Paraguayan Students’ Adaptation to Emergency Remote Education due to COVID-19

In 2020, education underwent significant changes due to COVID-19, requiring all educational stakeholders to adapt to virtual learning to salvage the academic year. This paper examines the experiences of high school and university students during this period. The study was conducted in two phases: the initial weeks of the transition to virtual learning and the final two months of the year. The findings revealed notable transformations in technological access, particularly outside the capital. The use of computers increased, and internet usage grew across all sectors and regions. Communication platforms also experienced widespread adoption. However, students faced various chal-lenges during ICT-mediated learning. Common difficulties included task comprehension, time constraints, and internet connectivity issues. Despite these obstacles, students’ satisfaction with ICT for learning purposes increased by the end of 2020. This indicates their resilience and adaptability in embracing technology to continue their education amidst adversity. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing support and resources to address these challenges, including improving task understanding, allowing sufficient time for completion, and addressing connectivity issues. Moreover, the growing satisfaction observed toward the end of the year suggests the potential for lasting changes in educational practices. It is crucial to capitalize on this transformation and effectively integrate technology into future teaching and learning approaches. By acknowledging the hurdles faced and leveraging the lessons learned, education can be adapted to better meet students’ needs, fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment in an uncertain futur

Model reduction of rotor-foundation systems using the approximate invariant manifold method

This work presents a model reduction method suited for performing nonlinear dynamic analysis of high-dimensional rotor-foundation systems modeled by the finite element method. The approach consists in combining the component mode synthesis (CMS) method with the approximate invariant manifold method (AIMM), and allows the obtention of forced responses through the integration of a single pair of ordinary differential equations. The proposed approach is tested using two examples: a simple and a complex rotor-foundation system. In both cases, the nonlinearity comes from the fluid-film bearings. The results show that the method can provide a significant reduction in numerical cost while still retaining good accuracy when compared to direct time integrations. By means of the proposed method, the nonlinear dynamic analysis of high-dimensional rotor-foundation system becomes a feasible option.</p

Continuous model applied to multi-disk and multi-bearing rotors

This work aims at presenting a modeling approach to solve problems in rotordynamics. The method, named Continuous Segment Method (CSM), is valid for systems with several stepped sections and multiple disks and bearings. The shaft is modeled using 1D beam theory, and takes into account gyroscopic effect, rotary inertia and shear deformation. The disks are modeled as concentrated masses with rotary inertia and the bearings can be anisotropic with either long or short characteristics. Long bearings are modeled as elastic foundations whereas short bearings as point-wise spring–damper systems. The basis of the method consist in solving the eigenvalue problem of the system and use the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues to apply modal analysis to discretize the equations of motions. The eigenvalue problem is solved by, firstly, dividing the domain and obtaining local problems. The solution of these, and the use of continuity conditions, allows the obtention of global eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. The evaluation of the CSM is done by comparing its results with the Finite Element Method (FEM) for three applications that are common in rotordynamics: obtention of natural frequencies and mode shapes, response to unbalance and to nonlinear forces. The comparison with the FEM shows that the CSM can be seen as a promising alternative to model complex rotor systems.</p

Desafíos y oportunidades para los actores educativos ante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Paraguay

The measures implemented in response to COVID-19 have affected education systems around the world, generating significant disruptions. This study examines the main challenges and opportunities presented to the different educational actors in Paraguay considering the health emergency and the need to give continuity to the educational processes in the country from the last week of March until the first days of May 2020. A total of 2501 people participated, including teachers, students, parents of non-university students, and managers from educational institutions at all levels and from all over the country. It follows a mixed-quan-qual explanatory approach and data collection was conducted through online questionnaires. The study showed changes and strategies implemented by educational actors for the development of classes mediated by digital tools. The results reflect challenges related to access to technological resources, training in the use of ICT, and difficulties in carrying out school activities. Among the opportunities mentioned is the possibility of continuing with studies, learning about technology, and transforming the educational system. These show evidence of the need to improve access to technology to guarantee equal educational opportunities in the country.&nbsp;Las medidas implementadas en respuesta a la COVID-19 han afectado enormemente a los sistemas educativos de todo el mundo, generando importantes trastornos. Este estudio examina los principales retos y oportunidades que se presentan a los diferentes actores educativos en Paraguay ante la emergencia sanitaria y la necesidad de dar continuidad a los procesos educativos en el país. Participaron 2501 personas, entre profesores, alumnos, padres de alumnos no universitarios y directivos de instituciones educativas de todos los niveles y de todo el país desde la última semana de marzo hasta los primeros días de mayo de 2020. Sigue un enfoque explicativo cuantificado mixto y la recogida de datos se realizó mediante cuestionarios en línea. El estudio mostró los cambios y las estrategias implementadas por los actores educativos para el desarrollo de clases mediadas por herramientas digitales. Los resultados reflejan retos relacionados principalmente con el acceso a los recursos tecnológicos, la formación en el uso de las TIC y las dificultades para llevar a cabo las actividades escolares. Entre las oportunidades que se mencionan están la posibilidad de continuar con los estudios, el aprendizaje de la tecnología y la transformación del sistema educativo. Esto evidencia la necesidad de mejorar el acceso a la tecnología para garantizar la igualdad de oportunidades educativas en el país.&nbsp

Model reduction of rotor-foundation systems using the approximate invariant manifold method

