Computer-aided tool for the teaching of relational algebra in data base courses

This article describes the design and implementation of computer-aided tool called Relational Algebra Translator (RAT) in data base courses, for the teaching of relational algebra. There was a problem when introducing the relational algebra topic in the course EIF 211 Design and Implementation of Databases, which belongs to the career of Engineering in Information Systems of the National University of Costa Rica, because students attending this course were lacking profound mathematical knowledge, which led to a learning problem, being this an important subject to understand what the data bases search and request do RAT comes along to enhance the teaching-learning process.It introduces the architectural and design principles required for its implementation, such as: the language symbol table, the gramatical rules and the basic algorithms that RAT uses to translate from relational algebra to SQL language. This tool has been used for one periods and has demonstrated to be effective in the learning-teaching process.  This urged investigators to publish it in the web site: www.slinfo.una.ac.cr in order for this tool to be used in other university courses.

Avances e inconsistencias en el concepto de reparación integral a raíz de las decisiones de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos y del Consejo de Estado Colombiano

Resumen El concepto de reparación integral en Colombia está mediado en gran parte por las decisiones de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos. Ello ha propiciado algunos avances en materia de ampliar el espectro de las reparaciones económicas; en la posibilidad de reabrir investigaciones antes cobijadas por la intangibilidad de la cosa juzgada; en la participación de las víctimas en los procesos penales y disciplinarios, y en algunas formas de reparación simbólica. Sin embargo, en general hay carencia de verdadera voluntad política y de mecanismos jurídicos que posibiliten que la reparación integral sea una realidad.Además, el cruce de decisiones de la Corte Interamericana con las decisiones del Consejo de Estado colombiano, ha originado situaciones absurdas que, aunque teóricamente se ven como un avance, en términos reales son un retroceso frente a los derechos de las víctimas. Ello se debe a la aparente similitud de las competencias de ambos tribunales; a una equivocada lectura del Consejo de Estado sobre los límites y posibilidades reales de su jurisdicción, y finalmente, a que la Corte no ha adoptado criterios claros en relación con las reparaciones económicas y en relación con la coherencia en el cumplimiento de sus sentencias. Palabras clave: reparación, Colombia, Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, Consejo de Estado. Abstract The concept of integral reparation in Colombia is mediated largely by the decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. This has led to some progress in broadening the spectrum of economic reparations; in the possibility of reopening investigations sheltered by the intangibility for defendants; in the participation of victims in criminal and disciplinary proceedings, besides in some symbolic forms of reparation. However, there is general lack of real political will and legal mechanisms that enable that comprehensive reparation be a reality. Furthermore, crossing inter-American court decisions with the decisions of the Colombian State Council has created absurd situations that, although theoretically are seen as a breakthrough, in real terms are a retreat from the rights of victims. This is due to the apparent similarity in the competencies of both courts; a mistaken reading of the State Council on the limits and real possibilities of their jurisdiction, and finally, the Court has not adopted clear criteria regarding economic reparations and in relation to consistent com­pliance with its sentences.Keywords: repair, Colombia, Interamerican Court of Human rights, State Council.