This project is a learning CD-ROM production aimed at first-time parents. It is using both sound and images, moving as well as non-moving. The purpose of the production is to be an interesting alternative to traditional books. We have been looking at similar productions like drivers license educational CD-ROMs and encyclopedias for inspiration and ideas on how to proceed. In order to give the content some dynamics, we've also added the element of 3D-animated sequences. The application is supposed to be run as a simple executable file with flash embedded. This will eliminate the need for third party software installation. The whole concept is to make the application as simple and as userfriendly as possible. In addition to the CD-ROM, we've also created a web site to help market the product and give our client the ability to update the content on their own. Future buyers of the product will also be able to order the CD-ROM via a form on the web site. This product has been created using vector based graphics through applications such as Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Flash MX. The 3D rendered sequences has been created using Alias Maya. The production has also been complemented with a speaker. / Projektet är en läro-CD riktad till förstagångsföräldrar som med ljud och bild, såväl rörlig som stillbild, ska kunna erbjuda ett mer intressant alternativ till böcker. Mallen för vår skapelse har varit liknande CD-produktioner som till exempel körkortsprogram och encyklopedier. För att skänka lite mer dynamik till innehållet har vi även lagt in rörliga bilder i form av 3D-animationer. Applikationen är tänkt att kunna köras som en fristående programfil som har flash inbäddat. Detta ska eliminera behovet av att installera tredjepartsmjukvara på datorn. Hela konceptet går ut på att applikationen ska vara så enkel och användarvänligt som möjligt. Utöver själva CD-produkten fick vi även i uppdrag att skapa en webbsida som ska hjälpa marknadsföra produkten och ge vår beställare chansen att på egen hand kunna uppdatera sidan. Via sidan ska framtida kunde kunna beställa CD-skivan via ett formulär. Denna produktion är skapad med vektoriserad grafik med hjälp av Adobe Illustrator och Macromedia Flash MX samt 3D-renderade filmsekvenser skapade i Alias Maya. Produktionen har även kompletterats med en speaker. / Detta är en reflektionsdel till en digital medieproduktion.

This master's thesis deals with sacrifice by decapitation. Its goal is to describe systematicaly this phenomenon which was widely practiced in the Mesoamerican area. To accomplish this there were firstly introduced the main interpretation lines of human sacrifice. The importance of maize for the Mesoamerican culture was described in the next chapter. The third part of this thesis introduces some Aztec festivities which are connected with ritual decapitation in Sahagún's Historia general. Then this thesis deals with the main aspects of the Mesoamerican ballgame and its connection with the story of the Hero twins from Popol Vuh is introduced here and analyzed. The fourth chapter describes the methods of ritual decapitation. It deals with the question of the fixation method described by Sahagún as "espaldas con espaldas" and the question of the ritual instrument which should have been used in this situation. Then it describes this method in the context of Maya sacrifices. The final part deals with the posthumous dealing with the head and the body of the sacrifices. Big part is given to the problem of tzompantli and the treating of the body. Two main techniques are presented here - skinning and ritual cannibalism. Then it describes the Maya techniques of treating the head which include storing skulls...

The successful analysis of LiDAR data for archaeological research requires an evaluation of effects of different vegetation types and the use of adequate visualization techniques for the identification of archaeological features. The Ceibal-Petexbatun Archaeological Project conducted a LiDAR survey of an area of 20 x 20 km around the Maya site of Ceibal, Guatemala, which comprises diverse vegetation classes, including rainforest, secondary vegetation, agricultural fields, and pastures. We developed a classification of vegetation through object-based image analysis (OBIA), primarily using LiDAR-derived datasets, and evaluated various visualization techniques of LiDAR data. We then compared probable archaeological features identified in the LiDAR data with the archaeological map produced by Harvard University in the 1960s and conducted ground-truthing in sample areas. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the OBIA approach to vegetation classification in archaeological applications, and suggests that the Red Relief Image Map (RRIM) aids the efficient identification of subtle archaeological features. LiDAR functioned reasonably well for the thick rainforest in this high precipitation region, but the densest parts of foliage appear to create patches with no or few ground points, which make the identification of small structures problematic.

