SPH simulations of the chemical evolution of bulges

We have implemented a chemical evolution model on the parallel AP3M+SPH DEVA code which we use to perform high resolution simulations of spiral galaxy formation. It includes feedback by SNII and SNIa using the Qij matrix formalism. We also include a diffusion mechanism that spreads newly introduced metals. The gas cooling rate depends on its specific composition. We study the stellar populations of the resulting bulges finding a potential scenario where they seem to be composed of two populations: an old, metal poor, $\alpha$-enriched population, formed in a multiclump scenario at the beginning of the simulation and a younger one, formed by slow accretion of satellites or gas, possibly from the disk due to instabilities.Comment: 2 pages, 3 figures. Proceedings of IAUS 245 "Formation and Evolution of Galaxy Bulges

Distribution, abundance and biomass of Polychaeta in the north coast of Gorgan Bay

The biomass, distribution and ecological index of Polychaeta in the north coast of Gorgan Bay was assessed during spring to winter 2004. Sampling of benthic organisms was also conducted seasonally. Polychaeta species such as Hypniola annenicova (Ampharetidae) and Streblosplo gynobranchiata (Spionidae) belonging to sessil polychaetes and Nereis diversicolor (Nereidae) belonging to mobile Polychaeta were distinguished. The maximum and minimum biomass was 4489.77±712.13 and 4150~c246.37mg/m^ (2) in summer and winter respectively which showed a uniform distribution in all depths. Results indicated no difference in diversity and evenness index in depths and seasons during the year. The highest prevalence and richness of Polychaeta diversity were observed in summer especially in waters one meter deep

A 3D serious game for dental learning in higher education

Natural User Interfaces and advanced displays can be combined to provide rich learning experiences. In this paper, we present the development and validation of a serious game that combines autostereoscopy and Natural User Interfaces for dental learning in higher education. The game includes two modes: neutral and real-world background. A comparative study to check different aspects was carried out. A total of 33 dentistry students participated in the study. From the results, the students increased significantly their knowledge about teeth morphology. Most of the students preferred the neutral background for dental learning. The real-world background was identified as being more suitable for leisure activities

AVOCADO: A Virtual Observatory Census to Address Dwarfs Origins

Dwarf galaxies are by far the most abundant of all galaxy types, yet their properties are still poorly understood -especially due to the observational challenge that their intrinsic faintness represents. AVOCADO aims at establishing firm conclusions on their formation and evolution by constructing a homogeneous, multiwavelength dataset for a statistically significant sample of several thousand nearby dwarfs (-18 < Mi < -14). Using public data and Virtual Observatory tools, we have built GALEX+SDSS+2MASS spectral energy distributions that are fitted by a library of single stellar population models. Star formation rates, stellar masses, ages and metallicities are further complemented with structural parameters that can be used to classify them morphologically. This unique dataset, coupled with a detailed characterization of each dwar's environment, allows for a fully comprehensive investigation of their origins and to track the (potential) evolutionary paths between the different dwarf types.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure. To appear in the proceedings of IAU Symposium 277, "Tracing the Ancestry of Galaxies on the Land of our Ancestors", Carignan, Freeman, and Combes, ed

INTEGRATION OF SURVEYING TECHNIQUES TO DETECT THE IDEAL SHAPE OF A DOME: THE CASE OF THE ESCUELAS PÍAS CHURCH IN VALENCIA

Abstract. The three-dimensional (3D) documentation and surveying of cultural heritage can be carried out following several geomatics techniques such as laser scanning and thermography in order to detect the original 3D shape after applying reverse engineering solutions. In almost all cases, the integration of data collected by different instruments is needed to achieve a successful and comprehensive 3D model of the as-built architectural shape of the historical building. This paper describes the operations carried out by the authors to determine the as-built 3D model of the Escuelas Pias Church, related namely to the dome and circular nave. After the description of the church and historical notes, attention will be driven to the indirect registration results obtained with three different laser scanning software packages, highlighting similarities and differences, and the consequences while generating meshes. The 3D model carried out will then be described and the results of some investigations with regard to the hypotheses about the design of the dome and the origin of the alterations will be presented.</p

SLAM-based augmented reality for the assessment of short-Term spatial memory. A comparative study of visual versus tactile stimuli

The assessment of human spatial short-Term memory has mainly been performed using visual stimuli and less frequently using auditory stimuli. This paper presents a framework for the development of SLAM-based Augmented Reality applications for the assessment of spatial memory. An AR mobile application was developed for this type of assessment involving visual and tactile stimuli by using our framework. The task to be carried out with the AR application is divided into two phases: 1) a learning phase, in which participants physically walk around a room and have to remember the location of simple geometrical shapes; and 2) an evaluation phase, in which the participants are asked to recall the location of the shapes. A study for comparing the performance outcomes using visual and tactile stimuli was carried out. Fifty-Three participants performed the task using the two conditions (Tactile vs Visual), but with more than two months of difference (within-subject design). The number of shapes placed correctly was similar for both conditions. However, the group that used the tactile stimulus spent significantly more time completing the task and required significantly more attempts. The performance outcomes were independent of gender. Some significant correlations among variables related to the performance outcomes and other tests were found. The following significant correlations among variables related to the performance outcomes using visual stimuli and the participants subjective variables were also found: 1) the greater the number of correctly placed shapes, the greater the perceived competence; 2) the more attempts required, the less the perceived competence. We also found that perceived enjoyment was higher when a higher sense of presence was induced. Our results suggest that tactile stimuli are valid stimuli to exploit for the assessment of the ability to memorize spatial-Tactile associations, but that the ability to memorize spatial-visual associations is dominant. Our results also show that gender does not affect these types of memory tasks