O propósito deste trabalho é uma tentativa de leitura a partir de três obras de José Saramago: O Evangelho Segundo Jesus Cristo, A Caverna e o Ensaio Sobre a Lucidez. Buscamos analisar nessas obras algumas estruturas do poder de nossa sociedade e mostrar como esse poder influi e reflete nos homens. Para tanto, é feita uma análise sobre a sociedade atual onde foram desenvolvidos aspectos históricos, sócio-filosóficos, como também as particularidades da escrita saramaguiana que faz uma construção textual coesa, onde os vínculos subjetivos das personagens reforçam a grande mensagem de intervenção de sua obra, que é a busca sem limites pela emancipação humana. / The objective of this essay is to try, based on the follwing works of José Saramago The Gospel Accordind to Jesus Christ, The Cave and Awakening, to analyse the structures of power that exists in our society, such as described in these books, and to show how this power influnces and reflects on mankind. Therefore, a detailed analysis of todays society is made, with the development of historical, social and philosophical aspects, as much as, an analysis on the particularities of José Saramago writing style, where the characterss subjective links enhances the message held within the texte, which is mankinds unlimited search for amancipation.

O propósito deste trabalho é uma tentativa de leitura a partir de três obras de José Saramago: O Evangelho Segundo Jesus Cristo, A Caverna e o Ensaio Sobre a Lucidez. Buscamos analisar nessas obras algumas estruturas do poder de nossa sociedade e mostrar como esse poder influi e reflete nos homens. Para tanto, é feita uma análise sobre a sociedade atual onde foram desenvolvidos aspectos históricos, sócio-filosóficos, como também as particularidades da escrita saramaguiana que faz uma construção textual coesa, onde os vínculos subjetivos das personagens reforçam a grande mensagem de intervenção de sua obra, que é a busca sem limites pela emancipação humana. / The objective of this essay is to try, based on the follwing works of José Saramago The Gospel Accordind to Jesus Christ, The Cave and Awakening, to analyse the structures of power that exists in our society, such as described in these books, and to show how this power influnces and reflects on mankind. Therefore, a detailed analysis of todays society is made, with the development of historical, social and philosophical aspects, as much as, an analysis on the particularities of José Saramago writing style, where the characterss subjective links enhances the message held within the texte, which is mankinds unlimited search for amancipation.