This thesis investigated the phytochemistry and pharmacology of immunomodulatory medicinal plant species used traditionally by the Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers Association (QMHA) of Belize, and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (CEI) of northern Quebec. Using quantitative ethnobotanical methodology, we identified 107 plant species belonging to 49 families used by Q’eqchi’ healers in the treatment of symptoms from 14 usage categories related to inflammation. Regression analysis revealed that the Piperaceae, Araceae, and Begoniaceae are preferentially selected by the Maya. Healer consensus for plant species was high, with 56 species (52%) being used by all the healers, and consensus for usage categories was also high, as informant consensus factor (FIC) values for each category were greater than 0.4. Fifty-two Belizean species were evaluated for their TNF-α inhibitory activity in an LPS-stimulated THP-1 monocyte model. Twenty-one species (40%) demonstrated significant TNF-α inhibition when assayed at 100 µg/mL, 8 of which had greater than 50% of the activity of the parthenolide positive control (10 µg/mL). Significant regressions were found between the anti-inflammatory activity and total healer frequency of use (Fuse) and the use reports for 3 usage categories, which indicated that ethnobotanical parameters can in part predict the activity of traditionally used species. Five sesquiterpene lactones were isolated from the leaves of Neurolaena lobata, one of the most active species tested, all of which demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity greater than that of parthenolide (IC50 = 4.79 µM), with IC50s ranging from 0.17-2.32 µM. Lobatin B was the most active isolate tested. Ethanolic and water extracts of 17 species used by Cree healers were evaluated for their immunomodulatory activity. In general, the average anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts was 1.8 times greater than that of water extracts, and the pro-inflammatory activity of water extracts was 3.7 times greater than ethanolic extracts. Picea mariana and Pinus banksiana were the most anti-inflammatory ethanolic and water extracts, while the water extract of Sarracenia purpurea was the most pro-inflammatory. Picea marina cones, the most anti-inflammatory Cree medicine, were subjected to bioassay guided isolation. This led to the isolation of the anti-inflammatory lignan (+)-lariciresinol-9’-p-coumarate, which had an IC50 of 28.4 µM. Together, these results validate the traditional knowledge shared by our Q’eqchi’ and Cree collaborators, and draw attention to the therapeutic potential of subtropical and boreal plants as culturally appropriate complements to modern medicine. - Cette thèse porte sur la phytochimie et la pharmacologie des espèces de plantes médicinales immunomodulatrices utilisées traditionnellement par le Q’eqchi’ Maya Healers Association (QMHA) du Belize, et les Cris d'Eeyou Istchee (CEI) du nord du Québec. En utilisant une méthodologie ethnobotanique quantitative, nous avons identifié 107 espèces végétales appartenant à 49 familles utilisées par les guérisseurs Q'eqchi’ dans le traitement de symptômes appartenant à 14 catégories d'utilisation liées à l'inflammation. Une analyse de régression a révélé que les familles Piperaceae, Araceae, et Begoniaceae sont préférentiellement choisis par les Mayas. Le consensus entre guérisseurs pour les espèces végétales était élevé, avec 56 espèces (52%) étant utilisés par tous les guérisseurs, et le consensus pour les catégories d'utilisation était également élevé, car les valeurs de facteur de consensus des informants (FIC) pour chaque catégorie étaient supérieurs à 0,4. Cinquante-deux espèces du Belize ont été évaluées pour leur activité inhibitrice de TNF-α dans un modèle de THP-1 monocytes stimulés par le LPS. Vingt-et-une espèces (40%) ont montré une inhibition significative de TNF-α lorsque dosés à 100 µg/mL, dont 8 d’entre elles ont démontrées plus de 50% de l'activité du contrôle positif parthénolide (10 µg/mL). Des régressions significatives ont été observées entre l'activité anti-inflammatoire et la fréquence d'utilisation de guérisseurs totale (Fuse) et les rapports d'utilisation pour 3 catégories d'utilisation, ce qui indique que les paramètres ethnobotaniques peuvent en partie prédire l'activité des espèces traditionnellement utilisées. Cinq lactones sesquiterpéniques ont été isolés à partir des feuilles de Neurolaena lobata, l'une des espèces les plus actives testées, qui a démontré une activité anti-inflammatoire supérieure à celle du parthénolide (CI50 = 4,79 µM), avec des CI50 allant de 0,17 à 2,32 µM. Lobatin B était l’isolât le plus actif testé. Des extraits éthanoliques et aqueux de 17 espèces utilisées par les guérisseurs Cris ont été évalués pour leur activité immunomodulatrice. En général, l'activité anti-inflammatoire moyenne des extraits éthanoliques était 1,8 fois supérieure à celle des extraits d'eau, et l'activité pro-inflammatoire des extraits d'eau était de 3,7 fois supérieure à celle des extraits éthanoliques. Picea mariana et Pinus banksiana étaient les extraits éthanoliques et aqueux avec le plus d’activité anti-inflammatoire, tandis que l'extrait aqueux de Sarracenia purpurea était le plus pro-inflammatoire. Le cône de Picea marina, le médicament traditionnelle Cris le plus anti-inflammatoire, a été soumis à une isolation guidée par essais biologiques. Cela a mené à l'isolement du lignane anti-inflammatoire (+)-lariciresinol-9'-p-coumarate, qui avait une CI50 de 28,4 µM. Ensemble, ces résultats valident les connaissances traditionnelles partagées par nos collaborateurs Q'eqchi' et Cris, et mettent en évidence le potentiel thérapeutique des plantes subtropicales et boréales comme des compléments à la médecine moderne qui sont culturellement appropriées.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options. Previous research has shown that metabolism of the platelet activating factor (PAF) family of lipid second messengers is impaired in AD. While PAFs are known to exacerbate glutamate excitotoxicity, signal tau hyperphosphorylation, and mediate amyloid β neurotoxicity, it is not yet clear whether cognitive decline can be ascribed to activation of the G-protein-coupled PAF receptor (PAFR). Here, I assessed whether loss of PAFR would alter Morris water maze performance in the TgCRND8 (Tg) mouse model of AD. I show that learning is impaired in Tg PAFR+/+ but not in Tg PAFR-/- mice. Together, these findings suggested that blocking PAFR-mediated glutamate overload or inhibiting PAF-synthesizing enzymes are two relevant therapeutic strategies. As traditional medicine is a major form of health care in regions like Mesoamerica, I conducted an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by Q’eqchi’ Maya healers of southern Belize to treat symptoms relevant to AD. I collected a total of 22 plants, 19 of which were identified to the species level. None of the plant extracts used for symptoms of AD were neurotoxic when tested on cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). I found that extracts of Margraviaceae gentlei and Gonzalagunia panamensis protected CGNs from glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, in vitro, and Peperomia hirta inhibited sPLA2 activity. These results demonstrate a pharmacological basis for Q’eqchi’ Maya traditional medicine used to treat symptoms relevant to AD, and highlight several plants with potential for future development into natural products for the treatment of AD.

