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

Comment soutenir, à domicile, la qualité de vie des personnes agées atteintes de perte visuelle ? [Ressource électronique]: une revue de littérature

epuis de nombreuses années, l’espérance de vie des Hommes ne cesse de croître. Ainsi, la Suisse et le monde entier sont confrontés à une population vieillissante et le phénomène n’est apparemment pas prêt à ralentir. Une conséquence à cela est l’augmentation du nombre de personnes âgées vivant avec une déficience, dans les sociétés. Une des affections fréquemment rencontrées chez la population âgée est la diminution de l’acuité visuelle, dont les impacts influencent négativement la qualité de vie sur les plans fonctionnel, social et psychologique. Par l’élaboration de cette revue de littérature, nous cherchons à identifier, au niveau infirmier, les besoins des personnes touchées pour faciliter leur quotidien et soutenir leur qualité de vie à domicile. L’approche centrée sur la personne et le concept de qualité de vie vont principalement guider nos intentions

Wage Boards and Labor Revitalization: U.S. Aspirations and Uruguayan Realities*

State-supported sectoral bargaining through wage boards is gaining traction among some U.S. reformers interested in revitalizing unions, collective bargaining, and labor law. New York has become a celebrated case, but the recent experience there left some activists disappointed. Theoretically, revitalization through wage boards is also complicated. Labor law doctrine, which favors labor union autonomy from the state, might endorse state-created wage boards, but only in a qualified manner. Moreover, reformers consider union membership growth to be important for labor revitalization. And yet, empirical studies have shown that sectoral bargaining has an indeterminate impact on union membership. Given New York\u27s uneven results, and theoretical qualifications and indeterminacies, this article presents Uruguay as an exploratory study of wage boards to understand what we could learn from the South American country. This article describes how Uruguay\u27s wage councils, convened in various periods since 1943, revitalized labor unions in the South American country. However, specific economic, institutional, and political conditions facilitated the success of the wage councils, pointing at the socio-historical specificities needed for successful wage board strategies. In that light, this article concludes with hypotheses on the possibility of wage board success in the United States and issues for further research to better comprehend the promise of sectoral bargaining through wage boards

