bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dos obras del Prof. Joachim Schürmann - Alemania Federal
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: April 2014

Centro Parroquial de San José, en OerErkenschwick.
Comprende: tres cuerpos edificados de una arquitectura a base de sencillas líneas y fisonomía de gran actualidad y funcionalismo. El jardín de infancia, la iglesia y la sacristía-viviendas del párroco y del sacristán, están rodeadas de zonas ajardinadas y situadas en el lugar más idóneo del solar. Es particularmente interesante la estructura especial de la capilla, con cubierta reticulada plana, agrupada sobre cuatro pilares piramidales.
Convento de San Sebastian, en Neuss.
Se ha construido junto a la antigua iglesia y consta de un original claustro y un amplio patio-jardín que, con la cocina, salas de coloquios, biblioteca, despachos, comedor y recreo, sacristía y entrada constituyen la planta baja. En las dos altas se distribuyen las habitaciones. El material dominante en exteriores e interiores es el hormigón visto, recubierto a veces por una ligera piel de pintura.
Edificio residencial en Montreux – Suiza
Authors: Jean Serex, S. A. Estudio de arquitectura
Published: April 2014

Este edificio ha sido construido sobre un bello solar, junto al lago, en el paseo de las Flores de Territet. Adopta la forma de pirámide truncada, con un sótano para instalaciones y garajes, y cinco plantas de apartamentos.
Cimentación especial, estructura de hormigón armado y cerramientos a base de elementos varios prefabricados.
Se han estudiado y resuelto acertadamente los múltiples problemas originados por las Ordenanzas de la zona, la forma del edificio y la adaptación al terreno, obteniendo un resultado sumamente satisfactorio a todas las exigencias residenciales previstas.
Fábrica para Frigo-Canarias, S.A. en Jinamar (Teide ) Gran Canaria – España
Authors: López Díaz Luis , Pérez Díaz Carlos , Ramos Steffens Ramón
Published: April 2014

Este edificio está situado en Jinamar (Telde), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, y para su organización se han recogido las valiosas experiencias que Frigo ha deducido de sus otras fábricas importantes, previendo posibles ampliaciones, organización racional del ciclo operativo y comodidad de control de todas las canalizaciones.
Dispone de oficinas, vestuarios y comedor de empleados, aseos para ambos sexos, zona de fabricación, almacenes, tanques de maduración, congeladores, cámaras frigoríficas, muelles de carga, etc.
Son de destacar los paraboloides hiperbólicos de hormigón armado que cubren el almacén de cartonaje, el de materias primas y la gran nave central, así como la cámara de calderas de vapor con forma de hiperboloide de revolución y cubierta de cristal.
Colegio del Estate Gran Bretaña
Authors: Gough Howell William , Wentzel Killick John Alexander , Partridge John Albert , Amis Stanley Frederick
Published: April 2014

Este Colegio oficial fue motivo de un concurso que ganaron sus autores. Forma parte de la reestructuración de toda la Universidad de Reading, tendiendo a una agrupación más racional de todos sus edificios, que se hallaban bastante dispersos.
Está constituido por un bloque de 4 y 5 alturas, longitudinal, con amplio porche en su parte delantera. La planta baja y la primera albergan la administración, un estanque y la imprenta; la tercera y la segunda alojan estudios y clases, y en la cuarta se distribuyen la sala de conferencias y las estancias.
Estructura principal de hormigón armado, con cerramientos a base de placas prefabricadas de aspecto granulado y carpintería de aluminio. Tanto en el interior como en el exterior, el hormigón se ha dejado visto o cubierto por una ligera pie! de pintura.
Club de tenis Chamartin – Madrid – España
Authors: Azpiazu J. R.
Published: April 2014

En este artículo se describen las instalaciones de este club madrileño, que está compuesto de ocho pistas cubiertas, frontón de entrenamientos, ocho pistas descubiertas para adultos y cuatro para niños, vestuarios, cafetería, piscina cubierta y piscina al aire libre, además de la zona de aparcamiento de vehículos y jardines.
La pista y la piscina cubierta son de estructura metálica; muros de hormigón armado y placas de cloruro de polivinilo opacas y transparentes en verde. El edificio de vestuarios y cafetería es de hormigón en su totalidad.
Conjunto Barbican - Londres (Gran Bretaña)
Authors: Powell Geoffry , Chamberlin Peter , Bon Christoph , Ove Arup and partners Ingenieros
Published: April 2014

El conjunto edificado ocupa una parcela de 15,2 Ha entre la iglesia de St. Giles y las calles Fann, Aldersgate y Moor, con capacidad para 6.500 personas.
El programa comprende: 2.113 viviendas, en bloques de diferentes alturas; residencias para estudiantes y jóvenes que trabajen en el centro de la ciudad; escuelas femeninas; escuela de arte dramático y música Guildhall; teatro, sala de conciertos; biblioteca; tiendas, restaurantes y cervecerías; garaje para 2.500 vehículos y estación de servicio; parques, jardines y estanques.
Se ha cuidado especialmente que la circulación peatonal sea completamente independiente del tráfico de automóviles y vehículos públicos o de mercancías.
La construcción es fundamentalmente de hormigón armado y pretensado en la estructura, con paramentos exteriores de fácil o nulo entretenimiento.
Great Western Savings Center - Beverly Hills, California (EE.UU.)
Authors: William L. Pereira Asociados Arquitectos
Published: April 2014