The thesis deals with the influence of the Mesoamerican indigenous cultures on the work of the Guatemalan writer Miguel Ángel Asturias. The main focus is put on the ancient Maya culture as the author had the opportunity to get very close to their cultural heritage. The studied books are Legends of Guatemala (Leyendas de Guatemala), The President (El Señor Presidente) and Men of Maize (Hombres de maíz). The first part of the thesis outlines the author's life and highlights his connection with the Maya culture. The second part of the thesis briefly presents the native cultures of Guatemala whilst the final, third part of the work is dedicated to the analysis of the influence of these cultures on Asturias' literary creation itself. Key words: Miguel Ángel Asturias, Hispanic-American literature, the Maya, cultural influence, nature

Avec les avancées des deux dernières décennies en matière d’analyses isotopiques, les chercheurs étudiant l’ère mayas ont conclu que les sociétés Précolombiennes étaient beaucoup plus mobiles qu’anticipées, bien qu’elles étaient des sociétés sédentaires agricoles avec de grands centres. Les études isotopiques, particulièrement le strontium et l’oxygène, nous permettent d’identifier la présence de migrants à l’aide de la signature géochimique des dents issues des sépultures retrouvées. Les isotopes de strontium présents dans l’environnement sont absorbés par le corps humain et reflètent la géologie particulière du lieu d’habitation d’un individu lors de l’enfance, alors que les isotopes d’oxygène en reflètent les précipitations. Le site archéologique d’Ucanal dans la région de Petén au Guatemala a révélé douze sépultures dans les saisons 2016 et 2017 de fouilles archéologiques. Sur les douze sépultures étudiées, trois individus se sont révélés être possiblement nés à l’extérieur du site. Ces individus mettent au jour deux moyens qu’ont les étrangers de s’impliquer dans leurs terres d’accueil. Ensemble, les analyses isotopiques, les restes humains et les traitements funéraires suggèrent un traitement hostile des étrangers, sous la forme du sacrifice humain et à l’opposé, un traitement particulier en lien avec le culte des ancêtres où les étrangers sont célébrés et commémorés comme fondateurs. / With the advances in isotopic analyses over the last two decades, scholars working in the Maya area have come to realize that Pre-Columbian people were much more mobile than previously considered, even though many were sedentary agriculturalists with large urban centers. Isotopic analysis of strontium and oxygen of human teeth enables us to identify the presence of migrants since they reflect geochemical and climatic variability of where a person lived as a child. Twelve burials from the archaeological site of Ucanal, in the Petén region of Guatemala, were analyzed for strontium and oxygen isotopes. In addition, a strontium baseline study of faunal remains was undertaken to identify typical values for the Ucanal region. Out of the twelve burials, three individuals were identified as likely foreign-born. Interestingly, they underscore two different ways in which foreigners were implicated in their newly founded homelands. Together with analyses of the human remains and burial contexts, the isotopic results highlight potentially hostile treatment in the form of human sacrifice or potentially reverential treatments in the form of a cult of the ancestors in which foreign peoples were remembered as important founding ancestors.

