Trans-Scale Mechanics: Looking For The Missing Links Between Continuum And Micro/Nanoscopic Reality

Problems involving coupled multiple space and time scales offer a real challenge for conventional frameworks of either particle or continuum mechanics. In this paper, four cases studies (shear band formation in bulk metallic glasses, spallation resulting from stress wave, interaction between a probe tip and sample, the simulation of nanoindentation with molecular statistical thermodynamics) are provided to illustrate the three levels of trans-scale problems (problems due to various physical mechanisms at macro-level, problems due to micro-structural evolution at macro/micro-level, problems due to the coupling of atoms/molecules and a finite size body at micro/nano-level) and their formulations. Accordingly, non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, coupled trans-scale equations and simultaneous solutions, and trans-scale algorithms based on atomic/molecular interaction are suggested as the three possible modes of trans-scale mechanics.

¿Visionaria o mística? Hildegarda de Bingen en la encrucijada de lenguaje y experiencia del misterio cristiano

Resumen: Ante la próxima proclamación de Hildegarda de Bingen como doctora de la Iglesia, anunciada por el Papa Benedicto XVI para el 7 de octubre de 2012, el artículo realiza una reflexión sobre la relación entre experiencia y lenguaje en la mística cristiana. Tras el necesario deslinde de los marcos epistemológicos en los que ha sido tratada la cuestión –histórico, fenomenológico y teológico–, plantea una respuesta integradora de ambas tradiciones sobre la base del principio estético teológico que Hans Urs von Balthasar denominó como “visión de la figura”. La tesis se apoya sobre el análisis del texto descriptivo, interpretativo y plástico del Prólogo y Primera Visión; I Parte de Scivias y sobre el Corpus epistolar que tuvieron por destinatarios a Bernardo de Claraval y a Guibert de Gembloux.

Finding space to mental health : promoting mental health in adolescents (12 to 14 year olds): preliminary results of the intervention's effectiveness

Resumen: La salud mental y el bienestar son fundamentales para nuestra capacidad colectiva y individual como seres humanos de pensar, de exteriorizar los sentimientos, de establecer y mantener relaciones, para estudiar, para perseguir las actividades de ocio, para tomar decisiones diarias y para disfrutar de una vida plena. Una adolescencia saludable es un prerrequisito para una vida adulta saludable. Sin embargo, la realidad actual presenta un panorama preocupante. La formación del capital mental individual y colectivo - especialmente en las primeras etapas de la vida - está siendo retenida por una serie de riesgos evitables para la salud mental (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013). Los adolescentes del sur de Europa (región que ha sido más severamente afectada por la crisis financiera; e.g., Portugal) son señalados como un grupo extremadamente vulnerable, ya que su salud mental fácilmente podría ser influenciada por las dificultades económicas de sus padres y la escasez de solidaridad social (European Parliament, 2012). La promoción de la salud mental de los adolescentes es considerada como una preocupación fundamental (WHO, 2005a, 2013). En este ámbito, las intervenciones centradas en la promoción de la literacía de la salud mental han revelado importantes ventajas en la prevención, reconocimiento, intervención precoz y la reducción del estigma (Pinfold, Stuart, Thornicroft & Arboleda-Florez, 2005; Pinfold, Toulmin, Thornicroft, Huxley, Farmer & Graham, 2003; Schulze, Richter-Werling, Matschinger & Angermeyer, 2003; Stuart, 2006). En consonancia con los marcos de promoción de la salud mentales propuestos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (2005a), tenemos que involucrar a jóvenes en los ambientes donde interactúan (Burns, 2011). Las escuelas son implícitamente uno de los locales más importantes para la promoción de la salud mental de los adolescentes (Barry, Clarke, Jenkins & Patel, 2013; WHO, 2001). El proyecto “Abrir Espacio para la Salud Mental – Promoción de la salud mental en adolescentes (12-14 años)” tiene como objetivo incrementar literacía de la salud mental en los jóvenes. En el primer año se ha desarrollado un instrumento de evaluación - Mental Health Literacy questionnaire (MHLq) - y la intervención para la promoción de la salud mental. La intervención consiste en 2 sesiones, 90 minutos cada una, implementadas con intervalo de una semana. Siguen una metodología interactiva, utilizando dinámicas de grupo, videos, música y discusión. El estudio de la eficacia de la intervención se lleva a cabo mediante un análisis pre y pos-test con el MHLq, utilizando un grupo experimental y un grupo de control. Este artículo presenta los resultados preliminares de la eficacia de la intervención de promoción de la salud mental en una muestra de 100 adolescentes portugueses (12-14 años). El pos-test mostró un incremento de los niveles de conocimientos de salud mental y estrategias de autoayuda. Los resultados sugieren que la intervención desarrollada parece ser adecuada al objetivo propuesto y refuerzan la creencia de que intervenciones escolares, sistemáticas y sostenibles, para la promoción de la salud mental con jóvenes, es un enfoque prometedor para la promoción de la literacía de la salud mental (Schulze et al., 2003; Rickwood et al., 2005; Corrigan et al., 2007; WHO, 2010).