Este edificio, de original planta elíptica y cerramiento a base de muros cortina, ocupa un solar estratégico en Beverly Hills y sirve como central de ahorro a toda la zona densamente poblada de Los Angeles.
Consta de: cuatro sótanos para estacionamiento de vehículos, y planta baja con accesos, vestíbulos y caja de ahorros; entreplanta y planta primera con cafetería, cuatro comedores y auditorio; siete plantas de oficinas y planta décima destinada a albergar los despachos de dirección y departamento financiero, además del cuerpo superior, ocupado por los cuartos de máquinas de los seis aparatos elevadores.
La estructura es de hormigón armado con acero de alta resistencia y cerramientos de vidrio color bronce.
Es el edificio más alto de Beverly Hills.
Ampliación del Hotel Tobazo - Candanchú, Huesca (España)
Authors: Guibert Javier
Published: April 2014

La disposición de este nuevo cuerpo edificado, perpendicular a la parte primitiva, orienta a SE. y a SO. la mayor parte de los dormitorios, les proporciona mejores vistas y, dado que se sigue la pendiente del terreno, se obtienen cambios de nivel en las plantas.
La conexión de ambos bloques se ha hecho con maestría, procurando homogeneizar la parte nueva y la primitiva utilizando materiales similares o iguales, si bien diferenciándolos convenientemente.
Contribución al estudio de la resistencia a tracción en Hormigones de piedra pómez
Authors: López Alonso F.
Published: April 2014

Este trabajo ha sido galardonado con el VII premio Luxán 1973, concedido por opinión unánime del Jurado, en base a la originalidad y ordenada exposición de la teoría sustentada.
En él, tras un amplio examen de los fenómenos a considerar, se propone la utilización de una fórmula lineal que defina la resistencia de un hormigón ligero, en función de la de su pasta, de la de su árido y de la fracción volumétrica en que éste interviene. Con esta aportación se pretenden sustituir los habituales modelos exponenciales.
Fábrica de esquís Fischer - Ried im Innkreis - Austria
Authors: Aigner Hans
Published: April 2014

La fábrica está constituida por:
— la nave de producción;
— un edificio social, y
— una construcción para la administración central.
La nave, en la que se realiza la producción en serie de esquís, consta de: almacenes, servicios auxiliares, departamento de pruebas, un aserradero de madera completamente automático, y una central de calefacción que aprovecha las virutas de la madera como combustible.
El edificio social, que tiene una capacidad para 1.500 empleados, cuenta en su planta baja con un gran comedor de 700 plazas, servido por una amplia cocina, cafetería y cantina. Dispone también de una zona para invitados, con salas de conferencias, oficinas y locales de reunión. En el sótano se distribuyen los vestuarios y aseos del personal, así como un local para guardar motos y bicicletas, una lavandería y unas instalaciones de sauna y baño de vapor.
El edificio de la administración central se proyectó en altura, contrastando con la construcción baja del resto.
Toda la construcción se basa en un módulo fundamental de 2,50 m. Se emplearon piezas prefabricadas de hormigón armado en la realización de los elementos principales.
Unidad de Cálculo Hoechst AG - Francfort del Main - Alemania Federal
Authors: Hentrich-Petschnigg & Partner Arquitectos
Published: April 2014

Está situado en la pequeña ciudad de Hoechst, formando parte de un amplio complejo con gran extensión de zonas verdes y viales.
Se compone de tres cuerpos de planta hexagonal, K705, K706, K 707, enlazados entre sí por otro en forma de Y, K704. Todo este conjunto se une, mediante un paso cubierto, al denominado K 703, cuya planta adopta la forma de S.
La construcción es de escasa altura —dos plantas y sótano—, albergando toda la serie de dependencias necesarias para el funcionamiento de la Central de Cálculo de una firma de gran importancia: sala de máquinas, despachos, almacenes de papel, etc.
La construcción es de hormigón armado, en general, sobre una retícula triangular de 7,50 m de lado.
Dos viviendas unifamiliares en Madrid – España
Authors: Mas Sarrío V.
Published: April 2014

Ambas están ubicadas en las proximidades de la capital, en una pequeña urbanización de Pozuelo de Alarcón.
El programa desarrollado en las dos es similar, dado que las necesidades y familia de sus propietarios son muy parecidas.
Se ha procurado dar «movimiento » a plantas, secciones y alzados, a fin de evitar el estatismo del cubo anclado en tierra, tratando de lograr distintas facetas según el punto de vista que se adopte.
Los materiales empleados son tradicionales, de fácil entretenimiento, y consideramos plenamente conseguidos los objetivos exigidos al redactar el proyecto.
Oficinas de la Newport Beach- California - (EE. UU.)
Authors: William L. Pereira Asociados Arquitectos e ingenieros
Published: April 2014

Este edificio, que alberga la sede central de una de las Compañías de Seguros más importantes del país, ha sido construido en Newport Beach, California. Cuenta con siete plantas —dos de ellas por debajo del nivel del suelo— y presenta una original fisonomía con sus fachadas abriéndose hacia el exterior.
Ha sido muy cuidada la decoración interior, el patio central con su columna ornamental y la disposición de casi todos los departamentos, tratados como oficinas-paisaje, a base de tabiquería móvil, moquetas despiezables, etc., destinado todo ello a lograr la máxima y más fácil flexibilidad de distribución, según las necesidades de cada momento.
El viaducto de Sfalassà Italia
Authors: Zorzi S. , Lonardo L. , Procaccia S.
Published: April 2014