Today, many Guatemalans flee the country and leave their home communities behind due to poor living conditions and high unemployment. Irregular migration involves many risks yet is for many seen as a necessity to live a purposeful life. Since attempts to improve these circumstances often is based on Westernized ideals and experiences, this study aims to portray the needs and attitudes from Maya communities in the Sololá region, Guatemala. To achieve this aim, twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted, one with representatives from the international organization for migration (IOM), 4 with mayors in the region and 7 with 8 Maya women who live in these communities. The study was carried out in collaboration with the nongovernmental organisation Natün who are active in the area, working to improve the Maya community's situation. By using the neoclassical theory, the new economics of labour migration and decolonial theory the experiences of the respondents were analysed. The results show that there is a broad spectrum of causes regarding why people feel the need to leave. Moreover, even though people have possibilities in Guatemala, they still search for a better life in the U.S. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and IOM´s purpose was analysed and compared to the actual needs of the community resulting in the conclusion that there is a risk these organization base their work on underlying motives such as stemming migration.

The purpose of this study is to investigate how Mayareligiosity is portrayed and expressed in visual media in the form of series and films. The study also aims to investigate why Mayareligiosity is portrayed and expressed in that way and to discuss what reasons may be behind this. Based on the study´s purpose, the following questions have been formulated:  1.       How is mayareligiosity portrayed in these films and series? 2.       Why is mayareligiosity portrayed in this way?   The empirical material for this candidate's thesis consists of three visual media in the form of two films, The Fountain (2006) and Apocalypto (2006), and a series, Maya and the Three (2021). Based on previous research, background and postcolonial theory, the films, and series’ portrayal of Mayareligiosity is presented, analyzed, and discussed. It was possible to find several similarities between the portrayals in the visual media and there were also some differences. A division that was made was based on from what perspective the Mayareligion was portrayed, from the inside or from the outside. Discussion about how the perspective affects the portrayal and what this means followed. The foundations of how and why Mayareligion is portrayed the way it is can be found in post-colonial theorizing. It is based in a colonial history with power relations between colonizers and colonized and power relations around historiography. It is expressed through orientalism, binarism and subaltern groups. The discussion shows how a film industry built on Christian foundations and in Christian contexts leaves traces in films and their actions, partly in post-colonial perspectives.

The ancient Maya of the Classic period (1700-1050 B.P.) relied on maize agriculture to support their populations. The agricultural systems they employed to produce that maize varied in form and degree of intensity, with more productive forms of agriculture needed in the Late Classic period (1350-1050 B.P.) to sustain the peaking population. It is likely that the ancient systems of production agriculture contributed to environmental degradation that in turn contributed to the pressures that culminated in the collapse of the civilization. In this study, stable carbon isotope ratios contained in the soil organic matter were used to further investigate ancient maize cultivation in the Petexbatan region of Guatemala. Maize, a plant that uses the C4 photosynthetic pathway, leaves a different carbon (13C) isotopic signal in the soil than the C3 plants of the native forest vegetation. Soil profiles were collected from various landscape features around the Classic Maya site of Aguateca: bajos (or wetlands), control locations (areas not conducive to agriculture), defensible locations (areas within or near defensive walls), rehoyadas (natural karst depressions), and upland locations (level soils from across the rest of the landscape). The samples were tested for various chemical and physical properties, and the bulk soil organic matter and humin fractions were analyzed on a mass spectrometer to determine δ13C values. Graphs of the isotopic values were examined and the bulk and humin δ13C enrichment values for the landscape feature categories were compared statistically using ANOVA methods. We determined that the bulk and humin δ13C values of the Bajo and Rehoyada categories showed significantly greater enrichment than the Control, Defensible, and Upland locations. This enrichment was likely the result of sustained periods of maize cultivation, especially in the Rehoyadas. Surface soil bulk and humin δ13C enrichment values do not show that the Bajo or Rehoyada categories are influenced by modern C4 vegetation, nor do the enrichment values of the Control, Defensible or Upland soils. In other words, C3 vegetation dominates each of the landscape features today under natural conditions and probably would have done so anciently absent human interference. (Savanna soils are an exception, but none were identified in the study area.) When the thinner midslope (Backslope) Rehoyada profiles were compared to Control, Defensive, and Upland samples of similar depth, the Backslope Rehoyada profiles had significantly greater bulk δ13C enrichment values that may have resulted from maize cultivation. There was also a significant difference among the surface soil bulk and humin δ13C values of the Backslope Rehoyada, Control, Defensive, and Upland categories, though the reasons are less clear. Both the Bajos and Rehoyadas would have been valuable agricultural resources for maize production for the ancient Maya.