are aimed for. Consequently, our study challenges the general assumption that a more integrated governance structure is accompanied by more types of information shared through the use of automated information systems.
Evaluación integral de las entidades microfinancieras desde la perspectiva de sostenibilidad
Authors: García Pérez Icíar , Muñoz Torres María Jesús
Published: June 2015

Following a review of the literature on the impact of microfinance from the sustainability perspective, through the interrelation of economic, environmental, social and governance dimensions (ESG), and an analysis of its performance in promoting financial inclusion and poverty eradication, we present a comprehensive and inclusive assessment of microfinance institutions that allows obtaining a better understanding of the current status of these institutions. The results detect aspects as over-indebtedness, environmental impact of funding or poverty reduction target as issues that need to be reviewed to ensure the sustainability of these institutions and enable proper management of funding programs in all its dimensions.
The Role of Gender on Student Success
Authors: Bayrak Tuncay , Gulati Anil
Published: June 2015

Numerous studies have investigated why computers are perceived as being a male domain. In this study, the authors examine intra-gender differences among undergraduate and graduate students who enrolled in Management Information Systems (MIS) courses and attempt to answer such questions as do males achieve significantly higher scores in MIS courses? Does instructor gender affect female students' academic achievement? Do females underperform males in achievement at either or both undergraduate and graduate levels? This paper provides findings which demonstrate that female students performed significantly better than their male counterparts in the two introductory undergraduate MIS courses and performed equally well in an upper lever MIS course and an introductory course in the graduate program. Male students were impacted by the gender of the teacher. Even though it was not a main focus of the present study, the authors cannot resist making a casual observation that female teachers were more effective in the classroom.
Science Students' Use of the Internet for Learning in Higher Institutions in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyelekan Oloyede Solomon , Akinpelu Gabriel Akinyemi , Daramola Florence Olutunu
Published: June 2015

The Internet is one technology that has impacted tremendously on the sociological fabric of man. In the field of education, it serves as a library of knowledge from where virtually all information could be obtained. Knowledge of how well higher institution students use the Internet for learning may enable their lecturers take appropriate decisions on their instructional practices. In this study, data was obtained from four 435 purposively selected students in the Faculties of Science of six higher institutions in Osun State, Nigeria using a researcher-designed questionnaire. The results show that 63.8% of the students indicated they used the Internet for learning. It was found out that there was no significant difference between male and female students' use of the Internet for learning and there was no significant difference in the students' use of Internet for learning in the private and public higher institutions in the State. However, there was significant difference among the students in their use of the Internet for learning with the University students showing the highest degree of positive response of use followed by the students of the College of Education and then the students of the Polytechnics. It is recommended among others that stakeholders in higher education in Osun State should endeavour to provide modern ICT/Internet facilities in all the higher institutions in Osun State so as to enable students have unlimited Internet access.
School Stakeholders' Experience with Navigating ICT Policy Reforms in Singapore
Authors: Reyes Jr. Vicente Chua , Kheng Catherine Chua Siew
Published: June 2015

Using qualitative research inquiry methods, this inquiry attempts to explore how school stakeholders cope with incessant and seemingly endless transformations in schools. The central phenomenon to be studied focuses on how school stakeholders “make sense” of educational reform. In order to do this, an exploratory case study of two target schools taking part in policy reform initiatives directed at ubiquitous use of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in a Singapore context would be the locus of this inquiry. Using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), interviews, and observations this inquiry investigates and builds emerging explanations to sense-making experiences of stakeholders. Policy learning narratives of actors involved in the ICT-education reforms would be analysed using the lens of Actor-Network Theory (ANT). Findings from this exploratory inquiry provide insights to ongoing debates on policy learning experiences of school stakeholders in periods of uncertainty.
Building Online Social Networks to Engage Female Students in Information Systems
Authors: Shah Jaymeen R. , Lee Hsun-Ming
Published: June 2015