Esta obra es realmente una de las más espectaculares de la autopista Salermo-Reggio Calabria. Se compone de dos viaductos laterales, de 517 m de longitud total, a base de tramos de hormigón armado pretensado, y uno central, metálico, de 376 m, salvando un valle de 250 m de altura máxima.
Dicho tramo central es el más interesante de todo el puente, ya que los pilares se han montado verticalmente, con rótulas en su base, que les ha permitido ser girados posteriormente a su posición definitiva.
Excavación del túnel Delauern – Austria
Authors: Schmidt W.
Published: April 2014

Tiene una longitud de 6.398 m, en pendiente de norte a sur, con una diferencia de nivel de 96 m, y sección de excavación de 92 metros cuadrados.
Este sistema de perforación de túneles, sobre rocas de poca cohesión, ha sido eficazmente utilizado en Austria, en Estados Unidos y en Alemania (metropolitano de Francfort), recurriendo a excavaciones, por etapas, con anclajes radiales, a base de morteros de rápido endurecimiento, lo que les confiere un aspecto de «erizo» en su primera fase; posteriormente se atornillan, a los citados anclajes, las placas metálicas de cubierta, finalizando con las operaciones especiales de acabado.
Ha habido que vencer innumerables dificultades, debidas a la configuración pizarrosa de la montaña, a la aparición de aguas agresivas al hormigón y a necesidades imperiosas de rápidos entibados, de tal forma que un tercio del tiempo de trabajo correspondía al avance y dos tercios a medidas de seguridad, trabajando tres turnos para un avance medio diario de 4 metros.
Tres chalets de Joachim Schürmann
Authors: Schürmann Joachim
Published: April 2014

En este artículo se describen tres viviendas unifamiliares: una en Dublin, otra para el Dr. Lehmann-Grube y otra en la Rosenhohe (Darmstadt). Tanto su fisonomía exterior como el tratamiento interior, los materiales empleados y la distribución adoptada son completamente diferentes, cual corresponde a la distinta idiosincrasia de sus moradores, a la vez que nos hacen patente la flexibilidad y buen hacer del arquitecto.
Análisis de la influencia de algunas variables en la extracción y ensayo a compresión de probetas-testigo de hormigón
Authors: Delibes Liniers Adolfo
Published: April 2014

En el presente artículo, el autor describe los ensayos realizados en INTEMAC con objeto de estudiar los procesos de extracción, conservación y ensayo de probetas-testigo de hormigón. Se analiza la influencia en los resultados de una serie de factores, con vistas al estudio de estructuras terminadas. Se hace referencia a los criterios que deben seguirse para el establecimiento de un Plan de ensayos y para la interpretación de los resultados.
Tra diritto e utopia. Aspetti della ricezione dell’opera di Moses I. Finley (1951-1967)
Authors: Donato Riccardo Di
Published: April 2014

La publication de trois documents, trois lettres adressées à Moses Finley, gardées dans ses Archives à Cambridge (Moses I. Finley’s Papers, University Library, Cambridge UK) introduit une réflexion d’histoire de la culture. L’œuvre du savant américain fut l’objet d’une réception complexe en France, où il fut d’abord connu comme historien du droit ancien et seulement dans un deuxième moment fut compris dans sa dimension d’historien total, très attentif aux différents aspects des sociétés anciennes.
Le Monde d’Ulysse, de l’édition à la réception
Authors: Scheid-Tissinier Évelyne
Published: April 2014

Le Monde d’Ulysse, le livre le plus connu de Finley et qui lui valut une célébrité rapide, a aussi exercé une influence intellectuelle décisive tant dans les pays anglo-saxons qu’en France puis en Italie. Sa force tient sans doute à la combinaison de deux éléments : l’ancrage chronologique que lui a donné son auteur et le modèle anthropologique qui sous-tend l’ensemble. Une perspective qui rencontre dès sa parution en 1954, l’adhésion d’un certain nombre de chercheurs de langue française parmi lesquels notamment Louis Gernet. Une large diffusion de l’ouvrage sera définitivement assurée en France à partir de 1969, à travers la traduction entreprise à l’initiative de J.-P. Vernant et P. Vidal-Naquet.
Moses I. Finley, coupable de « wébérisme » ?
Authors: Bruhns Hinnerk
Published: April 2014

Dans les débats français sur l’économie antique et sur la conceptualisation en histoire ancienne, le nom de Moses Finley est associé à celui de Max Weber, parfois en le taxant, de façon péjorative, de « wébérisme ». L’article retrace la lecture de Weber par Finley, dans le contexte de l’intérêt que des historiens ont manifesté, depuis les années 1960, pour l’œuvre de Weber. Il rappelle la critique de Weber par Finley, pointe quelques malentendus concernant l’emploi de la méthode idéaltypique et s’interroge sur le sens et le non-sens de la qualification de « wébérisme ».
Edme Béguillet traducteur de Martianus Capella ? Enquête sur la réception des Noces de Philologie et de Mercure en France dans les années 1770-1780
Authors: Guillaumin Jean-Baptiste
Published: April 2014

Le xviiie s. est généralement présenté comme un temps faible dans l’histoire de la réception des Noces de Philologie et de Mercure de Martianus Capella. On peut pourtant lire, dans les pages de garde d’une édition de la BnF, des notes manuscrites d’Edme Béguillet (1730-1786), qui affirme avoir traduit le texte (ou plus vraisemblablement les deux premiers livres). Si nous n’avons pas retrouvé la traduction en question, cette étude permet toutefois de mettre en évidence un contexte intellectuel propice à un regain d’intérêt pour le roman allégorique de Martianus Capella dans les années 1770-1780.
« The nuisance is word magic. » Moses I. Finley et la colonisation grecque
Authors: D’Ercole Maria Cecilia
Published: April 2014

