Heteronormative beliefs and the impact on self-acceptance and disclosure of male homosexuality in Portugal and Turkey

Several studies have shown that heteronormative contexts are detrimental to the process of sexual identity development of non-heterosexuals. However, research examining how internalizing heteronormativity can affect the coming-out process of gay individuals is still scarce. Therefore, we argue that that internalization of heteronormativity and homonegativity (sexual prejudice against homosexuality) could have crucial roles in the coming-out process. Thus, the present study focuses on how socially imposed heteronormative beliefs are associated with the coming-out process, specifically with the selfacceptance and disclosure of homosexuality among gay men, and if this association is mediated by homonegativity. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study with 396 men that are romantically/sexually attracted to other men living in Portugal (n = 247; Mage = 28.10, SD = 9.94) and Turkey (n = 149; Mage = 24.80, SD = 7.73). Results confirmed the hypothesized model. Indeed, greater heteronormative beliefs were associated with lower levels of selfacceptance and disclosure of homosexuality, and this association was partially mediated by homonegativity levels. Furthermore, results showed that this mediation differed depending on the country. For the Portuguese sample, the association between heteronormative beliefs and self-acceptance and disclosure was weaker than in the Turkish sample, but the overall mediation through homonegativity was stronger. These findings showed that the internalization of heteronormative beliefs plays an important role in the coming-out process of gay men. Overall, this research makes innovating contributions to the existing literature on gay identity development, gay-affirmative psychology, and LGBTI+ activismEducation, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency Erasmus Mundus Scholarshi

Music as Medicine: Supporting NASA’s Advancement into Long-Duration Space Missions

Abstract Considering that a new era for space exploration has begun, space scientists and engineers have devoted their time to develop the capabilities needed to send humans abroad into extended forays in space. Individuals who are subjected to these hostile environments experience various aspects of social isolation and confinement. The stress induced by living under these environmental conditions has been shown to cause changes in brain structures that negatively impact mood cognitive performance. However, it has been found that musical training can positively impact the structural and functional organization of the human brain, thus improving the mood and cognitive performance of individuals. The present study proposes to investigate the effects of musical training on 12 individuals who will spend 9-months in a space analog facility in Antarctica. Mood questionnaires and cognitive tests will be used to assess distinct changes as a response to the environment. The findings of this study will presumably support the idea that musical training prevents cognitive decline and improves psychological health under conditions of isolation and confinement. What researchers learn from this study will potentially help astronauts prepare for longer, farther exploration missions, and will also contribute insight with regard to mitigating the effects of prolonged social isolation and confinement on other members of our population

Experiências de realidade aumentada móvel para o Jardim Botânico Tropical

Trabalho de projeto de mestrado, Engenharia Informática (Sistemas de Informação) Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2020O Jardim Botânico Tropical (JBT) da Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), anteriormente designado por Jardim do Ultramar, localizado na cidade de Lisboa, em Belém, está classificado como Monumento Nacional e possui um património vegetal especializado em flora tropical e subtropical. Nele existem mais de 500 espécies provenientes dos vários continentes à semelhança do que já acontece em outros jardins botânicos, foi criada uma aplicação móvel, para o sistema operativo Android (App JBT), com o objetivo de apoiar e melhorar a experiência dos visitantes do JBT. Os visitantes têm à sua escolha um conjunto de percursos e pontos de interesse que poderão explorar, aprender e ficar assim a conhecer o jardim: a sua flora, fauna e história. As características atuais dos dispositivos m´oveis permitem desenvolver aplicações com recurso à realidade aumentada, combinando conteúdos digitais (gráficos, imagens, vídeos ou texto) sobre imagens reais (capturadas através da câmara do dispositivo), de modo a acrescentar informação útil para o utilizador. Este projeto teve como objetivo criar experiências de realidade aumentada móvel e multimédia, para a App JBT, associadas aos pontos de interesse do JBT, visando mostrar aos visitantes aquilo que podem não conseguir observar no jardim ou informação que mude, melhore e transforme as suas visitas. As experiências incidem sobre as espécies vegetais, animais e património arquitetónico e histórico existentes no jardim.The Tropical Botanical Garden (JBT) of the University of Lisbon (ULisboa), formerly known as Jardim do Ultramar, located in the city of Lisbon, in Bel´em, is classified as a National Monument and has a plant heritage specialized in tropical and subtropical flora. There are over 500 species from different continents. As in other botanical gardens, a mobile application was created for the Android operating system (JBT App), with the aim of supporting and improving the experience of JBT visitors. Visitors have a choice of routes and points of interest to explore, learn and get to know the garden: its flora, fauna and history. The current characteristics of mobile devices allow the development of applications using augmented reality, combining digital content (graphics, images, videos or text) with real images (captured through the device’s camera), in order to add useful information for the user. This project aimed to create mobile and multimedia augmented reality experiences for the JBT App, associated with JBT’s points of interest, aiming to show visitors what they may not be able to observe in the garden or information that changes, improves and transforms their visits. The experiences focus on plant, animal and architectural and historical heritage in the garden