Ferramentas tecnológicas inovadoras para o uso na formação

Tese de mestrado, Engenharia Informática, 2022, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de CiênciasO Sistema Integrado de Informação e Gestão da Oferta Educativa e Formativa (SIGO) é indicado como a plataforma de registo das ações de formação desenvolvidas no âmbito do Catálogo Nacional de Qualificações (CNQ), nos termos previstos no ponto 2 do art.º 11º e art.º 16ª dos citados diplomas. A Plataforma SIGO não permite a gestão integrada de uma ação de formação, nomeadamente: o levantamento de necessidades formativas, atividade dos formadores, registo de assiduidade para pagamento aos intervenientes, determinação de volumes de formação, elaboração de contratos, gestão de horários, exportação do dossier técnico-pedagógico (DTP) que é obrigatório para todas as ações conforme o previsto no referencial de qualidade da certificação e deveres de entidade formadora certificada. A AlentApp lda. é uma empresa portuguesa sediada no Alentejo e concilia o Mundo das Tecnologias de Informação com a Formação e com a Transformação Digital, empresa esta de que faço parte como desenvolvedora de software, e na qual o trabalho de tese está inserido. O CEO da AlentApp é também um consultor privilegiado do serviço de formação profissional de Évora, no que diz respeito às ações de formação na áreas tecnológicas. Mesmo nesta organização, que é uma das principais entidades formadoras do país, existe uma lacuna na gestão da informação, apesar de existir uma plataforma própria da gestão da formação que permite estabelecer API’s de comunicação privilegiadas com o SIGO e com a Segurança Social (SS). Esta plataforma mencionada anteriormente apresenta algumas lacunas, não permite a gestão de todos os componentes relacionados com os formadores, horários, salas, entre outros. Daí nasceu uma parceria desenvolvida com a AlentApp, que tem em perspetiva criar uma ferramenta onde passe a ser possível uma gestão global de um projeto formativo. Pretende-se desenvolver uma plataforma integrada de gestão da formação que permita agilizar essa função numa perspetiva rentabilizar os esforços necessários para responder à exigências impostas pelos intervenientes internos (formandos e formadores), assim como aos diversos organismos estatais que detêm competências de acompanhamento da atividade ou de financiamento. Esta solução irá permitir uma centralização, à muito desejada, da informação e também uma redução drástica do uso de papel em ambas as entidades, serviço de formação profissional de Évora e AlentApp. Todos os documentos referentes a uma ação (inscrições, registos, formadores, avaliações, pagamentos, etc) tinham que ser compilados em dossieres e armazenados para futuras consultas (histórico), com o desenvolvimento desta ferramenta a impressão de papel será reduzida para mais de metade, ou seja, a informação fica para histórico e consulta digital, tornando o processo da formação mais tecnológico e sustentável.The Integrated System for Information and Management of Educational and Training Offer (SIGO) is indicated as the platform for registration of training activities developed under the National Qualifications Catalogue (CNQ), under the terms provided in paragraph 2 of art. 11 and art. 16 of the diplomas. The SIGO platform does not allow the integrated management of a training action, namely: the survey of training needs, activity of trainers, attendance record for payment to the participants, determination of training volumes, preparation of contracts, schedule management, export of the technical-pedagogical dossier (DTP) that is mandatory for all actions as indicated in the quality reference of the certification and duties of the certified training entity. AlentApp lda is a Portuguese company based in Alentejo and combines the world of Information Technology with Training and Digital Transformation, a company of which I am part as a software developer, and in which the thesis work is inserted. The CEO of AlentApp is also a privileged consultant of the vocational training service of Évora, with respect to training activities in technology areas. Even in this organization, which is one of the main training entities in the country, there is a gap in information management, despite the existence of its own platform for training management that allows the establishment of privileged communication APIs with SIGO and Social Security (SS). This platform mentioned above has some gaps, it does not allow the management of all components related to trainers, schedules, classrooms, among others. Hence was born a partnership developed with AlentApp, which has the perspective of creating a tool that makes it possible to have a global management of a training project. It is intended to develop an integrated training management platform that allows to streamline this function in order to maximize the efforts needed to meet the requirements imposed by internal stakeholders (trainees and trainers), as well as the various state agencies that have competencies in monitoring the activity or funding. This solution will allow a much desired centralization of information and also a drastic reduction in the use of paper in both entities, vocational training service of Évora and AlentApp. All documents relating to an action (registrations, records, trainers, assessments, payments, etc.) had to be compiled in dossiers and stored for future consultations (history), with the development of this tool the paper print will be reduced to more than half, ie, the information is for history and digital consultation, making the training process more technological and sustainable

Isolates from hospital environments are the most virulent of the Candida parapsilosis complex

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Candida parapsilosis </it>is frequently isolated from hospital environments, like air and surfaces, and causes serious nosocomial infections. Molecular studies provided evidence of great genetic diversity within the <it>C. parapsilosis </it>species complex but, despite their growing importance as pathogens, little is known about their potential to cause disease, particularly their interactions with phagocytes. In this study, clinical and environmental <it>C. parapsilosis </it>isolates, and strains of the related species <it>C. orthopsilosis </it>and <it>C. metapsilosis </it>were assayed for their ability to induce macrophage cytotocixity and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, to produce pseudo-hyphae and to secrete hydrolytic enzymes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Environmental <it>C. parapsilosis </it>isolates caused a statistically significant (<it>p </it>= 0.0002) higher cell damage compared with the clinical strains, while <it>C. orthopsilosis </it>and <it>C. metapsilosis </it>were less cytotoxic. On the other hand, clinical isolates induced a higher TNF-α production compared with environmental strains (<it>p </it>< 0.0001). Whereas the amount of TNF-α produced in response to <it>C. orthopsilosis </it>strains was similar to the obtained with <it>C. parapsilosis </it>environmental isolates, it was lower for <it>C. metapsilosis </it>strains. No correlation between pseudo-hyphae formation or proteolytic enzymes secretion and macrophage death was detected (<it>p </it>> 0.05). However, a positive correlation between pseudo-hyphae formation and TNF-α secretion was observed (<it>p </it>= 0.0119).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We show that environmental <it>C. parapsilosis </it>strains are more resistant to phagocytic host defences than bloodstream isolates, being potentially more deleterious in the course of infection than strains from a clinical source. Thus, active environmental surveillance and application of strict cleaning procedures should be implemented in order to prevent cross-infection and hospital outbreaks.</p