La colonisation grecque ne saurait être considérée comme l’un des thèmes majeurs dans la vaste production scientifique de Moses I. Finley ; toutefois, elle ne pouvait pas y rester étrangère, puisque étroitement liée aux recherches sur la propriété et sur la transmission de la terre. Ainsi, l’historien a consacré à ce thème quelques importants travaux, entre 1967 et 1976 : une intervention sur le concept de « frontier history », un ouvrage sur l’histoire de la Sicile antique et byzantine, un article sur le vocabulaire des colonisations anciennes et modernes. Malgré leur réception relativement limitée, ces travaux ont ouvert des perspectives nouvelles dans le domaine, en particulier pour les modèles des colonisations historiques et pour l’analyse critique de leur vocabulaire. De surcroît, ils ont offert l’opportunité pour un échange intellectuel fécond avec Ettore Lepore, qui partageait son intérêt pour l’analyse comparative et pour les thèmes économiques et sociaux.
Les références aux textes « littéraires » dans Démocratie antique et démocratie moderne de Moses Finley
Authors: Pralon Didier
Published: April 2014

On a parfois reproché à M. Finley d’avoir, dans ses ouvrages, plutôt négligé les textes littéraires. Le Monde d’Ulysse (1954-1978) et On a perdu la guerre de Troie (1967-1989) attestent paradigmatiquement le contraire, mais aussi des recueils moins directement fondés sur l’examen de textes, par exemple, les trois « Rutgers Conferences » publiées dans Démocratie antique et démocratie moderne (1973 et 1976) où se lisent 22 citations ou paraphrases de textes littéraires, s’étageant d’Homère à Aristote (la question de la démocratie s’estompant après l’époque d’Aristote). Ils présentent, à travers un usage parfois polémique, une réflexion stimulante sur la lettre des textes, l’historiographie et les théories, utile, autant qu’aux historiens, aux philologues et aux philosophes du politique.
Marc Aurèle épistolier : comment faire écrire un empereur romain de l’Antiquité au xvie siècle ?
Authors: Fleury Pascale
Published: April 2014

Marc Aurèle est considéré de nos jours comme le modèle de l’empereur-philosophe, mais il n’en a pas toujours été ainsi. Bien qu’il existe de nombreuses études sur l’utilisation des Pensées à la Renaissance et à l’époque moderne, peu de réflexion ont été menées sur la réception des lettres, fictives ou réelles, de l’empereur. Cette contribution vise, d’une part, à tracer un portrait général de Marc Aurèle en tant qu’épistolier, de l’Antiquité jusqu’au xvie siècle, et d’autre part, à donner quelques pistes de lecture pour la correspondance fictive créée par A. de Guevara dans son Livre doré (1528). Les conclusions soulignent l’originalité et la liberté de Guevara, dont l’œuvre à succès est un jalon important dans la construction du personnage moderne de Marc Aurèle.
Les découvertes funéraires du Haut-Empire au sud de Tolosa : à l’instar d’une « petite Rome » ? Image idéalisée de la ville antique, de l’historiographie à la réalité archéologique
Authors: Georges-Zimmermann Patrice , Requi Christophe , Grizeaud Jean-Jacques , Amiel Catherine
Published: April 2014

Les découvertes funéraires au sud de la ville de Toulouse ont été interprétées par Michel Labrousse comme les vestiges de la plus importante et la plus riche des nécropoles. Elle bordait la route de Narbonne qui, selon lui, devait être pour Toulouse ce qu’était la Voie Appienne pour Rome, à savoir la nécropole principale de la cité et le lieu d’élection des sépultures aristocratiques, tant il est vrai que Rome est le modèle plus ou moins implicite de ce type d’étude. Cette idée a perduré jusqu’à aujourd’hui. L’analyse de l’ensemble des découvertes, y compris les plus récentes, permettent-elles vraiment d’accréditer cette hypothèse encore formulée récemment ? Dans quelle mesure le cursus de Michel Labrousse, qui voyait en Toulouse « une petite Rome », l’explique-t-il ?
Thucydide parmi les guerres : les voix du sang
Authors: Pires Francisco Murari
Published: April 2014

L’article propose une réflexion en forme d’avertissement contre quelques détours interprétatifs abusifs qui font obstacle à l’actualisation de la pensée de Thucydide. Il s’agit, pour l’essentiel, du recours à la pensée de Thucydide à des fins militaristes dans un cadre nord-américain. L’argumentation concerne plus particulièrement la thèse « réaliste » que propose Gregory Crane de la pensée thucydidéenne au sujet de la guerre. Celle-ci serait présente dans la pratique militaire de William Tecumseh Sherman lors de la guerre civile américaine. L’argumentation s’appuie sur l’idée selon laquelle Sherman serait un nouveau Thucydide en tant que « le théoricien réaliste » de la guerre. Le paroxysme est atteint avec les thèses proposées par Angelo Codevilla au sujet du « 11 septembre ».
Contribution à l'évaluation de l'aptitude des étudiants à interpréter les divers outils de cohésion dans le discours informatique écrit
Authors: Boughedaoui Mourad
Published: April 2014

À partir d’une étude des divers procédés de cohésion textuelle dans un corpus de textes informatiques, un questionnaire a été élaboré afin d’évaluer l’aptitude des étudiants à interpréter ces procédés. Le test consistait en une série de passages de lecture courts dont le traitement informatique a permis d’avoir un aperçu sur les types de difficultés posées par l’interprétation des outils lexico-grammaticaux sous-tendant les relations anaphoriques au sein des textes.
Terroredia
Authors: Eid Mahmoud
Published: April 2014