Egalitarian distributions in coalitional models: The Lorenz criterion

The paper presents a framework where the most important single-valued solutions in the literature of TU games are jointly analyzed. The paper also suggests that similar frameworks may be useful for other coalitional models.

Diretrizes de gestão de portfólio de projetos de TI com o alinhamento entre COBIT, ITIL e PMI

O tema gestão de portfólios é extremamente relevante para as empresas que pretendem estabelecer um processo de seleção e priorização de projetos focado no alinhamento às estratégias corporativas. Como membro da organização, a área de TI não pode ficar a parte deste processo e, necessita seu próprio processo adaptado às características de suas atividades. O artigo propõe, por meio do estudo teórico dos três frameworks, COBIT, ITIL e PMI, diretrizes para implementação de um processo de Gestão de Portfólio de Projetos de TI que considere as particularidades da TI e analisa possibilidade de alinhamento entre os três frameworks para esta implantação. Como resultado ficou demonstrada a possibilidade de integração e o caráter complementar dos três frameworks.

Ahalmen espaziala hezkuntza matematikoan

[EUS] Matematikaren irakaskuntzaren helburuenetako bat hezkuntza maila guztietan ikasleen ahalmen intelektualen garapena da. Ahalmen espazialaren trataera eskolan urria izan da, bereziki zenbakizko ahalmenak edota arrazonamenduzko ahalmenak izan duten trataerarekin konparatzen badugu. Hezkuntza Matematikoan egindako berrikusketek ahalmen espazialaren azterketaren garrantzia azpimarratzen dute nahiz eta erreferentzi marko baten ezak sakabanatzen eta zailtzen dituen emaitzen lorpena, behin betikoak izateko erreplikagarriak izan behar dutela jakinik. Ondoren proposatzen den ikerketa-lerroak ahalmen espaziala alderdi hirukoitz batetik abiaturik aztertu nahi du: egitura, garapena eta hobetze-proposamenak kontutan harturik. Hiru arlo horietan proposaturiko ereduek bermatuko dute diagnostiko zuzen bat, ikasleen ahalmen espaziala hobetuko duena.

As constituições democráticas brasileiras e a representação política

A representação política é essencialmente uma relação entre representante e representado. A natureza dessa relação variou ao longo do tempo e assumiu diferentes formatos políticos e institucionais. Pitkin, ao abordar essas variações e sistematizar o tema da representação política, fornece instrumentos que permitem uma reflexão sobre as experiências de representação inscritas nas Cartas Constitucionais democráticas do Brasil de 1934, 1946 e 1988. Reflexão essa que, complementada à luz do pensamento de teóricos da representação política como Guizot, Mill e Manoïlesco, permitem observar que a representação, além de ser uma relação entre representante e representado, é também um fenômeno que envolve, no Estado Moderno, a questão do governo da nação e da incorporação dos valores democráticos, materializados, em parte, sob a forma do voto, das eleições, como participação indireta, e em parte, sob a forma da participação não-eleitoral, a partir de outros formatos institucionais.

