Using technology to overcome the tyranny of space: information provision and wayfinding.

Urban wayfinding technology offers many possibilities by which older people and mobility-impaired users can overcome the barriers encountered on every-day journeys in the built environment. Previous work has highlighted the extent to which personal mobility and independence are significant determinants of the quality of life amongst both elderly and visually impaired groups. The paper outlines the development of the auditory location finder (ALF), which is a beacon-based local information system designed to enhance the wayfinding activities of these, and potentially other, user-groups in the community. The proposed system provides the user with an audio message, which is obtained on request via a small portable hand unit. The messages inform the user of their whereabouts and give information about the area that they are currently in. The development of the device involves issues such as message content and structure, route choice, orientation, landmarks, clues and the extent of user reliance on technology. Preliminary trials have been carried out in a UK city and have obtained initial user feedback to help underpin the technological development of the device and its potential application. The paper concludes by outlining the importance of new urban technology and the way in which such local information systems can potentially contribute to overcoming particular patterns of exclusion experienced by mobility-impaired groups, such as the visually impaired

Which way is up? Grounded mental representations of space

Processing language is postulated to involve a mental simulation, or re-enactment of perceptual, motor, and introspective states that were acquired experientially (Barsalou, 1999, 2008). One such aspect that is mentally simulated during processing of certain concepts is spatial location. For example, upon processing the word “moon” the prominent spatial location of the concept (e.g. ‘upward’) is mentally simulated. In six eye-tracking experiments, we investigate how mental simulations of spatial location affect processing. We first address a conflict in previous literature whereby processing is shown to be impacted in both a facilitatory and inhibitory way. Two of our experiments showed that mental simulations of spatial association facilitate saccades launched toward compatible locations; however, a third experiment showed an inhibitory effect on saccades launched towards incompatible locations. We investigated these differences with further experiments, which led us to conclude that the nature of the effect (facilitatory or inhibitory) is dependent on the demands of the task and, in fitting with the theory of Grounded Cognition (Barsalou, 2008), that mental simulations impact processing in a dynamic way. Three further experiments explored the nature of verticality – specifically, whether ‘up’ is perceived as away from gravity, or above our head. Using similar eye-tracking methods, and by manipulating the position of participants, we were able to dissociate these two possible standpoints. The results showed that mental simulations of spatial location facilitated saccades to compatible locations, but only when verticality was dissociated from gravity (i.e. ‘up’ was above the participant’s head). We conclude that this is not due to an ‘embodied’ mental simulation, but rather a result of heavily ingrained visuo-motor association between vertical space and eye movements.

Modeling, Simulation, and Characterization of Space Debris in low-Earth Orbit

Every space launch increases the overall amount of space debris. Satellites have limited awareness of nearby objects that might pose a collision hazard. Astrometric, radiometric, and thermal models for the study of space debris in low-Earth orbit have been developed. This modeled approach proposes analysis methods that provide increased Local Area Awareness for satellites in low-Earth and geostationary orbit. Local Area Awareness is defined as the ability to detect, characterize, and extract useful information regarding resident space objects as they move through the space environment surrounding a spacecraft. The study of space debris is of critical importance to all space-faring nations. Characterization efforts are proposed using long-wave infrared sensors for space-based observations of debris objects in low-Earth orbit. Long-wave infrared sensors are commercially available and do not require solar illumination to be observed, as their received signal is temperature dependent. The characterization of debris objects through means of passive imaging techniques allows for further studies into the origination, specifications, and future trajectory of debris objects. Conclusions are made regarding the aforementioned thermal analysis as a function of debris orbit, geometry, orientation with respect to time, and material properties. Development of a thermal model permits the characterization of debris objects based upon their received long-wave infrared signals. Information regarding the material type, size, and tumble-rate of the observed debris objects are extracted. This investigation proposes the utilization of long-wave infrared radiometric models of typical debris to develop techniques for the detection and characterization of debris objects via signal analysis of unresolved imagery. Knowledge regarding the orbital type and semi-major axis of the observed debris object are extracted via astrometric analysis. This knowledge may aid in the constraint of the admissible region for the initial orbit determination process. The resultant orbital information is then fused with the radiometric characterization analysis enabling further characterization efforts of the observed debris object. This fused analysis, yielding orbital, material, and thermal properties, significantly increases a satellite’s Local Area Awareness via an intimate understanding of the debris environment surrounding the spacecraft.