Terrorism and the media have a unique relationship that has been long evident in history and academia. Due to modern advancements in communication and information technologies, the relationship has grown strong and widely influential. Mutual interaction, dependency, and inseparability have characterized the co-existence of terrorists and media personnel. Looking into the various dynamics, discussions, and descriptions of this relationship, this chapter offers a conceptualization of this relationship by introducing and defining a new term. Terroredia is the interactive, codependent, and inseparable relationship between terrorism and the media, in which acts of terrorism and their media coverage are essentially exchanged to achieve the ultimate aims of both parties—exchanging terrorism's wide-ranging publicity and public attention (i.e., oxygen) for media's wide-ranging reach and influence (e.g., airwaves).
Understanding Media during Times of Terrorism
Authors: Hackett Robert
Published: April 2014

Political violence, including terrorism, can be regarded as a form of (distorted) communication, in which media spectacles play an integral role. Conversely, mass-mediated communication can be regarded as a form of violence, and even terror, in several respects. Media are often propagandistic facilitators to state terror. More broadly, they may help to cultivate a political climate of fear and authoritarianism, contributing to conflict-escalating feedback loops. Even more broadly, beyond media representations, dominant media institutions are arguably embedded in relations of global economic, social, and cultural inequality—constituting a form of structural violence. Notwithstanding its democratic potential, the Internet does not comprise a clear alternative in practice, and neither censorship of terrorist spectacles nor the intensified pursuit of dominant forms of journalistic “objectivity” offer viable ways to reduce the media's imbrication with violence. Three potentially more productive strategies explored in this chapter include reforming the media field from within through the paradigm of Peace Journalism, supporting the development of alternative and community media, and building movements for media reform and democratization.
Co-Constructed Curricula
Authors: Mott Vivian W. , Lohr Kathy D.
Published: April 2014

This chapter describes an adult learning perspective toward effective co-constructed curriculum, beginning with an overview of three distinct models, theories, or concepts felt to be seminal in the field of adult and continuing education. Following the presentation of these constructs, the chapter continues with a discussion of implications for learning involvement and then moves to an explanation of how curricula can be co-constructed. Detailed in this application section are the involvement of learners in the process of co-construction, the ways in which content and design are derived with learners' involvement, and the various roles of co-constructed assessment. The chapter concludes with three case studies as practical examples of co-constructed curriculum initiatives and a closing summary.
New Mindsets
Authors: Drago-Severson Ellie , Maslin-Ostrowski Patricia
Published: April 2014

The authors situate this chapter within the context of contemporary educational leadership where leaders face technical and adaptive challenges that are increasing in complexity and quantity. In many cases, these are challenges for which they could not have been prepared (e.g., new accountability measures). While adult learning and adult developmental theories have been employed widely to support adults' learning and development in other sectors, they are only recently being employed to inform the practice and preparation of school leaders. Therefore, the authors describe seminal theories of adult learning and development as a promising foundation to improve curriculum and learning spaces for aspiring and practicing leaders. These theoretical lenses are helpful for curriculum design and content in Pre-K-20 learning centers and also higher education. Put simply, research establishes that employing these will more fully equip leaders to support other adults' learning and development in their communities in order to meet complex educational challenges.
The Transformation of Collective Intelligence
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J.
Published: April 2014

Today's knowledge society depends on intellectual capital, that is, collective knowledge and informational assets. Increasingly, the global scene reflects a more interactive mode relative to information, particularly because of social media. As heterogeneous groups bring different expertise and perspectives, their gathered and organized knowledge can lead to more informed decisions and resultant actions. This collective intelligence has been transformed with the advent of easily accessible interactive technologies. This chapter explains collective intelligence and its elements, theories that relate to collective intelligence, conditions for its optimum collective intelligence, and its transformation through digital technology, particularly social media. The chapter also explains human interaction for collective intelligence, and how it can be enhanced through technology, citing several studies.
Traditional Teacher Evaluation Models
Authors: Leland Katina M. , Sedivy-Benton Amy L.
Published: April 2014

Student achievement has become one of the main focal points regarding education across the United States. With this intense focus on students, teachers are thrust unwillingly into the spotlight. Teacher practices and student outcomes have become the new norm for evaluation in PK-12 education. That method of evaluation is crossing over into teacher preparation programs as attempts are being made to connect the quality of a teacher preparation program to the performance of those graduates in the classroom. This chapter focuses on the current trends that exist for both pre-service teachers as well as teachers of record. A brief history is examined as well as issues that currently exist within these structures. The chapter concludes with the implications of these practices and suggestions for future trends and recommendations for evaluating teachers at both the pre-service experience level and when they are employed in the classroom.
Subspecies of Sri Lankan Mammals as Units of Biodiversity Conservation, with Special Reference to the Primates
Authors: Dittus Wolfgang PJ
Published: April 2014