During the next decade, enrollment growth in Information Systems (IS) related majors is unlikely to meet the predicted demand for qualified IS graduates. Gender imbalance in the IS related program makes the situation worse as enrollment and retention of women in the IS major has been proportionately low compared to male. In recent years, majority of high school and college students have integrated social networking sites in their daily life and habitually use these sites. Providing female students access to role models via an online social network may enhance their motivation to continue as an IS major and pursue a career in IS field. For this study, the authors follow the action research process – exploration of information systems development. In particular, a Facebook application was developed to build the social network connecting role models and students. Using the application, a basic framework is tested based on the gender of participants. The results suggest that it is necessary to have adequate number of role models accessible to students as female role-models tend to select fewer students to develop relationships with a preference for female students. Female students likely prefer composite role models from a variety of sources. This pilot study yields valuable lessons to provide informal learning fostered by role modeling via online social networks. The Facebook application may be further expanded to enhance female students' interests in IS related careers.
Development and Evaluation of Intelligent Agent- Based Teaching Assistant in e-Learning Portals
Authors: Rouhani Saeed , Mirhosseini Seyed Vahid
Published: June 2015

Today, several educational portals established by organizations to enhance web E-learning. Intelligence agent's usage is necessary to improve the system's quality and cover limitations such as face-to-face relation. In this research, after finding two main approaches in this field that are fundamental use of intelligent agents in systems design and focusing on human-based agents, second method selected and is designed and implemented in a simple way as an educational assistant to answer the students frequently asked questions. Consequently the efficiency of this method is evaluated by Expectancy confirmation-Information technology model. By examining the results of the students interacted with designed agent through the learning management system of Mehralborz institute, and the conceptual model based on e-learning effectiveness, ease of use, user satisfaction, and usefulness variables gained the scores of 55, 58 and 57 percent that represents the overall effectiveness factor is medium. Some applicative suggestions for developing intelligent agents as educational assistants are provided for virtual universities and e-learning portals.
Connecting the Average and the Non-Average
Authors: Jia Changjiang , Mei Lijun , Chan W.K. , Yu Yuen Tak , Tse T.H.
Published: June 2015

Many existing studies measure the effectiveness of test case prioritization techniques using the average performance on a set of test suites. However, in each regression test session, a real-world developer may only afford to apply one prioritization technique to one test suite to test a service once, even if this application results in an adverse scenario such that the actual performance in this test session is far below the average result achievable by the same technique over the same test suite for the same application. It indicates that assessing the average performance of such a technique cannot provide adequate confidence for developers to apply the technique. The authors ask a couple of questions: To what extent does the effectiveness of prioritization techniques in average scenarios correlate with that in adverse scenarios? Moreover, to what extent may a design factor of this class of techniques affect the effectiveness of prioritization in different types of scenarios? To the best of their knowledge, the authors report in this paper the first controlled experiment to study these two new research questions through more than 300 million APFD and HMFD data points produced from 19 techniques, eight WS-BPEL benchmarks and 1000 test suites prioritized by each technique 1000 times. A main result reveals a strong and linear correlation between the effectiveness in the average scenarios and that in the adverse scenarios. Another interesting result is that many pairs of levels of the same design factors significantly change their relative strengths of being more effective within the same pairs in handling a wide spectrum of prioritized test suites produced by the same techniques over the same test suite in testing the same benchmarks, and the results obtained from the average scenarios are more similar to those of the more effective end than otherwise. This work provides the first piece of strong evidence for the research community to re-assess how they develop and validate their techniques in the average scenarios and beyond.
A Practical Approach Towards Automatic Testing of Web Services Interoperability
Authors: Elia Ivano Alessandro , Laranjeiro Nuno , Vieira Marco
Published: June 2015

Web Services are a technology designed to support the invocation of remote elements by client applications, with the goal of providing interoperable application-to-application interaction while assuring vendor and platform independence. In business-critical environments, the occurrence of interoperability issues can have disastrous consequences, including direct financial costs, reputation, and client fidelity losses. Despite this, experience shows that services interoperability is still quite difficult to achieve. The goal of this paper is to propose a practical testing process to understand the real level of interoperability provided by web services platforms. An extensible tool, that implements the proposed approach, has been used to run a large campaign during which we have tested the interoperability of a large number of web services, comprising both home-implemented and publicly available services, deployed on top of several web service platforms and against 11 client-side web service platforms. Numerous issues have been disclosed, showing the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the importance of having an automatic tool for testing web services for interoperability.
Preamble: Our aim is to make ULA as the front runner of university librarianship
Authors: Perera Harrison
Published: June 2015

Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka. Vol.13 (Special Issue). 2009 1-4
Learner centric-outreach services for distance learners: Open University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunasekera Damayanthi
Published: June 2015