Pedagogical Appropriation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by West African Educators = Appropriation pédagogique des technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) par les éducateurs ouest-africains

Œuvre dédiée à Alioune Camara; merci au Prof. Denis Dougnon de l’Université de Bamako pour le parrainage

Pedagogical Appropriation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by West African Educators = Appropriation pédagogique des technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) par les éducateurs ouest-africains

Œuvre dédiée à Alioune Camara; merci au Prof. Denis Dougnon de l’Université de Bamako pour le parrainage

Espaço para o tempo livre : considerações sobre lazer e apropriação do espaço urbano no Parque do Ibirapuera

Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Educação Física

Étude exploratoire sur les espaces équivoques, leurs dynamiques d’appropriation et les enjeux urbanistiques à Montréal

Cette recherche s’intéresse aux espaces équivoques, soit des espaces jugés ambigus en raison des modes d’appropriation qu’on y retrouve. Par un processus heuristique et à l’aide d’une double étude de cas exploratoire, qui emprunte des méthodes de recherche ethnographiques, cette recherche a pour objectif de mieux caractériser les espaces équivoques. Les deux espaces considérés, tous deux situés dans la partie nord de l’arrondissement du Plateau-Mont-Royal à Montréal, sont un terrain vague informellement appelé le Parc sans Nom et une friche industrielle informellement appelée le Champ des Possibles. Les positions des gestionnaires municipaux et des usagers des deux sites seront analysées selon trois dimensions : les contraintes physiques, les mesures coercitives et les perceptions du risque et du potentiel de conflits. Les résultats issus de ces analyses permettent de constater que les espaces équivoques émergent par processus de co-construction. Ces résultats permettent également de soulever des pistes de réflexion sur les rapports entre les individus et l’espace urbain.

Le Quatrième siècle d'Édouard Glissant : écrire l'enracinement. Figures, parcours et enjeux

Le roman Le Quatrième siècle, considéré comme un pilier de l’œuvre de l’écrivain martiniquais Édouard Glissant, est une réinvention du passé et de l’histoire des Antilles, tout en présentant une dimension moins étudiée : celle de l’enracinement dans le nouveau pays, de la création d’une communauté singulière et métissée. Glissant suggère que, malgré l’abolition de l’esclavage, beaucoup de chemin reste encore à faire et que la construction d’une identité passe par des ancrages solides et multiples dans le pays. Afin d’explorer ce thème, cette étude analyse la construction du parcours figuratif de l’enracinement dans Le Quatrième siècle. L’étude de divers personnages et de certains éléments du paysage, en particulier la mer, les mornes et la plaine, permettent de mieux cerner l’écriture de l’enracinement dans cette œuvre. En effet, par le biais de l’onomastique, des figures emblématiques de la colonisation, de la déconstruction des relations de pouvoir et du symbolisme de l’espace, Glissant met en scène les limites du marronnage, créant plutôt un imaginaire centré sur la définition de la collectivité à travers un lent processus d’enracinement et d’appropriation de l’espace.

Les fonctions des places publiques montréalaises : convergences ou divergences des usages planifiés?

Ce mémoire s'inscrit dans la pratique de l'architecture du paysage, du design urbain et de l'urbanisme. La recherche se construit autour d'un questionnement sur le rôle des professionnels de l'aménagement dans la prise en compte des usages dans les processus de projet d'aménagement de places publiques montréalaises. Une double étude de cas et une analyse comparative permettent de voir comment se fait le passage de la programmation de la place à l’appropriation de l'espace à la faveur du travail des professionnels impliqués dans les diverses phases du projet, y compris les usages et les activités non spécifiquement prévus mais rendus possibles par la nature des aménagements réalisés. Les places Gérald-Godin (arrondissement Plateau Mont-Royal) et Simon-Valois (arrondissement Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve) ont étés choisies parce qu'elles sont situées dans des quartiers à vocation résidentielle et pour leur aménagement assez récent. Ces projets sont intéressants parce qu'ils participent à la revalorisation de leur quartier respectif et à l'apport d'espace public de qualité. Or, l'internationalisation des villes et leur marchandisation les positionnent dans un contexte de compétitivité où le renouvellement urbain est un enjeu important. Conséquemment, les principaux problèmes qui ont motive ce mémoire sont celui du renouvellement urbain, de l'identité collective et des appropriations de l'espace public.