Arqueología de la Arquitectura en España

[ES]En esta ponencia se traza un cuadro general sobre el concepto actual de la arqueología de la arquitectura en España, y se plantea una serie de propuestas y de elementos de reflexión que la disciplina tendrá que abordar en un próximo futuro. Para ello se analizarán las fases formativas de la disciplina como resultado de la adquisición en los años 80 de un bagaje conceptual y metodológico aprehendido de la tradición italiana, y como se ha aplicado a la situación de la investigación y la gestión del patrimonio edificado en los 90. Concretamente se prestará una atención específica a los marcos institucionales, académicos y administrativos que han condicionado hasta el momento su desarrollo. Por último, se prestará una atención particular al uso que se realiza de la información producida por las investigaciones arqueológicas en las intervenciones de rehabilitación y restauración del patrimonio edificado, analizando críticamente algunos ejemplos significativos.

Proposta de organização do catálogo de processos da Câmara dos Deputados

Apresenta uma proposta de organização do Catálogo de Processos para a Câmara dos Deputados. Para esse propósito foram utilizados os conceitos de Gestão de Processos e de Cadeia de Valor e analisados alguns frameworks mundialmente conhecidos. Contudo, foi utilizado como insumo principal o Plano de Classificação Funcional, documento elaborado pelo Centro de Documentação e Informação (CEDI), órgão da instituição, principalmente para a parte dos processos legislativos, referentes às atividades finalísticas da Casa. O Catálogo de Processos, construído para atender a uma demanda do Escritório Corporativo de Gestão Estratégica, após implantação, será amplamente utilizado por toda a Casa e possibilitará uma visão dos processos de ponta-a-ponta. Será esperado e desejado a sua evolução, fruto de ajustes para realidade atual e do amadurecimento da Casa na gestão de processos.

Framing digital capabilities for UK HE and FE staff: Resources and references

This list does not include the actual frameworks, specifications, standards etc reviewed for the Jisc digital capabilities programme. These are secondary resources - articles, reports, research outcomes and professional reviews - which are sometimes linked to specific frameworks. They were used to help plan the frameworks review, construct the new Jisc digital capabilities framework and to write the accompanying reports. Further down you will find a list of web sites, blog posts and professional resources which provide useful additional information and materials, not necessarily evidence-based and not always drawn on directly for this project.

Report on Knowledge Exchange workshop Cost models for keeping knowledge: economic models for digital preservation

Organised by Knowledge Exchange & the Nordbib programme 11 June 2012, 8:30-12:30, Copenhagen Adjacent to the Nordbib conference 'Structural frameworks for open, digital research' Participants in break out discussion during the workshop on cost modelsThe Knowledge Exchange and the Nordbib programme organised a workshop on cost models for the preservation and management of digital collections. The rapid growth of the digital information which a wide range of institutions must preserve emphasizes the need for robust cost modelling. Such models should enable these institutions to assess both what resources are needed to sustain their digital preservation activities and allow comparisons of different preservation solutions in order to select the most cost-efficient alternative. In order to justify the costs institutions also need to describe the expected benefits of preserving digital information. This workshop provided an overview of existing models and demonstrated the functionality of some of the current cost tools. It considered the specific economic challenges with regard to the preservation of research data and addressed the benefits of investing in the preservation of digital information. Finally, the workshop discussed international collaboration on cost models. The aim of the workshop was to facilitate understanding of the economies of data preservation and to discuss the value of developing an international benchmarking model for the costs and benefits of digital preservation. The workshop took place in the Danish Agency for Culture and was planned directly prior to the Nordbib conference 'Structural frameworks for open, digital research'

Information and knowledge sharing

The Guidelines provide a special focus on information and knowledge sharing and its current and potential role in supporting implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. They expand on relevant principles and standards set forth in the Code and make practical suggestions about ways to ensure that this role can be enhanced. The issues involved in the flow of information between different stakeholder groups include topics as diverse as information policy frameworks and information and communication technology infrastructure, hence coverage is introductory. Some of the constraints involved in the cycle from the creation, production, dissemination and availability of information and knowledge to its effective use and sharing by the present generation as well as its preservation for the future are presented. The special circumstances and requirements of stakeholders in developing countries are recognized in accordance with Article 5 of the Code. A separate chapter on small-scale fisheries and aquaculture looks in more detail at the special situation and information needs of the sub-sector. The Guidelines aim to foster a better understanding of the issues involved to ensure that stakeholders obtain the essential information that they need and that they make available their own information and knowledge for the public good. (PDF contains 115 pages)