Providing new library services to distance learners is a challenge. However, introduction of new services add strength to the library user community. The OUSL library started new outreach services to its distance users. This paper discusses how some new services and resources were implemented, who the beneficiaries are, how to access and what sort of information is provided. These services are two folded; web based and onsite. Digitized Question Paper Archive is the most significant to users. The paper further discusses about the Curriculum Information Support Service that was aimed at the academic staff. Inquiry service is the most prominent service that is used by many academic staff members to find research articles. Further, a newly started project, E-abstracts of postgraduate theses and OUSL Journal is also popular among students. In addition, the on-site academic presentation practice facility provided for students is another new service given to OUSL learners. Key words: Distance education and support services, distance learning, web based services, online support services, virtual information services, Sri LankaJournal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol.13 (Special Issue). 2009 147-163
A Multi Faceted Programme for Information Skills Development: University of Kelaniya
Authors: Jayatissa LA
Published: June 2015

Development of information literacy (IL) skills of undergraduates enables them to pursue their higher studies more effectively and make them effective life-long learners. This has become necessary as most of the students have the habit of getting the knowledge component from either in the school or at an external class. In order to assess reading habits and ICT skills etc. of the students admitted to the University, two consecutive surveys carried out in 2007 and 2008 and summary of the findings are given. It also narrates the efforts taken to offer an IL skills development programme for undergraduate students with the outline of the syllabus prepared. The pilot project conducted in 2008 was not successful and probable reasons and future plans are discussed.Keywords: Information literacy, User education, Higher education, University of KelaniyaJournal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol.13 (Special Issue). 2009 5-22
New vistas of information literacy education: a case from South Eastern University
Authors: Mashroofa M M
Published: June 2015

Teaching information literacy and developing critical thinking skills to undergraduate students can be more successful if these concepts are demonstrated properly. Teaching information literacy skills will help undergraduates develop essential competencies for life long learning. A case study of how information literacy is taught to fresher and the special degree students of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka is discussed in this paper. Also, designing aspects of a web tutorial has been presented. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of an innovative information literacy programme at South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. Fifty six special degree students of Social Science disciplines participated in the workshop. Course modules were discipline based. Feedback responses were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. It was found that participants have achieved some skills on searching, finding, evaluating and presenting information. More than 87% students stated that this workshop would be very much useful. It was recommended that preparing a proper design or syllabi to the Sri Lankan context is very important to teach Information Literacy.Key words: information literacy education, higher education in Sri Lanka, course content, web tutorials.Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol.13 (Special Issue). 2009 23-36
Going the extra mile: information skills development at University of Moratuwa
Authors: Seneviratne Thushari M
Published: June 2015

Beyond the traditional role of acquiring, organizing, disseminating and preserving information, librarians are called to teach strategies in information retrieval, evaluation and usage. Hence, this article gives an account of a partnership developed between Library and Faculty of Engineering (FoE), University of Moratuwa. This partnership called for an extended role of teaching information literacy skills for new entrants not limiting to the orientation programme.Key words: user education; information literacy, university libraries, library servicesJournal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol.13 (Special Issue). 2009 37-52
Study of the Usability of the Ceylon Collection: Main Library, University of Peradeniya
Authors: Hindagolla BMMCB
Published: June 2015

There is a tremendous interest on the Ceylon Collection in the Main Library, University of Peradeniya among the user community. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to find out the effectiveness of the Ceylon Collection in terms of meeting information needs of the library users. Survey method was utilized for the study. The study sample was selected from different user groups from the Faculty of Arts who used the Ceylon Collection during a period of four months in the first semester of 2007/2008 academic year. The survey revealed that the Ceylon Collection is the most valuable collection in the Main Library. The majority of library users in the Faculty of Arts use this collection. Proper awareness has to be regularly created about the artifacts, microforms and special collections available in the Ceylon Collection to maximize their usage. The study revealed that the users are satisfied with the comprehensiveness of the collection. However, they were not satisfied with access tools, staff allocation, physical facilities etc.Key words: Ceylon Collection, Sri Lanka Collection, User surveyJournal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol.13 (Special Issue). 2009 85-103
Assessing Library Collection: A Case Study at University of Peradeniya
Authors: Gunasekra Chamani
Published: June 2015

