La arquitectura desde el lugar

Visto el poco tiempo disponible para dar una explicación de las obras de arquitectura en Colombia, leeré este corto texto sobre las motivaciones de las propuestas arquitectónicas, uso de materiales, el redescubrimiento del patio y los espacios abiertos y característicos que utilizo en la arquitectura, el agua, las transparencias, la luminosidad de la región andina…, aspectos que explicaré en la proyección.Peer Reviewe

El Uso de la Lengua Materna en el Salón de la Clase de Inglés: Un Apoyo para la Adquisición de una Segunda Lengua

This action research project was carried out in order to identify the role of first language in the second-language classroom. This study was conducted in a Colombian international school with an English immersion program for kindergarten students attending their first year of school. The purpose of this study was to identify if the use of the mother tongue in the classroom increases comprehension and facilitates the second language acquisition process. Two lesson plans were designed: the first one using only English as the language of instruction, and the second one using both languages, Spanish and English. The results demonstrate that students do benefit from the use of the first language in the classroom, transferring concepts from their mother tongue to the new language.Esta investigación acción fue desarrollada con el fin de identificar el rol de la primera lengua en el salón de clase con un programa de inmersión a la segunda lengua. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en un colegio internacional colombiano caracterizado por su programa bilingüe de inmersión al inglés. El objetivo de esta investigación era identificar si el uso de la lengua materna en el salón de clase aumenta la comprensión y facilita así el proceso de adquisición de la segunda lengua. Para desarrollar esta investigación, se desarrollaron dos planeadores de clase: el primero usando inglés únicamente durante la instrucción y el desarrollo de la actividad, y el segundo alternando entre español e inglés durante la instrucción y el desarrollo de la actividad. Los resultados demuestran que los estudiantes sí se benefician del uso de la primera lengua puesto que pueden transferir conceptos de su lengua materna al nuevo idioma

Sustainability and Technology Diffusion in Small, Isolated Communities in the Developing World: an Applied Ethnographic Study

Developing countries have placed information and communication technologies (ICTs) high on their national development agenda. The assumed model has been one in which ICTs are the means to deliver an information society, which is itself a means to economic and social development. Anthropologists theorize that small, isolated communities with limited local expertise innovate and adopt more sophisticated technologies as a reaction to perceived survival risk and to enable risk-buffering. We view the adoption and evolution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in remote communities in the developing world as a continuation of this anthropologic process. In our Research-in-Progress paper, we describe how we plan to use Applied Ethnography to produce a more granular understanding of the complex social, cultural and political dynamics that constrain or enable ICT interventions within small remote communities in the developing world. We will add to the body of knowledge by investigating how individual’s attitudes towards technology are influenced by their prior experience of high profile ICT projects such as One Laptop per Child. Our results will inform the discipline and provide avenues for future research

Improving Research Practices through User Insights of Qualitative and Mixed Methods Data Analysis Technology

This study examined current social science qualitative and mixed methods research practices in the adoption and use of data management and analysis technology with three questions: 1) who uses technology for qualitative and mixed methods data analysis? 2) what can be learned by knowing who these researchers are? and, 3) how might current perceptions inform improvements in future research practices? A mixed methods design encompassed a two-stage process for data gathering. A select group of international experts in the use of technology were recruited. Feedback from the experts informed the refinement of a survey instrument which was distributed to participants representing 29 countries (n=355). Results from the study identified a critical need for the combination of greater technological and methodological support from universities. Such support and advanced research training can enhance our understandings that technological confidence should not be confused with methodological competence. This call for improved methodological training in the appropriate use of digital tools in turn will benefit educational research quality and the teaching of higher education research

Ginkgolide B inhibits the neurotoxicity of prions or amyloid-β(1-42)