La grotte de Lascaux (inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et l’une des plus connues au monde) nécessite, dans le cadre de sa conservation et suite aux aléas subis depuis sa découverte, une attention particulière tant pour elle-même que pour son environnement. L’utilisation d’une méthode géophysique, la Tomographie de Résistivité électrique (TRE) qui est une méthode non intrusive par excellence, est donc proposée pour la reconnaissance du milieu karstique l’environnant.Un suivi temporel par TRE a été mise en oeuvre pour caractériser l’amont hydraulique de la grotte et surveiller la variation temporelle de la résistivité des terrains. A l’aide d’analyses statistiques, et en couplant les données microclimatiques aux résultats d’un suivi temporel de vingt-deux mois, nous avons montré la capacité de ce type de mesures à caractériser l’environnement épikarstique de la grotte, particulièrement les zones d’alimentation et celles permettant l’infiltration des eaux pluviales. Une modélisation du débit d’un écoulement situé à l’entrée de la grotte est proposée à partir des données de résistivité dans la zone d’alimentation identifiée au cours du suivi. Ce modèle a la capacité de prédire les arrêts et les reprises des écoulements dans la grotte, éventuellement des évènements journaliers.A partir des données de résistivité issues d’une prospection 3D du site, des modélisations géostatistiques par krigeage ordinaire et par indicatrice ont été effectuées permettant des représentations spatiales en fonction de la résistivité des terrains. Ces modèles se sont révélés extrêmement instructifs par l’imagerie de l’environnement karstique de la grotte de Lascauxqui en a résulté. Les limites des formations détritiques et des calcaires sont identifiées à l’est et l’ouest du site. A l’intérieur des calcaires, on retrouve, bien sûr, les anomalies conductrices déjà identifiées au cours du suivi temporel mais aussi leur extension spatiale. Ainsi, on a pu mettre en évidence la continuité spatiale de certaines anomalies.Le suivi temporel par TRE a permis la compréhension de la structure et du fonctionnement de l’alimentation de l’épikarst. Les modèles géostatistiques 3D ont montré leur efficacité pour la caractérisation de l’environnement de la grotte. Les résultats aideraient à proposer des conseils pour la protection du milieu environnant la grotte et ainsi pour la préservation de cette dernière. / The Lascaux cave, one of the most important prehistoric caves in the world, located in Dordogne (24, France) needs particular attention both for itself and for the environment interms of conservation and vulnerability since its discovery. Geophysical methods in particular Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) enable us, in a non-invasive way, to monitor the karsticenvironment.A Time-Lapse monitoring by ERT was carried out next to the cave. Together with analysis of the local effective rainfall (ground water recharge) and the flow in the cave, the monitoringhelped us to identify an area where upstream underground water is probably stored e.g. arecharge zone. There is a large electrical contrast between the surrounding limestone and theprobable recharge zone. Then, a multivariate analysis through the resistivity values allowed usto characterize the model blocks, showing a specific behavior over time, especially the blockswith the lowest electrical resistivity. A prediction model of the flow in relation with the recharge zone succeeded to predict the beginning and the end of flow, even the daily event withextremely high value of flow.In order to visualize the environment in 3D condition, a geostatistical modelling was then applied to the resistivity values. The geostatistical models can emphasize the limit betweenthe limestone promontory and the clayey/sandy formations to the east/west part of the site. In the limestone promontory, the models also showed the possible connection between theanomalous conductive areas that may have a special consequence in this karstic environment.The Time-Lapse monitoring by ERT allows us to understand the karstic structures andrecharge phenomena. The 3D geostatistical modeling showed efficiency for the characterization of the cave environment. Those results can help to provide advices for the cave preservation.

Diploma thesis has been prepared as an architectural study on the completion of the Children's Hospital Ostrov u Macochy using the method of speleotherapy (in the Imperial cave). The new building respects the valuable natural surroundings (CHKO Moravian karst) and the existing sloping terrain, which adapts. Resort spa is designed as a single interconnected complex of three operations - building the house, primary school and the hospital itself. The complex includes: services to visitors, restaurant, pension, clinic, primary school, administration, children accommodation, dining, hospital and sports. The structural system of the object is combined. The idea of urban and architectural solutions is the simplicity of shapes, respecting the existing landscape, copy the shape of the terrain, functionality and aptness plan.

The architectural study deals with the design of Childern´s sanatorium with speleotherapy in Ostrov u Macochy. Design works with the idea of connecting with the surrounding nature, responds to the slopping terrain and tries to fulfill a comprehensive construction program. A characteristic element is the use of natural material – wood within the curtaing walling, which defines the architectural expression of the building. Emphasis is placed on renewable energy sources.

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The subject of this master's thesis was to get familiar with a robot developed at the Department of Intelligent Systems of FIT VUT Brno. The goal of this work was to design and then implement hardware and software improvements of the robot so it could be capable of telepresence exploration of a narrow cave using remote control, including autonomous return back to the entrance. Also suggest possible extensions for a further improvement of the robot.

PhD (African Studies) / Centre for African Studies / Sacred sites are the preferred space for ritual performances and identity construction from which the issue of sensitive structures, distinctive features, individual interpretations, and symbol and meaning emanates. The history and importance of Motouleng, Mautse and Mantsopa caves (Eastern Free State, SA) for different religious persuasions, indigenous knowledge and ancestral veneration of Africans and traditional healers, were investigated apropos of the following: namely, how sacred sites are exemplifications of African indigenous religion; why they form locations of cultural and spiritual expression, and why they may be regarded as pertinent nodes of identity construction in a vibrant, changing, South African society. This study explored the way in which interpersonal experiences of the cave dwellers shape their sense of self, and the conflict they encounter in the context of interaction, in which identities are constructed and deconstructed in various ways. African religion, landscape and social identity theories are the basis of all theoretical claims utilised here. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research method was explored, to provide a detailed personal experience and examination of the participant’s life world on various issues pertaining to contestation and identity construction at the sacred space of the Eastern Free State. The existence of these sites poses a number of challenges to cave dwellers, land owners, heritage practitioners, and to continued preservation, management and restoration of the said sites. Crucial to this debate is how these sites may be protected both physically and legally. The study used qualitative findings to discover new ideas on identity construction and adjunct belief systems. The study also used thematic analysis to evaluate the research findings and make predictions on the effects on protest and contestation by cave dwellers around sacred spaces. / NRF