Análisis de las formas de apropiación nocturna del espacio público, en el parque de los hippies, localidad de chapinero, a partir de una muestra poblacional de jóvenes entre 18-­‐28 años, a la luz de los parámetros de Enric Pol y Tomeur Vidal sobre la “apropiación” del espacio

El interés de este estudio de caso es comprender y explicar la apropiación del espacio público urbano no sólo como un vínculo cotidiano entre el territorio y sus ciudadanos, sino, además, como un proceso dialéctico que, genera significado, identidad y apego al lugar. En este sentido se analizan las formas de apropiación nocturnas del Parque de los Hippies a partir de una muestra poblacional de jóvenes entre 18-28 años, a la luz de los parámetros de Enric Pol y Tomeu Vidal. Evidenciando que desde un acercamiento cotidiano a la realidad urbana, que reconozca la significación histórica, social, cultural y económica de los territorios, así como las dinámicas de convivencia y conflictos que se presentan en dichos espacios, se puede, desde el enfoque de gestión y desarrollo urbanos, generar recomendaciones para movilizar acciones que resalten y preserven los valores urbanos multidimensionales del lugar; fortalezcan algunas de sus formas de apropiación y, promuevan la convivencia entre las distintas formas y sus actores.

Diagnóstico sobre discriminación de género en el sector de hidrocarburos

El presente informe describe a profundidad el resultado del ejercicio de práctica profesional que dentro del marco formativo de la Maestría en Estudios Sociales, en la línea de profundización o Análisis y Gestión de proyectos de Intervención Social. Se elabora un diagnóstico situacional y contextual sobre un ejercicio investigativo realizado por una firma consultora de proyectos antropológicos, que se ejecutó bajo contrato y por petición de una compañía petrolera con operación en varios departamentos de Colombia. Es preciso aclarar que no se cuenta con la información de una línea base, ya que ésta no fue suministrada por la empresa para quien se elaboró el diagnóstico. La investigación fue desarrollada durante veinticinco días en los que se visitaron tres campos, ubicados en dos departamentos diferentes. Durante este tiempo, el equipo investigador vivió bajo las mismas condiciones que los trabajadores, empleando técnicas de investigación cualitativa como la observación, la entrevista a profundidad y el grupo focal; esto atendiendo a las características del contexto y la disponibilidad de informantes clave, que estaban sujetas a la no alteración de la vida cotidiana laboral. Entre los hallazgos más relevantes aportados por la información recabada, se encuentran: la caracterización del relacionamiento y discursos que refuerzan la discriminación de género, las condiciones laborales en términos de estatus y remuneración, los usos y apropiación del espacio, todo esto analizado principalmente desde un abordaje Bourdieusano, y la pertinencia que en este contexto puede tener el abordaje del fenómeno desde la perspectiva del trabajo decente como lo propone la OIT (2005). A partir de esto, se señalan los aspectos fundamentales a tener en cuenta para una futura estructuración de estrategias de intervención encaminadas a la modificación del contexto y la dignificación del trabajo en campo, demostrando la pertinencia y el aporte que tiene la formación aplicada en cualquier tipo de contexto social.

Da Pedra do Rosário ao Pantanal: Espaço e Urbanização no Passo da Pátria (Natal/RN)

The Passo da Pátria is one of the areas of housing in the city of Natal/RN, presents characteristics of insecurity on ways to live and access to goods and services. The project of urbanization called Integrated Project Passo da Pátria implemented since 2002 by the public power wants to change this picture. In Passo da Pátria system of classifications of space operated by the villagers signals to singularities that allows the identification of four pieces: Pedra do Rosário , Passo , Areado and Pantanal . The actions of the Project of Urbanization promote a new socio-space configuration. Our objective is to examine ways of appropriation of space in Passo da Pátria , built by the residents, which included their cultural practices giving symbolic meaning to the four pieces. The methodological procedures consisted of: literature review of the themes of the City, Urban, Segregation socio-space, Space, the Public Policies in urban area and texts on the Passo da Pátria ; desk research and interviews with old residents, recent residents, and these: men, women, young, and leaders of the Passo da Pátria . The evaluation of the data indicates that residents live positively the action of the public power as regards the expansion of urban infrastructure and services. At the same time, negative value of the shares removal of residents and idea of integration for the different pieces that form the Passo da Pátria , for them, these actions desconstroem times, experiences and narratives that are expressed in their relations with the space in which live

A videobiografia como dispositivo de pesquisa-ação-formação: uma prática educativa com adolescentes abrigados