Management of environmental issues for sustainable fisheries production from aquaculture in Nigeria

Aquaculture depends largely upon a good aquatic environment. The quality of the aquatic medium determines success to a large extent in aquaculture. The medium is particularly vulnerable to excessive abstraction (i.e surface or groundwater) and contamination from a range of sources (industrial, agricultural or domestic) as well as risks of self-pollution. Environmental management options proffered so far include: improvements in farming performance (especially related to feed and feeding strategies, stocking densities, water quality management, disease prevention and control, use of chemicals, etc.) and in the selection of sites and culturable species, treatment of effluents, sensitivity of recipient waters and enforcement of environmental regulations and guidelines specific to the culture system. There are presently conceptual frameworks for aquatic environment management backed by legal administrative tools to create or enforce rational system for water management, fisheries and aquaculture development strengthened by adaptive institutionalisation

Estimation and inference for grasping and manipulation tasks using vision and kinesthetic sensors

This thesis presents a novel framework for state estimation in the context of robotic grasping and manipulation. The overall estimation approach is based on fusing various visual cues for manipulator tracking, namely appearance and feature-based, shape-based, and silhouette-based visual cues. Similarly, a framework is developed to fuse the above visual cues, but also kinesthetic cues such as force-torque and tactile measurements, for in-hand object pose estimation. The cues are extracted from multiple sensor modalities and are fused in a variety of Kalman filters.

A hybrid estimator is developed to estimate both a continuous state (robot and object states) and discrete states, called contact modes, which specify how each finger contacts a particular object surface. A static multiple model estimator is used to compute and maintain this mode probability. The thesis also develops an estimation framework for estimating model parameters associated with object grasping. Dual and joint state-parameter estimation is explored for parameter estimation of a grasped object's mass and center of mass. Experimental results demonstrate simultaneous object localization and center of mass estimation.

Dual-arm estimation is developed for two arm robotic manipulation tasks. Two types of filters are explored; the first is an augmented filter that contains both arms in the state vector while the second runs two filters in parallel, one for each arm. These two frameworks and their performance is compared in a dual-arm task of removing a wheel from a hub.

This thesis also presents a new method for action selection involving touch. This next best touch method selects an available action for interacting with an object that will gain the most information. The algorithm employs information theory to compute an information gain metric that is based on a probabilistic belief suitable for the task. An estimation framework is used to maintain this belief over time. Kinesthetic measurements such as contact and tactile measurements are used to update the state belief after every interactive action. Simulation and experimental results are demonstrated using next best touch for object localization, specifically a door handle on a door. The next best touch theory is extended for model parameter determination. Since many objects within a particular object category share the same rough shape, principle component analysis may be used to parametrize the object mesh models. These parameters can be estimated using the action selection technique that selects the touching action which best both localizes and estimates these parameters. Simulation results are then presented involving localizing and determining a parameter of a screwdriver.

Lastly, the next best touch theory is further extended to model classes. Instead of estimating parameters, object class determination is incorporated into the information gain metric calculation. The best touching action is selected in order to best discern between the possible model classes. Simulation results are presented to validate the theory.

Toward a measure of social-ecological resilience for human communities

The purpose of this essay is to clarify the theoretical understanding of the concept of resilience in order to explore problems surrounding the empirical measurement and application of the concept, as well as to examine strategic examples of empirical measures and policy applications in the literature of several disciplines, fields, and professions. The examination of resilience occurs in two streams: one conceptual and one methodological. At the conceptual level, the focus will be on definitions, distinctions between resilience and related concepts, and the theoretical frameworks that underlie usage of the concept. At the empirical level, the examination of resilience will be centered on the methodological challenges associated with research on resilience as well as previous attempts to operationalize and measure resilience. (PDF contains 4 pages)