Au sein des unités de médecine d'urgence, l'état de choc est une condition courante et par le fait même, une cause majeure de mortalité en Amérique du nord. Il est donc essentiel d'en rechercher rapidement les causes. Dans cette recherche, l'évaluation clinique, l'examen des signes vitaux et les tests de laboratoire se révèlent souvent imprécis car ils ne permettent pas d'évaluer de façon optimale le statut hémodynamique des patients instables. Or, le risque d'une évaluation insuffisante de l’état hémodynamique conduit à l'instauration d'un traitement inapproprié dont la conséquence peut être fatale. Une simple surestimation du besoin de remplissage vasculaire peut entraîner des complications telles que l'œdème pulmonaire et inversement, la sous-estimation peut avoir pour conséquence une hypovolémie persistante avec une hypoperfusion ou un état de choc non reconnu susceptible de générer une insuffisance des organes cibles. Actuellement, pour évaluer le statut hémodynamique, les méthodes les plus utilisées sont la pression veineuse centrale (PVC), les cathéters de Swan-Ganz et l’échocardiographie transoesophagienne. Bien que déjà difficiles à réaliser à l’urgence, toutes ces méthodes sont invasives et conservent un potentiel élevé de morbidité. Il existe toutefois des méthodes alternatives valides qui permettent d'obtenir une estimation non invasive de la pression moyenne de l'oreillette droite, entre autre l’échographie sous-costale avec les mesures échographiques de la collapsibilité de la veine cave inférieure (VCI) et les mesures de Doppler échographiques sur la veine hépatique (VH). Il convient cependant de noter que la mesure de la collapsibilité de la VCI n’a pas réussi à devenir un standard d’évaluation de la volémie parce qu’elle reste sujette à plusieurs facteurs confondants.   La mesure du flot de la VH, quant à elle, semble être une option plus intéressante pour mieux évaluer la pression de remplissage de l’oreillette droite. En effet, l'échographie Doppler de la veine hépatique reste donc un instrument potentiellement prometteur qui peut bien refléter les pressions de l’OD et donc de la pression veineuse centrale. Il importe de souligner que pour le patient instable, chaque minute est précieuse et qu’un gain de temps inestimable contribue à éliminer les facteurs susceptibles de compromettre le pronostic vital. L’objectif principal de notre étude, étant la mesure du temps nécessaire pour l’acquisition d’images ; nous avons comparé la durée de l'acquisition d'images entre l'échographie de la VCI et le Doppler de la VH chez des sujets sains. Le temps moyen d'acquisition d'images de la VCI était de 89,1 secondes et de 117,8 pour la VH. La différence de la moyenne de temps était de 28,6 secondes (IC95% -73,2 · +15,8 ; t=1.33, 24 dl ; p=0.196). La différence de délai pour le temps d’acquisition d’images était inférieure à 30 secondes. En pratique, nous pensons que cette différence peut être considérée comme cliniquement acceptable pour une prise de décision rapide. En ce qui concerne le taux d’échec entre les deux techniques, nous n’avons pas trouvé de différence significative : 1 échec pour la VCI et 5 échecs pour la VH avec une différence de 13% (0.133), p=0.09 ; alors que le taux de réussite est le même, soit 25 pour chacune. L’évaluation de la veine hépatique par échographie était faisable, simple et rapide dans la majorité des volontaires sélectionnés dans notre étude. Mots-clés : échographie Doppler, veine cave inférieure, veines hépatiques, état de choc, statut hémodynamique. / Shock is a common condition and a major cause of death in emergency units. Clinical evaluation, vital signs and laboratory tests can lack specificity to identify the cause of shock and do not allow an optimal evaluation of the hemodynamic status of unstable patients. A poor evaluation of the hemodynamic state could lead to inappropriate treatment and the consequence may be fatal. Overestimation of the need for vascular filling can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema; while underestimation may give rise to persistent hypovolemia with hypoperfusion or unrecognized shock resulting in multi-organ failure. The current methods used to assess hemodynamic status are central venous pressure, Swan-Ganz catheters, and trans-esophageal echocardiography. Although already difficult to perform in the emergency department, all of these methods are invasive and retain a high potential for morbidity. However, there are valid alternative methods for obtaining a non-invasive estimate of the average pressure of the right atrium, including subxiphoid ultrasound with measurements of the inferior vena cava (IVC) collapsibility and ultrasound Doppler measurements of the hepatic veins (HV). However, the measurement of the collapsibility of the IVC is subject to several confounding factors and has failed to become a standard of care for evaluating patients’ volemic status. Measuring the flow of the hepatic vein, on the other hand, seems to be a more interesting option for better assessing the filling pressure of the right atrium. Indeed, the Doppler ultrasound of hepatic veins remains a potentially promising instrument that may well reflect the pressures of the right atrium and thus of the central venous pressure. It is important to emphasize that for the unstable patient, every minute is precious and that saving time contributes to eliminate factors likely to compromise the vital prognosis.   The main objective of our study is to measure the time it takes to acquire images. We compared the duration of image acquisition between IVC ultrasound and HV Doppler in healthy volunteers. The average image acquisition time for the IVC and HV was 89.1 and 117.8 seconds respectively. The difference in mean time was 28.6 seconds (95% CI -73.2 · + 15.8, t = 1.33, 24 dL, p = 0.196). The difference for image acquisition time was less than 30 seconds. In practice, we believe that this difference can be considered clinically acceptable for rapid decision-making. Regarding the failure rate between the two techniques, we did not find any significant difference: 1 failure for IVC and 5 failures for HV with a difference of 13% (0.133), p = 0.09; while the success rate is the same, 25 for each. The evaluation of the hepatic vein by ultrasonography was feasible, simple and fast in the majority of volunteers selected in our study. Key words: Doppler ultrasonography, inferior vena cava, hepatic veins, shock, hemodynamic status