Subspecies embody the evolution of different phenotypes as adaptations to local environmental differences in keeping the concept of the Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU).  Sri Lankan mammals, being mostly of Indian-Indochinese origins, were honed, in part, by the events following the separation of Sri Lanka from Gondwana in the late Miocene.  The emerging new Sri Lankan environment provided a varied topographic, climatic and biotic stage and impetus for new mammalian adaptations.  This history is manifest  nowhere as clearly as in the diversity of non-endemic and endemic genera, species and subspecies of Sri Lankan mammals that offer a cross-sectional time-slice (window) of evolution in progress: 3 of 53 genera (6%), and 22 of 91 species (24%)  are endemic, but incorporating subspecies, the majority 69 of 108 (64%)  Sri Lankan land-living indigenous mammal taxa are diversified as endemics. (Numerical details may change with taxonomic updates, but the pattern is clear.) These unique forms distinguish Sri Lankan mammals from their continental relatives, and contribute to the otherwise strong biogeographic differences within the biodiversity hotspot shared with the Western Ghats. Regardless of the eventual fates of individual subspecies or ESU’s they are repositories of phenotypic and genetic diversity and crucibles for the evolution of new endemic species and genera. Their importance is highlighted by recent taxonomic studies that have identified more than 20% of infra-specific populations as new endemic species.  Such ‘hidden species diversity’ validates not only the policy to conserve the potential for evolutionary processes as manifest by infra-specific diversity, but also, to prioritize the conservation of subspecies over their precise taxonomic definitions. The conservation of biodiversity in practice, therefore, involves firstly the official acknowledgement of the existence and importance of infra-specific diversity, especially in taxa such as primates where it is well expressed; and secondly, the protection of highly threatened natural habitats that constitute the only realistic life-supporting environments for the conservation of Sri Lanka’s diversity in mammals and many other life forms.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v42i2.6606 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 42(2): 1-27, 2013
Changes in plant diversity and composition across forest edges bordered by Austroeupatorium inulifolium invaded grasslands in the Knuckles Conservation Area, Sri Lanka
Authors: Haluwana N , Madawala HMSP
Published: April 2014

Austroeupatorium inulifolium has become a ferocious invader over the years in many ecosystems in the wet zone of Sri Lanka, including the grasslands of the Knuckles Conservation Area (KCA).  Two field studies were conducted to assess the impacts of Austroeupatorium invasion on the diversity and composition of the plant communities.  In the first study, three habitat categories were identified: less-invaded grassland (LIG), highly-invaded grassland (HIG) and the forest-grassland edge (FGE) adjacent to HIG. In the second study, two transects were selected that run across the FGE bordered by less or highly invaded grasslands (FGE-LIG and FGE-HIG).  At each community, 5 linear quadrats (12 m x 3 m) were laid parallel to the FGE at different distances away from the edge to the forest interior and the open grassland.  Each quadrate was further sub-divided into 3 quadrats. Three such transects were studied for each community.  In both studies, the vegetation less than 2 m in height was enumerated.  The stem density and abundance of Austroeupatorium were significantly higher in HIG and FGE compared to LIG.  However, the plant community at FGE was less diverse than that of HIG and LIG.  Tree saplings were observed only in the HIG, suggesting its favourable conditions for their establishment. The abundance of Austroeupatorium was markedly reduced towards the forest interior, suggesting that the FGE acts as a barrier against invasion towards the forest. The tree sapling abundance decreased from the forest interior towards the open grassland but the abundance was higher in transects bordered by HIG than by LIG.  This suggests a facilitative effect on the forest tree regeneration potential under the Austroeupatorium canopy. The invasion may have led to improved micro-climatic and edaphic conditions and may also have facilitated the tree seedling establishment and survival in the forest interior as far as 10 m away from the FGE.  Current findings depict positive impacts of Austroeupatorium-invaded grasslands on the forest regeneration process.   Therefore, it is time to  explore the positive effects of exotic species, especially when they colonize highly degraded landscapes, rather than generalizing that all invasive species cause detrimental impacts on every landscape.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v42i2.6607 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 42(2): 29-43, 2013
Effect of exposure of ultraviolet B radiation on two anuran species, Polypedates cruciger and Duttaphrynus melanostictus under empirical conditions
Authors: Jayawardena Uthpala A , Navaratne Ayanthi N , Amerasinghe Priyanie H , Rajakaruna Rupika S
Published: April 2014

Increase in ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation has been identified as a suspect in amphibian deformities and decline. Eggs of two amphibian species, Polypedates cruciger and Duttaphrynus melanostictus were exposed to UV-B radiation (312 nm) to receive erythemal dose (0.08 relative response) of the action spectra under laboratory conditions. Biologically estimated doses were calculated to match 50% (high), 25% (medium) and 10% (low) of the average daily irradiance given for the Asian region (17.92 × 10-3 Wm-2).  Hatching success of the eggs and survival, growth of tadpoles and development of malformations were recorded until metamorphosis.  Although the exposure had no effect on the hatching success of the eggs of the two species, the survival of tadpoles of both species was significantly reduced compared to the tadpoles coming from unexposed eggs in the control. Tadpoles of both species experienced growth retardations due to UV-B exposure. Exposed individuals were smaller at metamorphosis and they took longer to metamorphose. In addition, malformations such as ulcers, edemas, abnormally pigmented skin were common among the exposed tadpoles.  Species-specific differences in the growth were observed between D. melanostictus and P. cruciger but not in the other measured parameters. This study shows that the two anuran species are highly sensitive to levels of UV-B radiation that is present in their natural environment and suffered both lethal and sub-lethal effects.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v42i2.6608 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 42(2): 45-53, 2013
Floristic Richness and the Conservation Value of Tropical Humid Cloud Forests of Dothalugala Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka
Authors: Ekanayake EMS , Wijesundara DSA , Perera GAD
Published: April 2014