The focus of this thesis is a production of video biographies with/by sheltered teenagers. The general objective is discuss the potential production of video biographies while a device of research-action-formation. From de point of view of research, the study interrogates cultural practices that demarcates the passage of teenagers in shelter institutional; From the point of view of action, seeks to identify the modes of appropriation of space for audiovisual creation by teenagers; and, from the point of view of formation, asks the potentiality of audiovisual language while the way from which teenagers can auto-configure themselves responsibly, in the reinvention of places and others worlds for them. The research falls in the intersection of qualitative approach of ethnographic and of research-action-formation. Is anchored theoretically in autobiographical approaches - Pineau (2005); Passeggi (2008); Delory-Momberger (2008); Josso (2010) e Bertaux (2010) - and in the filmic method - Ramos (2003); Wohlgemuth (2005) and Comoli (2009). Participated in the research eleven teenagers members of the production cycle of biographical traces, among these, the three teenagers who advanced to cycles of audiovisual recording life narratives and reflective exercises around produced reports, procedures of which we extract the set of empirical material analyzed The analysis revealed that teens use in under three types of practices: the practices of mess , as way of expression; the practices of evasion , as resistance to restraint the right to come and go, and the practices of claim a regime of "truth" to the institutional environment, which emerge as a survival tactic in the face of paths desvínculos, family abandonment and neglect. The study also showed the appropriation of spaces of audio-visual creation meaningful expression through music by teenagers and encourage dialogue between and with the teenagers and the achievement of reflective exercises focused for awareness of their stories in becoming. These findings show a broader sense the thesis that visual language is a potent mobilizer artifact reflections and empowerment of individuals in situations of social exclusion

Bairro Planalto, Natal-RN: agentes, usos e conflitos

This research has the goal to analyze the urban setting of the Planalto neighborhood, in Natal /RN, seeking to unravel the processes, agents and contradictions associated with the production of the space. The choice of neighborhood is justified by the observation that changes in its urban setting have been growing in speedy way. We highlight the performance of the housing market, in partnership with the state, and the construction of condominiums and buildings closed by the housing program Minha Casa, Minha Vida. This has favored the reproduction of a new " urban reality in the neighborhood, setting an urban standard that differs from the original morphology, seen as peripheral within the urban dynamics of the city. The research is a qualitative study, through documents, interviews with stakeholders, and photographic documentation. In this perspective , we seek to understand the current phase (2000s) the production of space in the neighborhood process through the development of the housing market , as an extension of the urban development in central zone of Natal/RN, analyzing the performance of agents and their producers the "new " uses redefining the "old ". Thus, it can be seen that there is in the neighborhood, urban reality in a pluralistic constitution, from the existence of different social classes inhabiting the same space. On this way, the city is produced from the appropriation of space by different social classes, although due to the economic condition of each of them

A produção capitalista do espaço: os loteamentos, os condomínios fechados e o seu papel na formação do Bairro de Nova Parnamirim/Parnamirim-RN

This work exposed desired to investigate the function of evolution of closed allotment, of market of the earth and of forms of extraction of the lace of earth, in the processes capitalist production of urban space in Nova Parnamirim, community of Parnamirim/RN. This tendentious urbanization were marked for an expressive increase of number of horizontal and vertical closed residences joint ownership concerning at social groups more privileged financial position. Go after, set off, a temporal investigation, based in the forms of appropriation of space in the middle intermediate by action of the several producers agent of capitalist capital. This way, make necessary understand the past of local structure earth, in order that to make possible analyze the beginning of the process. Not enough, appealed the publics institutions as immobile notary s office and secretary municipal for to collect the more important information, and in the field through of application of formulary together the population of ward, in order that of examine the motivation of residential establishment inside. Make this, confirmed that the actual spatial organization of ward of Nova Parnamirim started of two allotments: the Vale do Pitimbú Park and Eucaliptos Park, both divided in several little allotments. Before of begin the ward, allotments reproduced set off from that native has been consigned during the 80, 90 decade s and begin the actual century, resigning a complicated urban structure earth, dynamized by exploration of a promising residential area. Leashed of this, confirmed the installation of logic of segregation and auto-segregation conducted by an immobile market which exclude the poor class and absorb rich class, motivate by perspective of obtaining of urban lace of earth by immobile promoter. However, perceived that the growth this market was promoted by migration of groups of capital, interior of state and others regions of country. Not distant, horizontal and vertical closed residences represent production forms of a new form of residence, corresponding the pattern architectonic as socioeconomics, strengthened by ideal of security, quality of life, necessity of reclusion and of proximity of Natal. Is in the capital which this individual found possibilities of attend satisfactory minimum of yours necessity in relation a consumption of bens and specialized and specifics services. Before this qualitative perceive that the social and spacial differential of Nova Parnamirim was the responsible by soil and habitation valorization of ward, that reinforce the promotion of segregation and of auto-segregation, and consequently, of capitalist reproduction of urban space