China has adopted Sustainable Development as a national strategy for all industries. In civil construction sector, sustainability is regarded as the development of Green Building in China. Since 2000, China has introduced a series of policies and laws to promote Green Building. Green Building was defined as buildings that are “energy-efficient, land-efficient, water-efficient, and material-efficient” and emit “minimal pollution” in during its entire life cycle, and meets a specified standard for indoor environment at the same time. However, energy efficiency is the central issue of current Green Building development in China, while issues of resources and pollution are neglected, which is partly due to China’s energy structure. Social and economic aspects are also always ignored. The main aim of this thesis is to map pathways towards more comprehensive frameworks for how residential areas in China could be constructed in a more sustainable way in hot –summer and cold-winter area. Case study was the main method used to examine the specifications of Green Residential Building in China. This paper offers a general overview of the current green trend in China and presents a specific analysis on three cases to search for the proper approach for China’s unique situation by three specific cases representing three types of Green Building: Modern Vernacular Architecture, Eco-office and Mass-housing, according to their features in scale, location and function. This paper then presents a specific integrated sustainability analysis of the Landsea Housing Project in Nanjing, a hot-summer/cold-winter zone. Hammarby Sjöstad, a cutting edge project in Stockholm, is also discussed as a reference area from which experiences can be drawn for China. The aim was to improve the framework for construction of residential buildings in China in a more sustainable way, from energy efficiency to integrated sustainability. The paper also discusses the relationship between the economic growth and energy consumption in the fast-growing situation, presents several scenarios depicting energy and comfort and makes suggestions for China. The roles of government, developers and residents are also addressed. The paper argues that an adaptive and holistic approach, which must be expanded from both spatial scale and temporal span, should be established for the Green Residential Building development in China, as an effective way to meet the sustainability goal. / QC 20101013