Variability in estimated runoff in a forested area based on different cartographic data sources

OBJETIVO DEL ESTUDIO: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las variaciones en los valores de número de curva (CN) producidos por diferentes fuentes de datos cartográficos en una cuenca forestal y determinar cuál de ellos se ajusta mejor a los volúmenes de escorrentía medidos. ÁREA DE ESTUDIO: una cuenca forestal ubicada en el oeste de España. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron cuatro fuentes de datos cartográficos digitales para determinar la escorrentía de CN en la cuenca. RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Ninguna de las fuentes cartográficas proporcionó toda la información necesaria para determinar correctamente los valores de CN. Nuestra metodología propuesta, enfocada en la cobertura del dosel del árbol, mejora los resultados obtenidos. HECHOS DESTACADOS DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN: La estimación del valor de CN en áreas boscosas se debe lograr en función de la cobertura de la copa de los árboles y se deben implementar nuevas tablas calibradas a escala local.AIM OF STUDY: The goal of this study is to analyse variations in curve number (CN) values produced by different cartographic data sources in a forested watershed, and determine which of them best fit with measured runoff volumes. AREA OF STUDY: A forested watershed located in western Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four digital cartographic data sources were used to determine the runoff CN in the watershed. MAIN RESULTS: None of the cartographic sources provided all the information necessary to determine properly the CN values. Our proposed methodology, focused on the tree canopy cover, improves the achieved results. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The estimation of the CN value in forested areas should be attained as a function of tree canopy cover and new calibrated tables should be implemented in a local scale.peerReviewe

Promover a criatividade e o conhecimento da cultura local nas actividades de enriquecimento curricular

Tese de mestrado, Psicologia (Psicologia da Educação e da Orientação), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação, 2009A presente investigação foi realizada no sentido de compreender como se pode promover a criatividade e o conhecimento da cultura local nas Actividades de Enriquecimento Curricular (A.E.C.) Trata-se de um estudo de caso (N=10, estudantes do 4.º ano de Escolaridade do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico que frequentavam em simultâneo a Actividade Física e Desportiva e o Ensino da Música das A.E.C.), com 10 sessões de intervenção de 50 minutos cada, envolvendo uma avaliação pré e pós-teste. A intervenção baseou-se em modelos teóricos que fundamentam e dimensionam quer a criatividade, particularmente, como promover climas criativos em sala de aula; quer a construção de uma identidade cultural positiva. Ambas as avaliações da intervenção, pré e pós-teste, contemplaram três instrumentos formais de avaliação: um teste de criatividade (Torrance Test of Creative Thinking Teste 2 e Teste 3), uma grelha de verificação da identificação de elementos do património natural e cultural e uma composição sobre a vila onde o estudo foi implementado. Encontraram-se efeitos positivos, estatisticamente significativos, favoráveis à segunda aplicação em termos de criatividade. Os resultados mostram que a dimensão da criatividade que evoluiu em ambos os testes de Torrance se refere à expressividade, no Teste 2 surtiu efeitos em termos de originalidade e no Teste 3 ao nível da elaboração. Porém, não se verificaram efeitos em termos de conhecimento da cultura local. As conclusões do estudo reflectem sobre os resultados obtidos, apresentado potencialidades e limitações do mesmo. Deste estudo, emerge a necessidade de investigação que impulsione o desenvolvimento da criatividade e do conhecimento da cultura local na prática quotidiana das nossas Escolas, bem como salienta a necessidade de avaliar a eficácia das Actividades de Enriquecimento Curricular.The present research aimed at understanding how creativity and knowledge of local heritage can be promoted through Curriculum Enrichment Activities. It is a case study (N=10, 4th year students of 1º Cycle of schooling who attended simultaneously Physical Activity and Musical Expression) of 10 intervention sessions (50 minutes each), involving a pre and pro-test assessment. The intervention was based on theoretical models of creativity, in particular, the promotion of creative environments in the classroom, and on a model of cultural identity construction. Three formal assessment instruments were used in the both, pre and pro-test assessment: a creativity test (Torrance Test of Creativity Thinking Test 2 and Test 3), a grid to check the identification of features of the natural and cultural heritage and a composition about the town where the study took place. Statistically meaningful positive outcomes were found. The feature of creativity that most evolved in the both Tests of Torrance was expressiveness. Originality was higher in the second application of Test 2, and elaboration in Test 3. However, there was no evidence of positive outcomes relating to knowledge of local heritage. The conclusion of the study is theoretically grounded reflection about the results, and presents its potentialities and limitations. This study shows the need for a research base that stimulates the development of creativity and knowledge of the local heritage in the daily practice of our schools and stresses the need to evaluate the effectiveness of Curricular Enrichment Activities