In Feb, 2008 management of the Main Library, University of Peradeniya (UP) decided to carry out a collection assessment project to gain information on its collection at subject level. Particularly in a university library, collection assessment is necessary to evaluate whether the collection is able to support the institution's curriculums and fulfill the teaching, learning and research needs of the staff and students of the university. The results of the assessment could be used to compile a collection development policy in the library and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the collection. In this study physical stock counting method which comes under the collection –centered approach was chosen to evaluate the monograph portion according to subjects. The paper describes the process, methods used and results obtained from the assessment. Finally it briefs some suggestions to be used in future collection assessment projects to gain comprehensive information on the collection.Key words: Collection Assessment, Collection Evaluation, Collection Development, Collection ManagementJournal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol.13 (Special Issue). 2009 115-130
Adaptive Immune-like γ/δ T Lymphocytes Share Many Common Features with Their α/β T Cell Counterparts
Authors: Lombes Amélie , Durand Aurélie , Charvet Céline , Rivière Matthieu , Bonilla Nelly , Auffray Cédric , Lucas Bruno , Martin Bruno
Published: June 2015

To better apprehend γ/δ T cell biological functions in the periphery, it appears crucial to identify markers highlighting the existence of distinct phenotypic and functional γ/δ T cell subsets. Interestingly, the expression of CD44 and Ly-6C subdivides murine peripheral γ/δ T cells into several subsets, with Ly-6C− CD44hi γ/δ T cells corresponding to the IL-17–producing CD27− γ/δ T cell subset exhibiting innate-like features. By comparing the other subsets to naive and memory CD8+ α/β T cells, in this study, we show that Ly-6C− or + CD44lo and Ly-6C+CD44hi γ/δ T cells greatly resemble, and behave like, their CD8+ α/β T cell counterparts. First, like memory CD8+ α/β T cells, Ly-6C+CD44hi γ/δ T cells are sparse in the thymus but largely increased in proportion in tissues. Second, similarly to naive CD8 α/β T cells, CD44lo γ/δ T cells are poorly cycling in vivo in the steady state, and their proportion declines with age in secondary lymphoid organs. Third, CD44lo γ/δ T cells undergo spontaneous proliferation and convert to a memory-like Ly-6C+CD44hi phenotype in response to lymphopenia. Finally, CD44lo γ/δ T cells have an intrinsic high plasticity as, upon appropriate stimulation, they are capable of differentiating nonetheless into Th17-like and Th1-like cells but also into fully functional Foxp3+ induced regulatory T cell–like γ/δ T cells. Thus, peripheral CD27+ γ/δ T cells, commonly considered as a functionally related T cell compartment, actually share many common features with adaptive α/β T cells, as both lineages include naive-like and memory-like lymphocytes with distinct phenotypic, functional, and homeostatic characteristics.
Ameliorating the emergency department workflow by involving the observation unit: effects on crowding
Authors: Iannone Primiano
Published: June 2015

Crowding adversely affects the performance of emergency departments (EDs) by worsening efficiency, timeliness of care, clinical outcomes and patients’ satisfaction. We describe in this study our attempt at improving crowding by modifying the roles and workflow of the ED physicians. The observation unit physician was given the additional duty of prioritizing admissions and managing unclear, complex cases, which were previously under the responsibility of front line emergency physicians. We analyzed two corresponding periods, both before the intervention (9897 ED attendances) in 2012 and after the intervention (10,297 attendances) in 2013. Most of the crowding indices improved significantly, including timeliness of triage, of first medical contact, access to resus area, and overall length of stay in ED. Also, emergency hospital admissions, average specialist consultations and imaging studies per patient decreased significantly. The observation unit workload increased. There was no significant excess of adverse events.
New Anillina from South Africa, Tanzania, Madagascar and Seychelles Islands (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Bembidiini)
Authors: Giachino Pier Mauro
Published: June 2015

The Author describes two new genera of Bembidiini Anillina (Carabidae): Afranillus gen. n. of the Paranillus phyletic lineage and Afrodipnus gen. n. of the Microtyphlus phyletic lineage and the following new species: Paranillus madecassus sp. n. from Ankarafantsika N.P. (NW Madagascar); Paranillus banari sp. n. from Ranomafana N.P. (Madagascar); Afranillus schuelei sp. n. from Silaka Nat. Res. (Eastern Cape, RSA); Argiloborus praslinicus sp. n. from Praslin Is. (Seychelles); Caeconannus bulirschi sp. n. from Franschhoek pass (Western Cape, RSA); Caeconannus occidentalis sp. n. from Koloniesbos (Western Cape, RSA); Caeconannus orientalis sp. n. from Amatola Mts (Eastern Cape, RSA); Microdipnites zicsii sp. n. from Kwamkoro (Tanga reg., Tanzania); Pelonomites mahunkai sp. n. from Kwamsambia For. (Tanga reg., Tanzania); Afrodipnus transvaalianus sp. n. from Roberts Drift (S. Transvaal, RSA). Comparative morphological data are provided and discussed.
Reduction of Listeria innocua contamination in vacuum-packaged dry-cured Italian pork products after high hydrostatic pressure treatment
Authors: Merialdi Giuseppe , Ramini Mattia , Ravanetti Emanuela , Gherri Giorgio , Bonilauri Paolo
Published: June 2015