Plant species in Dothalugala Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve were recorded in twenty six 10 x 15 m2 experimental plots, aiming to reveal the total species richness and, the richness of endemic and threatened plant species in the canopy and the understory of Tropical Montane Cloud Forests (TMCFs) and, to find out the impacts of cardamom cultivation on the plant diversity of the study area. One hundred and forty nine plant species (77 tree, 47 shrub, 24 climber and one herbaceous species) belonging to 106 plant genera and 54 plant families have been found from the study area. The study area possesses a high percentage endemicity of plant species (49.6%) with the presence of 74 (38 tree, 29 shrub, 6 climber and one hebaceous) species endemic to Sri Lanka. Similarly, 45 out of all plant species (30.2% species) and 45 out of all endemic species (60.7%) in these forests were either globally or nationally threatened. The endemic and ‘Critically Endangered’ dipterocarp, Stemonoporus affinis was also found in the area. Cardamom cultivation in the area had caused a tremendous reduction in the floristic diversity (species richness) and the conservation value of TMCFs in Dothalugala MAB reserve. Therefore, the cardamom cultivation and other related disturbances within or adjacent to Dothalugala MAB Reserve should be arrested for the conservation of plant diversity in this fragile and environmentally sensitive ecosystem and, this will eventually contribute towards the conservation of biodiversity not only in Sri Lanka but also in the globe as a whole. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v42i2.6609 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 42(2): 55-70, 2013
Emergence of Diverse Microbes on Application of Biofilmed Biofertilizers to a Maize Growing Soil
Authors: Buddhika UVA , Athauda ARWPK , Seneviratne G , Kulasooriya SA , Abayasekara CL
Published: April 2014

Diverse microbial communities in the rhizosphere perform an amazing role in plant growth and productivity. However, conventional agricultural practices such as the use of chemical fertilizer (CF) and tillage have collapsed the diversity of the microbial communities. Direct application of developed fungal-bacterial communities known as biofilmed biofertilizers (BFBFs) to the soil has been introduced recently, and observed to be multi-functional and more effective than conventional biofertilizers. However, the effect of such biofertilizers on soil microbial diversity has not been studied sufficiently world over. Therefore, the current study was carried out to investigate the effects BFBFs on bacterial, cyanobacterial and fungal species in a maize growing soil. A pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions with different fertilizer treatments; 100% chemical fertilizers (CF) recommended for maize, 50% CF, 50% CF + BFBF, and no fertilizer, as the control. Microbial species richness and abundance of bacteria were evaluated after two months of plant growth. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was estimated by using chloroform fumigation-extraction technique. Results showed that the species richness of bacteria, fungi and cyanobacteria, and abundance of bacteria were  higher in 50% CF + BFBF, compared to 50% and 100% CF. This implies that the action of BFBFs tends to break dormancy of microbial seeds in the soil, resulting in emergence of a diverse microbial community, which may support natural biocontrol of pathogens. An interesting observation was the stimulation of an additional microflora of cyanobacteria by the application of BFBF.  MBC levels did not show a significant difference between any of the treatments. We recommend further testing of the BFBFs for increasing microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning and hence sustainability of maize agroecosystems. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v42i2.6612 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 42(2): 87-94, 2013
Preshly Eaten Leafy Vegetables: A Source of Food Borne Pathogens?
Authors: De Silva AGDD , Abayasekara CL , Dissanayake DRA
Published: April 2014

The microbiological quality of selected fresh vegetables; lettuce, cabbage, mukunuwenna, gotukola, and tomato were assessed from different market types in the Kandy district. Fifty samples of each vegetable were tested for viable bacterial count (VBC), Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7, before and after washing using tap water.  The average VBC in unwashed vegetables was 106 cfu/g whereas 10 fold reduction of VBC was achieved as a result of washing three times. S. enterica serotype Enteritidis and S. enterica serotype Typhymurium were isolated in 6% of the samples. In addition L. Monocytogenes was isolated in 2% of the samples investigated. These results reiterate the necessity for awareness among consumers regarding the microbiological quality of fresh vegetables.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v42i2.6613 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 42(2): 95-99, 2013
Leukocyte Protease Binding to Nucleic Acids Promotes Nuclear Localization and Cleavage of Nucleic Acid Binding Proteins
Authors: Thomas Marshall P. , Whangbo Jennifer , McCrossan Geoffrey , Deutsch Aaron J. , Martinod Kimberly , Walch Michael , Lieberman Judy
Published: April 2014

Killer lymphocyte granzyme (Gzm) serine proteases induce apoptosis of pathogen-infected cells and tumor cells. Many known Gzm substrates are nucleic acid binding proteins, and the Gzms accumulate in the target cell nucleus by an unknown mechanism. In this study, we show that human Gzms bind to DNA and RNA with nanomolar affinity. Gzms cleave their substrates most efficiently when both are bound to nucleic acids. RNase treatment of cell lysates reduces Gzm cleavage of RNA binding protein targets, whereas adding RNA to recombinant RNA binding protein substrates increases in vitro cleavage. Binding to nucleic acids also influences Gzm trafficking within target cells. Preincubation with competitor DNA and DNase treatment both reduce Gzm nuclear localization. The Gzms are closely related to neutrophil proteases, including neutrophil elastase (NE) and cathepsin G. During neutrophil activation, NE translocates to the nucleus to initiate DNA extrusion into neutrophil extracellular traps, which bind NE and cathepsin G. These myeloid cell proteases, but not digestive serine proteases, also bind DNA strongly and localize to nuclei and neutrophil extracellular traps in a DNA-dependent manner. Thus, high-affinity nucleic acid binding is a conserved and functionally important property specific to leukocyte serine proteases. Furthermore, nucleic acid binding provides an elegant and simple mechanism to confer specificity of these proteases for cleavage of nucleic acid binding protein substrates that play essential roles in cellular gene expression and cell proliferation.
A Soluble Form of IL-27Rα Is a Natural IL-27 Antagonist
Authors: Dietrich Céline , Candon Sophie , Ruemmele Frank M. , Devergne Odile
Published: April 2014