The Senegalese Sole Mx gene promoter contains a variable microsatellite region involved in the transcriptional

Interferons (IFNs) play a key role against viral infections by stimulating the expression of IFN stimulated genes, such as Mx. The transcriptional regulation of these genes in fish are poorly understood. The sequencing of the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) Mx gene promoter revealed the presence of a guanosine-citosine rich region that contains a microsatellite, sited close to the translation start codon. The aim of the current study has been to determine the functional role of this region and to study its variability.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Operaciones básicas de números racionales aplicados en el planteamiento y resolución de problemas de ciencias en los grados sexto y séptimo de la Institución Educativa Virgen del Carmen

Resumen Este trabajo final plantea la resolución de problemas matemáticos aplicando operaciones básicas con números racionales en los contextos de las ciencias naturales, mediante la cual el docente reconoce en los estudiantes los errores, los preconceptos y el uso de números racionales en el entorno local. Busca orientar a los estudiantes hacia la adquisición del conocimiento interdisciplinar en temas específicos de operaciones con números racionales y procesos físico-químicos del contenido programático de los grados sexto y séptimo del currículo elaborado por los docentes de la Institución Educativa Virgen del Carmen del corregimiento de Azúcar Buena de Valledupar. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se diseña una secuencia de problemas, los cuales con la orientación del docente pretenden mejorar en los estudiantes las competencias interpretativas, argumentativas y propositivas Palabras claves: Resolución de problemas, números racionales, interdisciplinariedad y contexto.Abstract: This final work proposes solving mathematical problems by applying basic operations with rational numbers in the Natural Sciences contexts, through which the teacher recognizes in the students the errors, the preconceptions and the use of rational numbers in the local environment. It seeks to guide students towards the acquisition of interdisciplinary knowledge on specific issues of operations with rational numbers and physical-chemical processes of the program content of the sixth and seventh grades of the curriculum prepared by the teachers of the Educational Institution Virgen del Carmen of the district of Azúcar Buena of Valledupar. To achieve this goal, a sequence of problems is designed, which with the guidance of the teacher aim to improve students' interpretive, argumentative and proactive competences. Keywords: Problem solving, rational numbers, interdisciplinary and context.Maestrí

Constructive Analysis of Maya Vaulted Architecture from Photogrammetric Survey

[EN] Studying Maya architecture from a constructive perspective reveals new insights into the ancient building techniques and processes. Gaining deep knowledge of these structures is key to assessing the current conservation state of the buildings and to designing strategies for the excavation and preservation of this heritage. In order to study the Maya vault system, considering its regional variants and technical development over time, we performed field data collections at 48 Maya Lowlands archaeological sites with the aim of documenting and comparing constructive techniques from different areas and chronological periods. Surveying some of these buildings with digital photogrammetry made it possible to obtain geometrically accurate models with a high-quality texture that were used to measure, analyze and compare the features of the vaults in detail. The main advantage of this survey methodology is that it permits to achieve a high amount of information with affordable instruments. From the models obtained, a thorough analysis of stonemasonry techniques, stereotomy solutions and building processes was carried out, considering their implications for the stability and conservation of the structures. This paper presents the survey methodology used and an example of the constructive analysis of a vaulted building from a photogrammetric model.This work was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Aid Program for pre-doc contracts for training of doctors (ref. BES-2015-071296); by the Universitat Politècnica de València through the Research and Development Grants Program (PAID-01-17) and by Generalitat Valenciana through the Santiago Grisolía grants Program (GRISOLIAP/2018/139). The study is part of the research project Arquitectura Maya: Sistemas Constructivos, Estética Formal, Simbolismo y Nuevas Tecnologías (PGC2018-098904-B-C21- AR), funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.Gilabert Sansalvador, L.; Montuori, R.; Rosado-Torres, AL. (2020). Constructive Analysis of Maya Vaulted Architecture from Photogrammetric Survey. International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences (Online). 44:357-363. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLIV-M-1-2020-357-2020S3573634