This work presents a model reduction method suited for performing nonlinear dynamic analysis of high-dimensional rotor-foundation systems modeled by the finite element method. The approach consists in combining the component mode synthesis (CMS) method with the approximate invariant manifold method (AIMM), and allows the obtention of forced responses through the integration of a single pair of ordinary differential equations. The proposed approach is tested using two examples: a simple and a complex rotor-foundation system. In both cases, the nonlinearity comes from the fluid-film bearings. The results show that the method can provide a significant reduction in numerical cost while still retaining good accuracy when compared to direct time integrations. By means of the proposed method, the nonlinear dynamic analysis of high-dimensional rotor-foundation system becomes a feasible option.</p

Bifurcations and limit cycle prediction of rotor systems with fluid-film bearings using center manifold reduction

Many rotating machines utilize a fluid-type bearing. Despite their reliability and high load capacity, these bearings often show instabilities due to the interaction between the fluid media and the rotating shaft. These instabilities, known as oil-whirl and oil-whip, occur due to a Hopf bifurcation; being the parameter the shaft speed. Identifying the type of bifurcation, either sub-critical or super-critical, is an important task to determine the safety of the machines near the instability speed, and it tells whether one experiences oil-whip or oil-whirl. This work presents an approach, based on the center manifold reduction (CMR) method, to obtain limit cycles near Hopf bifurcations of rotors supported on fluid-film bearings. The basis of the method is the obtention of the center manifold of the system, which allows one to assess the type of bifurcation at hand. To obtain the center manifold, the parameterization method for invariant manifolds is used, which is a powerful tool to obtain invariant manifolds of high-dimensional dynamical systems. The proposed method is evaluated by comparing its results with an open-source numerical continuation package (MATCONT) in two systems: a simple and a realistic rotor system. The results show that the CMR, together with the parameterization method, can be used reliably to learn if the rotor system presents sub- or super-critical bifurcations, to perform parametric studies with different bearing properties, and also to predict the amplitude of the limit cycles.</p

Humide areas in Paraguay: description of vegetation

The humid areas in Paraguay have been poorly studied, and in some of them only sporadic collections have been performed in order to explore both their fauna and flora. The best studied zones in this regard have been the surroundings of the Ypacaraí lake as well as the swamps of the humid Chaco, which are the main subjects in this work

As relações entre produtores rurais e empresas no mercado da soja no Paraguai

Anais do V Encontro de Iniciação Científica e I Encontro Anual de Iniciação ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e Inovação – EICTI 2016 - 05 e 07 de outubro de 2016 – Sessão Ciências HumanasAo longo dos anos, a soja se tornou “la columna vertebral del agronegocio en Paraguay” (Rojas Villagra, 2009), sendo o maior cultivo em termos de valor bruto da produção, exportações e superfície (MAG, 2010). Enquanto que em 1995 o grão dominava 28,3% da área cultivada, 5,6% do PIB (Produto Interno Bruto) e aproximadamente 20% das exportações totais (Fogel e Riquelme, 2005; OEA, 2009), em 2011 ele passou a ocupar 72% das terras aráveis do país e a responder por 9,7% do PIB nacional e por 42% das exportações totais (Faostat, 2015; CIP, 2013). Não obstante a importância deste grão no país, poucos estudos e pesquisas tem se focado em uma análise sobre o “funcionamento do mercado” da soja e pouco se sabe sobre que atores estão vinculados nesta cadeia produtiva e que relações são estabelecidas entre eles. Assim sendo, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar e compreender as lógicas envolvidas na expansão da soja no Paraguai e as relações construída entre os atores envolvidos nesta cadeia produtiva (sobretudo empresas e produtores rurais)

La mujer Aché y el cesto: Una aproximación antropológica.

Entre los nueve y diez años, la niña Aché recibe de su madre una miniatura de cesto, cuya confección acompaña atentamente. Nada transporta, sin dudas, pero el gesto gratuito de su marcha (con la cabeza agachada y el cuello extendido, en esa anticipación de su esfuerzo futuro) la prepara para su destino próximo. Pues la aparición, alrededor de los doce o trece años, de la primera menstruación y el ritual que anuncia la llegada de su feminidad hacen de la joven virgen una daré, una mujer que será luego esposa de un cazador. Como primera tarea de su nuevo estado, y marca de su condición definitiva, fabrica su propio cesto

La Intervención Profesional del Trabajador Social en la Educación Especial de Niños y Adolecente

Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso apresentado ao Instituto Latino-Americano de Economia Sociedade e Política da Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana, como requisito parcial à obtenção do título de Bacharel em Serviço Social.El objetivo del estudio es tratar la intervención del profesional de trabajo social en la educación especial, evidenciando los límites y posibilidades, presentando información sobre la educación, leyes que dan garantía a este derecho que pertenece a todo ciudadano; presentar un breve histórico del trabajo social en la educación especial y abordar estudios que presentan las limitaciones y potencialidades de las intervenciones profesionales. Se justifica destacar que la educación también es un derecho que le pertenece a las personas con discapacidad, cómo cualquier otro ciudadano. Luego la pregunta problema de la pesquisa es: ¿Cuáles son los límites y posibilidades de la intervención del profesional de educación especial? Por tanto, se realizó una investigación cualitativa, por una revisión bibliográfica e investigación documental, con la consulta de fuentes primarias en sitios web gubernamentales. Los instrumentos para la recolección de datos ocurrieron a través de los sitios de búsqueda “Google Académico”, “Scientific Electronic Library Online” (Scielo). Se considera que las limitaciones están completamente conectadas a las políticas públicas, necesitando de una organización política educativa y una escuela de calidad comprometida con una educación emancipadora. Entretanto, las potencialidades de los profesionales están en la promoción de la democracia, equidad, libertad, defensa del trabajo, derechos humanos social y humana