Habilidad motora gruesa y la creatividad en un centro de Educación Básica Parroquia Tarqui de la ciudad de Guayaquil 2022

El trabajo de investigación cuyo objetivo fue determinar la relación entre habilidades gruesas y creatividad en un Centro de Educación Básica, parroquia Tarqui de la ciudad de Guayaquil 2022. Para ello, en un enfoque cuantitativo, se empleó un diseño de investigación correlacional, seleccionando una muestra no aleatoria, por facilidad en el acceso a los participantes, comprendida por 100 estudiantes de un Centro de Educación básica en el Ecuador. Para el recojo de la información se utilizaron escalas de Likert para evaluar el nivel de desarrollo de las variables en los estudiantes pertenecientes a la muestra. Se realizó la validación y confiabilidad de los instrumentos antes de ser aplicados. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados en el programa estadístico SPSS versión 28. Se inició determinando la normalidad de los datos, aplicando la prueba Kolmogrov Smirnov y las hipótesis fueron contrastadas con la prueba de correlación de Rho de Spearman, cuyo resultado fue una relación negativa de -0.053. Por lo tanto, se concluye que hay una relación negativa débil, con un valor de -0,053, entre las variables: Habilidades motoras gruesas y creatividad en los estudiantes, por lo que se concluye que no hay una relación entre las variables en los estudiantes de la muestra

Adjustment to disease and quality of life in people with vascular Ehlers-Danlos and Loeys-Dietz syndromes : A mixed-method study

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos (vEDS) and Loeys-Dietz syndromes (LDS) are hereditary disorders of connective tissue having severe vascular complications (HDCTv) which lead to an increased risk of premature death. Little is known about the impact of the disease in patient's daily life. Sixteen HDCTv patients (vEDS = 9 and LDS = 7), 16 age and sex-matched hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome patients (hEDS) and 18 healthy subjects (HS), responded to self-questionnaires assessing psychosocial adjustment, quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue and sleep problems. Patients with HDCTv were also interviewed in order to explore qualitatively their experience with the disease. Compared with HS, patients with HDCTv scored significantly higher on anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and lower on QoL. Most HDCTv patients (93.8%) have optimal psychosocial adjustment. In addition, HDCTv patients scored higher on QoL and psychosocial adjustment, but lower in pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms than hEDS patients. Four main themes were identified in qualitative analyses: living with HDCTv, knowledge/ignorance of the disease, health behaviors/self-care and coping strategies. Our results suggest that despite the negative impact of HDCTv on the patients' daily lives, overall, they present an optimal disease adjustment which points to appropriate coping strategies. More research in psychosocial aspects of people with these rare diseases are needed to confirm these results and better understand their needs