The present work aims to present the results of the application of a treatment with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on Italian fermented and dry-cured pork products. The products used in this study were portioned cured ham, portioned bacon and salami, vacuumpackaged and produced by a single processing company. Two studies were conducted on a single batch of the three products by means of an artificial contamination with Listeria innocua as a surrogate of L. monocytogenes. In the first trial a superficial contamination was obtained by immersion for 3 min in the culture broth with a concentration of approximately 9 log cfu/mL. At the end of the inoculum step, the pieces were dred at room temperature and vacuum packaged. In the second trial 50 kg of minced pork meat were contaminated before production of salami. In both cases the inoculum contained 5 strains of L. innocua. Subsequently, in both trials, 10 samples were randomly divided into two groups of 5 pieces each: i) TH group, samples treated with HHP; ii) group C, control samples, not subjected to any treatment. All samples were stored at refrigeration temperature at the end of HHP treatments (if applied), and analyzed for the determination of the surface (1st trial) and deep (2nd trial) quantitative contamination of L. innocua. pH and aW were also determined on 3 pieces of each products belonging to group C. The difference between the medians of the log cfu/cm2 or g established between controls and treated were compared using the non-parametric test (Kruskal-Wallis test) with P<0.01. In all products and in both trials the level of contamination detected in treatment groups was always significantly lower than in controls (P<0.01). In particular, in vacuum-packaged ham, bacon and salami viability logarithmic viability reductions equal to -2.29, -2.54 and -2.51 were observed, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate a not-thermal treatment on Italian cured or fermented pork products. The results of this study need to be confirmed in different products and in a greater number of lots, but they appear promising, also because of the considerable literature available for different categories of products (cheese, vegetables and fruit).
Labelling and marketing of bivalve and gastropod molluscs retailed in Sardinia, Italy between 2009 and 2013
Authors: Meloni Domenico
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present survey was to investigate the correct enforcement of the Community rules on the labelling and marketing of bivalve and gastropod molluscs retailed in Sardinia, Italy between 2009 and 2013. A total of 1500 packages and labels for live bivalve and gastropod molluscs were considered. A total of 375 labels (25%) presented non-compliance concerning the wrong trade name and additional wrong or missing information. The highest percentage of anomalous labels has been detected in small-scale retail shops (35%) and open-air markets (25%) compared with the big retailing chains (20%). The 5% of packages were not in compliance with the European Community rules on packaging of bivalve and gastropod molluscs. The high percentage of non-compliance with the European regulations on labelling results is a strong limitation for the consumers and highlights the need to improve the control system about labelling of seafood products.
Guidelines for the design of a healing garden for the rehabilitation of psychiatric patients
Authors: Erbino Chantal , Toccolini Alessandro , Vagge Ilda , Ferrario Paolo Stefano
Published: June 2015

Healing gardens are green spaces designed to promote and improve health and well-being for people suffering from illness. This paper proposes a methodology for defining a master plan for healing gardens. The methodology is based on site analysis (identification, limitations and potentials of the area) and the evaluation of user needs (patients, staff, relatives). The aim of the master plan is to provide guidelines for the definition of the executive plan, and to set up a sufficiently flexible project suitable for future new categories of patients, according to the different needs of the regional health authorities. The methodology has been applied to a case study: this paper considers the design of the healing garden of a building named Villa Bianca, part of the wider complex of the clinic for mental disorders Villa di Salute located in Trofarello (in the province of Turin, Piedmont, Italy). The main kinds of disturbances treated at Villa di Salute are schizophrenia and personality disorders; there are also some patients with severe depression. At the present time the building and the garden of Villa Bianca are not being used and are undergoing renovation.