IL-27 is a cytokine of the IL-12 family that plays a key role in the regulation of inflammatory and T cell responses. Its receptor is composed of IL-27Rα and gp130 and activates the STAT pathway. We show in this study, using an ELISA that we developed, that a naturally occurring soluble form of IL-27Rα (sIL-27Rα) is produced by human activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, myeloid cells, and various cell lines. sIL-27Rα is present at a mean concentration of 10,344 ± 1,274 pg/ml in the sera from healthy individuals. Biochemical studies showed that sIL-27Rα is released as two N-glycosylated variants of ∼90 and ∼70 kDa. In IL-27Rα–transfected COS7 cells, primary cells, and cell lines, production of sIL-27Rα is inhibited by the metalloprotease inhibitors GM6001 and TAPI-0. Importantly, natural sIL-27Rα binds rIL-27, inhibits IL-27 binding to its cell surface receptor, and is a potent inhibitor of IL-27 signaling, as shown by its ability to specifically block IL-27–mediated STAT activation, at low molar excess over IL-27. Also, we found that serum levels of sIL-27Rα were elevated in patients with Crohn’s disease, a Th1-mediated disease. These findings suggest that sIL-27Rα may play important immunoregulatory functions under normal and pathological conditions.
Role of Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase Aminopeptidase in the Pathogenesis of Emphysema
Authors: Paige Mikell , Wang Kan , Burdick Marie , Park Sunhye , Cha Josiah , Jeffery Erin , Sherman Nicholas , Shim Y. Michael
Published: April 2014

The leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) is a bifunctional enzyme with epoxy hydrolase and aminopeptidase activities. We hypothesize that the LTA4H aminopeptidase activity alleviates neutrophilic inflammation, which contributes to cigarette smoke (CS)–induced emphysema by clearing proline-glycine-proline (PGP), a triamino acid chemokine known to induce chemotaxis of neutrophils. To investigate the biological contributions made by the LTA4H aminopeptidase activity in CS-induced emphysema, we exposed wild-type mice to CS over 5 mo while treating them with a vehicle or a pharmaceutical agent (4MDM) that selectively augments the LTA4H aminopeptidase without affecting the bioproduction of leukotriene B4. Emphysematous phenotypes were assessed by premortem lung physiology with a small animal ventilator and by postmortem histologic morphometry. CS exposure acidified the airspaces and induced localization of the LTA4H protein into the nuclei of the epithelial cells. This resulted in accumulation of PGP in the airspaces by suppressing the LTA4H aminopeptidase activity. When the LTA4H aminopeptidase activity was selectively augmented by 4MDM, the levels of PGP in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and infiltration of neutrophils into the lungs were significantly reduced without affecting the levels of leukotriene B4. This protected murine lungs from CS-induced emphysematous alveolar remodeling. In conclusion, CS exposure promotes the development of CS-induced emphysema by suppressing the enzymatic activities of the LTA4H aminopeptidase in lung tissues and accumulating PGP and neutrophils in the airspaces. However, restoring the leukotriene A4 aminopeptidase activity with a pharmaceutical agent protected murine lungs from developing CS-induced emphysema.
Kynurenic Acid Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Wennström Malin , Nielsen Henrietta M , Orhan Funda , Londos Elisabet , Minthon Lennart , Erhardt Sophie
Published: April 2014

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is implicated in cognitive functions. Altered concentrations of the compound are found in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further studies to determine whether KYNA serves as a biomarker for cognitive decline and dementia progression are required. In this study, we measured CSF KYNA levels in AD patients (n = 19), patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) (n = 18), and healthy age-matched controls (Ctrls)) (n = 20) to further explore possible correlations between KYNA levels, cognitive decline, and well-established AD and inflammatory markers. Neither DLB patients nor AD patients showed significantly altered CSF KYNA levels compared to Ctrls. However, female AD patients displayed significantly higher KYNA levels compared to male AD patients, a gender difference not seen in the Ctrl or DLB group. Levels of KYNA significantly correlated with the AD-biomarker P-tau and the inflammation marker soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in the AD patient group. No associations between KYNA and cognitive functions were found. Our study shows that, although KYNA was not associated with cognitive decline in AD or DLB patients, it may be implicated in AD-related hyperphosphorylation of tau and inflammation. Further studies on larger patient cohorts are required to understand the potential role of KYNA in AD and DLB.
Current View of miRNA with Tumor Suppressor Function, Exploring MDS and AML as Models
Authors: Iverson Nicholas , Galili Naomi , Ali Abdullah M. , Raza Azra
Published: April 2014

Since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in 1993, their role in controlling a wide variety of complex and seminal cellular functions through control of gene expression continues to be elucidated. Studies of the past decade have shown that miRNAs are able to activate or suppress target genes that are key players in the molecular pathways found to be deregulated in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The ability of miRNAs to act as tumor suppressor genes has been demonstrated in a number of studies in both human samples and cell lines as well as in murine models of AML and MDS. The focus of this review will be to examine the complex interaction of specific miRNAs with genes that have been implicated in MDS/AML and which may eventually become therapeutically relevant.