BACKGROUND: Neuronal loss in Alzheimer's or prion diseases is preceded by the accumulation of fibrillar aggregates of toxic proteins (amyloid-β(1-42 )or the prion protein). Since some epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the EGb 761 extract, from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, has a beneficial effect on Alzheimer's disease, the effect of some of the major components of the EGb 761 extract on neuronal responses to amyloid-β(1-42), or to a synthetic miniprion (sPrP106), were investigated. METHODS: Components of the EGb 761 extract were tested in 2 models of neurodegeneration. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were pre-treated with ginkgolides A or B, quercetin or myricetin, and incubated with amyloid-β(1-42), sPrP106, or other neurotoxins. After 24 hours neuronal survival and the production of prostaglandin E(2 )that is closely associated with neuronal death was measured. In primary cortical neurons apoptosis (caspase-3) in response to amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106 was measured, and in co-cultures the effects of the ginkgolides on the killing of amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106 damaged neurons by microglia was tested. RESULTS: Neurons treated with ginkgolides A or B were resistant to amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106. Ginkgolide-treated cells were also resistant to platelet activating factor or arachidonic acid, but remained susceptible to hydrogen peroxide or staurosporine. The ginkgolides reduced the production of prostaglandin E(2 )in response to amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106. In primary cortical neurons, the ginkgolides reduced caspase-3 responses to amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106, and in co-culture studies the ginkgolides reduced the killing of amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106 damaged neurons by microglia. CONCLUSION: Nanomolar concentrations of the ginkgolides protect neurons against the otherwise toxic effects of amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106. The ginkgolides also prevented the neurotoxicity of platelet activating factor and reduced the production of prostaglandin E(2 )in response to platelet activating factor, amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106. These results are compatible with prior reports that ginkgolides inhibit platelet-activating factor, and that platelet-activating factor antagonists block the toxicity of amyloid-β(1-42 )or sPrP106. The results presented here suggest that platelet-activating factor antagonists such as the ginkgolides may be relevant treatments for prion or Alzheimer's diseases

Students and Social Networking Sites: A Model of Inappropriate Posting

Social networking sites have become one of the most widely used social media applications, especially among college students. Unfortunately, students often post content on these sites which could be viewed as inappropriate. This is especially true when considering that employers now use social networking sites to perform background checks on job candidates. Although research has shown that students are aware employers may be viewing their profiles, they continue to post inappropriate content despite the possible negative consequences. This “posting paradox” needs to be examined so we can better understand the factors behind the phenomenon. Towards that goal, this paper draws on existing research to propose a new model of inappropriate posting. The model describes how time to graduation, online image concern, privacy concern, and trust in technology affect a student’s decision to post inappropriate content. After developing the model, the paper ends with a discussion of areas for future research

Application of statistical analysis to estimate the costal hazard. A case study in Liguria region

Liguria Region is totally exposed to the action of the sea storms and too the natural evolution of the profile of the shoreline. The modification along the time of the shape of the shoreface is measured from the official administrative and technical offices of the Liguria Region and Italian Environmental Ministry, this information is available in shape format starting from 1944. The phenomenon of coastal flood produces a direct damage represented by the loss of soil and an indirect damage correlated to the impact on tourism activity, social aspects, and damage to heritage buildings. In recent years another type of damage source must be considered, and this is the phenomenon of the increasing of the mean sea water level, known as Sea Level Rise (SLR). It is necessary to introduce this phenomenon in the hazard analysis and this is a direct and known consequence of the climate change. Results from the hazard index encompass both the relative magnitude of erosion and/or coastal flooding, and the probability that these hazards may occur based on the distribution of the index using different scenarios. The paper analyzes a Liguria case study in which the effects of SLR is particularly critical in terms of heritage and economic and social activities hazar

Le rébus au fond du labyrinthe

La perception de l’archéologie : un champ inexploré Comment les Français se représentent-ils l’archéologie, ses modalités, ses finalités et le corpus de connaissance qu’elle produit ? On dispose de rares données pour répondre à cette question : peu d’études abordent ce sujet et les responsables culturels sont semblables à des visiteurs laissés sans accompagnement sur un chantier de fouille et confrontés à un rébus d’indices indéchiffrables, au sein d’un labyrinthe de vestiges monumentaux illi..

Estación de tratamiento de lodos - Orly (Francia)

The article describes the main problems facing the authors of the design, and the manner in which they have overcome them. The main feautures of the Station are — reception of mud from decantation plants, and preliminary concentration; — recuperation of alumina sulphate, by acid treatment, and decantation of acidified muds, and — treatment of muds with neutralizing agents and filtration in vacuum. Although It is too early to be certain, It appears the results so far obtained In this plant, perhaps unique in the world, are highly promising and indicate a positive development In the future.El artículo explica los problemas principales que se les han planteado a los autores del proyecto y cómo han tratado de resolverlos: - recepción de lodos procedentes de los decantadores y concentración preliminar; - recuperación del sulfato de alúmina por tratamiento al ácido con decantación de lodos acidificados; - tratamiento de lodos con neutralización y filtración en vacio. Aunque todavía es pronto, parece ser que los resultados obtenidos en esta instalación —tal vez la única del mundo— son muy alentadores y marcan un interesante camino a seguir