3D Printing for Dissemination of Maya Architectural Heritage: The Acropolis of La Blanca (Guatemala)

[EN] This paper focuses on the use of 3D printing as a tool for the dissemination of Maya architectural heritage. The case study is the Acropolis of La Blanca, the main complex of this archaeological site located in the Peten department, Guatemala. One of the objectives of La Blanca Project was to create a model of the Acropolis as part of the strategy for dissemination and as a didactical resource for the Visitor Center. The documentation of this architectural complex with digital survey techniques allowed to obtain a high-fidelity model of the Acropolis¿ buildings. In order to achieve this goal, it was necessary to develop a methodology for the reverse modelling of the Acropolis, starting from the data obtained by laser scanning. We developed a workflow to create a virtual replica of the Acropolis optimized for 3D printing. This model was first printed in 17 parts by using the FDM technology. Then, it was transported to Guatemala and, finally, it was reassembled and placed at the Visitor Center. Today, this physical replica of the Acropolis is an important resource that allows the visitors to have a complete view of the main complex of the site, which is not easy in the Guatemalan jungle. It also provides an exclusive view of some parts of the Acropolis, already studied by researchers and now protected with a soil layer to ensure their preservation. Moreover, it is a useful resource for supporting dissemination and also serves as a teaching resource for student visitors.This work was funded by the Universitat Politècnica de València through the Research and Development Grants Program (PAID-01-17); by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Aid Program for predoc contracts for the training of doctors (ref. BES-2015- 071296) and by Generalitat Valenciana through the Santiago Grisolía grants Program (GRISOLIAP/2018/139). This study is also part of the research project Arquitectura Maya: Sistemas Constructivos, Estética Formal, Simbolismo y Nuevas Tecnologías (PGC2018-098904-B-C21-AR), funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.Montuori, R.; Gilabert Sansalvador, L.; Rosado-Torres, AL. (2020). 3D Printing for Dissemination of Maya Architectural Heritage: The Acropolis of La Blanca (Guatemala). International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences (Online). 44:481-488. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLIV-M-1-2020-481-2020S4814884

Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) ISG15: molecular characterization and in vivo interplay with viral infections

The interferon-stimulated gene 15 (Isg15) is strongly induced by type I interferon (IFN I), viral infection, and double-stranded RNA (poly I:C) in several fish species, suggesting that Isg15 protein could play a key role in fish innate immunity against viral diseases. Thus, the aim of the present study was to characterize the molecular structure and transcription pattern of the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) Isg15 gene in response to viral infections. The molecular characterization shows that the Senegalese sole Isg15 gene codes for a typical Isg15 protein of 165 aa, containing two ubiquitin-like domains and one conserved LRLRGG conjugating motif at the C-terminal end. The untranslated 5´-end region exhibited the structure of an IFN-stimulated gene promoter, with two interferon stimulated response elements (ISRE). Pairwise alignments based on deduced amino acid sequences showed homologous relationships (72.5-74.2%) between the Isg15 of Senegalese sole and other pleuronectiforms. The Isg15 transcription has been studied in head kidneys of Senegalese sole inoculated with poly I:C and with different fish viruses: two Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (VHSV) isolates (highly pathogenic and non-pathogenic to sole), and one reassortant Viral Nervous Necrosis Virus (VNNV) isolate, composed of a RGNNV-type RNA1 and a SJNNV-type RNA2 (pathogenic to sole). These challenges showed that poly I:C induces Isg15 transcription from 3 to 72 h post-injection (p.i.), whereas the induction in response to viral infections started at 24-48 h p.i. The fast induction of Isg15 indicates the potential implication of this ISG in the antiviral state stablished by the IFN I system. On the other hand, the interaction between each virus and the IFN I system was evaluated in fish inoculated with poly I:C and subsequently (24 h later) challenged with the different viruses. This challenge showed a viral multiplication decrease in poly I:C treated animals compared with untreated fish. Besides, results showed that only both pathogenic isolates interfered negatively with the Isg15 stimulation triggered by poly I:C. These results suggest that the Isg15 might play an important role in host defense against RNA virus infection, and the pathogenic isolates used in this study may have mechanisms to evade or limit the Senegalese sole innate host defenses.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech