Academic literature on the topic 'Traqua'

This thesis examined the benefits of physiological and performance testing of elite swimmers. The study considered the following research questions: the degree to which physiological and performance measures in training contribute to swimming performance; sources and magnitude of variability in testing, training and competition performance; the magnitudes of changes in test measures during routine training; and the reliability, validity and utility of miniaturised and automated smart sensor technology to monitor the stroke and performance times of swimmers in training. The experimental approach involved the retrospective analysis of five years of physiological and performance testing of elite level swimmers, the development of a new accelerometry-based smart sensor device to monitor swimmers in the pool, a cross-sectional study comparing the physiological and performance responses of swimmers of different levels, and the effects of an intensive 14-day training program on submaximal physiological and performance measures. Collectively, the outcomes of these studies provide a strong justification for the physiological and performance testing of elite swimmers, a quantitative framework for interpreting the magnitude of changes and differences in test scores and sources of variation, and highlight the potential utility of new smart sensor technology to automate the monitoring of a swimmer�s training performance. The first study (Chapter 2) characterises the changes and variability in test performance, physiological and anthropometric measures, and stroke mechanics of swimmers within and between seasons over their elite competitive career. Forty elite swimmers (24 male, 16 female) performed a 7 x 200-m incremental swimming step test several times each 6-month season (10 � 5 tests, spanning 0.5 to 6.0 y). Mixed linear modeling provided estimates of change in the mean and individual responses for measures based on submaximal performance (fixed 4-mM lactate), maximal performance (the seventh step), and lean mass (from skinfolds and body mass). Submaximal and maximal swim speed increased within each season from the pre to taper phase by ~2.2% for females and ~1.5% for males (95% confidence limits �1.0%), with variable contributions from stroke rate and stroke length. Most of the gains in speed were lost in the off-season, leaving a net average annual improvement of ~1.0% for females and ~0.6% for males (�1.0%). For submaximal and maximal speed, individual variation between phases was �2.2% and the typical measurement error was �0.8%. In conclusion, step test and anthropometric measures can be used to confidently monitor progressions in swimmers in an elite training program within and between seasons. The second study (Chapter 3) quantified the relationship between changes in test measures and changes in competition performance for individual elite swimmers. The primary question addressed was whether test measures could predict a swimmers performance at the major end-of-season competition. The same sample group as in Study 1 was examined. A 7 x 200-m incremental swimming step-test and anthropometry were conducted in up to four training phases each season. Correlations of changes in step-test and anthropometric measures between training phases between and within seasons, with changes in competition performance between seasons, were derived by repeated-measures mixed modeling and linear regression. Changes in competition performance were best tracked by changes in test measures between taper phases. The best single predictor of competition performance was skinfolds for females (r = -0.53). The best predictor from the step-test was stroke rate at 4-mM lactate (females, r = 0.46; males, r = 0.41); inclusion of the second-best step-test predictor in a multiple linear regression improved the correlations marginally (females, r =0.52 with speed in the seventh step included; males, r = 0.58 with peak lactate concentration included). Changes in test measures involving phases other than the taper provided weak and inconclusive correlations with changes in performance, possibly because the coaches and swimmers took corrective action when tests produced poor results. In conclusion, a combination of fitness and techniques factors are important for competitive performance. The step test is apparently a useful adjunct in a swimmer�s training preparation for tracking large changes in performance. These initial studies identified stroke mechanics as a major determinant of a swimmer�s performance. Chapter 4 details the development of a small tri-axial accelerometry-based smart sensor device (the Traqua) that enables continual monitoring of various performance/stroke characteristics in swimming. The initial focus was to develop a device that automated the detection of a swimmer�s movements, specifically lap times, stroke rate and stroke count. The Traqua consists of a tri-axial accelerometer packaged with a microprocessor, which attaches to the swimmer at the pelvis to monitor their whole body movements while swimming. This study established the failure/error rate in the first generation algorithms developed to detect the swimming-specific movements of stroke identification, laps (start, turn and finish), and strokes (stroke count and stroke rate) in a cohort of 21 elite and sub-elite swimmers. Movements were analysed across a range of swimming speeds for both freestyle and breaststroke. These initial algorithms were reasonably successful in correctly identifying the markers representing specific segments of a swimming lap in a range of swimmers across a spectrum of swimming speeds. The first iteration of the freestyle algorithm produced error-rates of 13% in detection of lap times, 5% for stroke rate, and 11% for stroke count. Subsequent improvements of the software reduced the error rate in lap and stroke detection. This improved software was used in the following two studies. The next study (Chapter 5) evaluated the reliability and validity of the Traqua against contemporary methods used for timing, stroke rate and stroke count determination. The subjects were 14 elite and 10 sub-elite club-level swimmers. Each swimmer was required to swim seven evenly paced 200-m efforts on a 5-min cycle, graded from easy to maximal. Swimmers completed the test using their main competitive stroke (21 freestyle, 3 breaststroke). Timing was compared for each 50-m lap and total 200-m time by electronic touch pads, video coding, a hand-held manual stopwatch, and the Traqua. Stroke count was compared for video coding, self-reported counting, and the Traqua, while the stroke rate was compared via video coding, hand-held stopwatch, and the Traqua. Retest trials were conducted under the same conditions 7 d following the first test. All data from the Traqua presented in this and the subsequent studies were visually inspected for errors in the automated algorithms, where the algorithms had either failed to correctly identify the start, turn, finish or individual strokes and corrected prior to analysis. The standard error of the estimate for each of the timing methods for total 200 m was compared with the criterion electronic timing. These standard errors were as follows: Traqua (0.64 s; 90% confidence limits 0.60 � 0.69 s), Video (0.52 s; 0.49 � 0.55 s); Manual (0.63 s; 0.59 � 0.67 s). Broken down by 50-m laps, the standard error of the estimate for the Traqua compared with the electronic timing for freestyle only was: 1st 50-m 0.35 s; 2nd and 3rd 50-m 0.13 s; 4th 50-m 0.65 s. When compared with the criterion video-coding determination, the error for the stroke count was substantially lower for the Traqua (0.6 strokes.50 m-1; 0.5 � 0.6 strokes.50 m-1) compared to the self-reported measure (2.3 strokes.50 m-1; 2.5 � 2.9 strokes.50 m-1). However, the error for stroke rate was similar between the Traqua (1.5 strokes.min-1; 1.4 � 1.6 strokes.min-1) and the manual stopwatch (1.8 strokes.min-1; 1.7 � 1.9 strokes.min-1). The typical error of measurement of the Traqua was 1.99 s for 200-m time, 1.1 strokes.min-1 for stroke rate, and 1.1 strokes.50 m-1 for stroke count. In conclusion, the Traqua is comparable in accuracy to current methods for determining time and stroke rate, and better than current methods for stroke count. A substantial source of error in the Traqua timing was additional noise in the detection of the start and finish. The Traqua is probably useful for monitoring of routine training but electronic timing and video are preferred for racing and time trials. Having established the reliability and validity of the Traqua, Chapter 6 addressed the ability to discriminate the pattern of pacing between different levels of swimmers in the 7 x 200-m incremental step test. This study also sought to quantify the differences in pacing between senior and junior swimmers. Eleven senior elite swimmers (5 female, 6 male) and 10 competitive junior swimmers (3 female, 7 male) participated in this study. Each swimmer was required to swim seven evenly paced 200-m freestyle efforts on a 5-min cycle, graded from easy to maximal. The Traqua was used to measure time, stroke rate and stroke count. The senior swimmers were better able to descend in each of the 200-m efforts. Overall the senior swimmers were ~2-3 s per 50 m faster than the junior swimmers. Both groups were fastest in the first 50-m lap with the push start. The senior swimmers then descended the 50- m time for each of the subsequent laps, getting ~0.5 s faster per lap, with the final lap the fastest. In contrast, the junior swimmers swam a similar time for each of the subsequent laps. The junior swimmers were marginally more variable in their times (coefficient of variation: ~2%) compared with the senior swimmers (~1.8%). In comparison to junior swimmers, the senior swimmers in this study were faster, adopted a more uniform negative split strategy to pacing within a 200-m effort, and were more consistent in reproducing submaximal and maximal swimming speeds. The final study (Chapter 7) analysed the effect of 14-d of intensive training on the reproducibility of submaximal swimming performance in elite swimmers. Submaximal physiological and performance testing is widely used in swimming and other individual sports but the variability in test measures, and the effects of fatigue, during intensive training have surprisingly not been quantified systematically. Seven elite swimmers (3 male and 4 female) participated in an intensive 14-d training camp one month prior to the National championships. The aim of the study was to characterise the intra-session, daily and training block variability of submaximal swimming time, physiological and stroke characteristics in elite swimmers. The swimmers performed a specified submaximal 200-m effort in most sessions, after the warm-up and at the end of the session for both morning and afternoon sessions. During the efforts, swimming time and stroke mechanics were measured and physiological measures were recorded immediately on completion. The Traqua was worn by all swimmers in every training session. Mixed linear modeling was used to provide estimates of changes in the mean and individual responses (within-athlete variation as a coefficient of variation) for all measures. The swimmers were moderately slower (1.4%; �1.4%) over the 14-d training camp. The mean submaximal 200-m effort was very likely to be faster (0.7%; confidence limits �0.7%) in the afternoon compared with the morning session. The females were more variable in their submaximal performance times (CV=2.6%) than the male swimmers (1.7%). Blood lactate concentration was almost certainly lower (-23%; �10%) following higher volume in the previous session; however a higher intensity workout the previous session almost certainly leads to higher lactate (21%; �15%) in the current session. Considered together, these results indicate that the 200-m submaximal test is useful in monitoring submaximal physiological and performance measures and the negative effects of cumulative fatigue. In conclusion, changes in the physiological and performance measures derived from the poolbased progressive incremental step test are moderately correlated with changes in end-ofviii. season competition performance. The magnitudes of changes and differences in test measures between phases within a season, from season to season, and between males and females, established in this study can be applied to similar elite level swimmers preparing for major competition. The quantification of typical error of the same measures demonstrates that coaches and scientists can distinguish real and worthwhile improvements using the 7 x 200-m step test. Continual pool-based monitoring with the automated smart sensor Traqua device may provide more accurate and detailed information about a swimmer�s training adaptation than current fitness tests and monitoring methods. Finally, submaximal testing in trained swimmers is useful in monitoring progress in physiological and performance measures, and the impact of cumulative fatigue during an intensive period of training. Collectively, the outcomes of these studies indicate that routine physiological and performance testing can provide measurable benefits for elite swimmers and their coaches.

Magíster en Psicología Clínica Adultos
La Trata de Personas surge en Chile como un ilícito nuevo, visualizándose en gran parte, a través de las denuncias y procesos judiciales, a partir de la Ley 20.507, promulgada en Abril del 2011. Si bien la Trata es un ilícito que afecta a hombres, mujeres y niños, chilenos o extranjeros, los afectados en su mayoría han sido migrantes (mujeres y hombres). A pesar de los esfuerzos de instituciones no gubernamentales y gobierno para llevar a efecto la prevención del delito y protección a las víctimas, esta temática permanece invisibilizada ante la sociedad y las personas que han sido vulneradas. A partir de este contexto se desarrolla esta investigación, a través de un enfoque etnográfico reflexivo, el cual tiene por objetivo indagar el impacto de la Trata de Personas en la sociedad chilena, así como también en los profesionales expertos, que han trabajado con víctimas de Trata, y en especial migrantes. Las respuestas e indagaciones de esta investigación ayudarán a comprender las diferentes voces o polifonías en tensión, como un entramado social, que impiden una mejor visualización del ilícito. Esto, ayudaría además, a otorgar luces y directrices para una atención clínica a las víctimas, sustentadas desde una posición ética, política y develadora

ABSTRACT Despite a plethora of research documenting the effectiveness of various therapeutic interventions on the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), there continues to be ambiguity insofar as which approaches or combination thereof are most effective at improving adverse manifestations of this disorder. This lack of clarity is further confounded when other variables and nuances pertaining to variations of PTSD (i.e. military, sexual trauma, childhood abuse, etc.) are factored into these comparisons. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the impact of various interventions on improving the symptoms of PTSD. This study also examined the variances which stand in need of recognition when determining which interventions are most appropriate and meaningful in improving the quality of life and functionality of individuals with this disorder. This has significance in both macro and micro social work practices due to the potential for improvements in policies, allocation of resources, and enhancements in micro-level interventions. The research design involved qualitative interviews with clinicians devised to identify gaps, areas of agreement, and dissent among the research. Data analysis will be qualitatiive and will be guided by assessing the impact of interventions on the 17 symptoms which, according to the DSM-5 are associated with PTSD.

A grounded theory study was conducted to identify, describe and provide a theoretical analysis of the conditions and events surrounding the occurrence of physical trauma. Research questions addressed were: What pattern of behavior is present in individuals prior to experiencing a motor vehicle collision (MVC)?; To what degree do trauma patients view themselves as active participants in a MVC that results in physical injury? Twenty one informants participated in the study. Theoretical sampling involved the use of a variety of sources of data. Vignettes, interviews, songs, commercials and automobile advertisements were triangulated with existing literature. Constant comparative analysis revealed a grounded theory of self protection. Self protection consists of three phases; perceptions of actual control over the environment, experiencing a traumatic event that signifies loss of control over their environment, and self protection to enhance perceptions of actual control over the environment post event. Controlling perceptions influenced use of protection devices and post trauma driving behavior. Self protection involved emotional focused and problem focused strategies similar to that described in the literature. Perceptions of actual control over the environment was not a static trait but appeared to be situationally dependent. The theory explained the behavior of the majority of the informants regardless of their mechanisms of injury; although patients with injuries resulting from violence were omitted from the study. Informants who viewed driving as a pleasurable action with unpredictable outcomes, as a form of risk taking behavior, did not identify self protection strategies post event. The other informants viewed driving as an unconscious, automatized behavior and denied engaging in risk taking prior to the MVC. Findings indicate the need to explore the social context of the American lifestyle and the image of the automobile when explaining self protective strategies. Automobile manufacturers provide the illusion of control over the environment in their advertisements perhaps negating the need for self protection. Rationale for not supporting mandatory protection for the use of seat belts and helmets was provided by the informants. Further testing with contrasting groups is indicated to determine the usefulness of the theory outside the trauma patient population.

In writing/trauma, I address the association of trauma with knowledge, language, and writing. My discussion first works to establish the relationship between trauma and knowledge. I argue that trauma does not fit into the traditional Enlightenment model of scientific knowledge or the ontological model of what Michele Foucault calls the ‘truth-event.’ Rather, I contend that trauma is unique embodied knowledge, different from that of praxis and normal memory. In general, embodied knowledge is a matter of prenoetic and intentional operations. The body schema and body image maintain a power of plasticity and adjust to new motilities in order to re-establish an equilibrium when disrupted or threatened. In line with this, embodiment involves a sense of temporality, agency, and subjectivity. But in the case of extreme disruption, such as trauma, these fundamental aspects of embodiment are compromised to the point that there is a corruption of the “embodied feeling of being alive.” Physical pain, to some extent, produces this phenomenon. However, the distinctive function of the repetition compulsion within trauma distinguishes it as an exceptional embodied experience unlike physical pain or analogous phenomena. In the case of trauma, an equilibrium is not maintained, similar to the ontology of the accident. Instead, at best, we can say that what takes place is a destructive plasticity, in which the individual is transformed to the point of being a whole new ontological subject. This phenomenon of destructive plasticity is significant in establishing the relationship of language to trauma-knowledge as trauma is the precise point at which language is ruptured. That is to say, purported within psychanalytic discourse, traumatic experience is observed in a break within the symbolic order. As opposed to physical pain, then, trauma is more akin to the abject, sharing the same resistance to narrative language. Traumatic experience is expressed through semiotic compulsions in the body as a revolt of being. In light of this, I argue that trauma, rather than being treated as a pathology, is a specific embodied knowledge which can be captured in semiotic, poetic language. Moreover, fragmentary writing, the interface of fragmented knowledge and language, captures the disruptive force of traumatic experience. In conclusion, I assert that writing-trauma is valuable, not because it allows for a ‘working through’ of the traumatic experience, but because it is an expression of a distinctly human experience. My work canvases nineteenth century to contemporary literature on trauma such as Bessel van der Kolk in the neurobiological discipline, literary critics including Cathy Caruth, Dori Laub, Dominick LaCapra, et al, and the psychoanalytic theorists Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan. I draw from such literature to analyze the ambiguous impossible-possibility of witnessing and giving testimony of traumatic experience in history and writing, as well as the concern with trauma and language specific to the repetition compulsion and the unconscious. Yet, my primary focus is on the contribution of philosophy to the ongoing discourse of trauma. I look to philosophical thinkers such as Michele Foucault and Friedrich Nietzsche to depict the types of epistemological models traditionally addressed within the history of philosophy. My analysis of phenomenology and embodiment is mainly informed by the works of Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Shaun Gallagher. Additionally, Catharine Malabou’s work on destructive plasticity provides an understanding of the ontology of the accident, one of the most critical pieces to my work. Additionally, the works of Elaine Scarry and Julia Kristeva help to disclose the intimate relationship between language and trauma. I also incorporate the work of Gloria Anzalúa along with Julia Kristeva to describe the multi-dimensionality of poetic language and how this is what allows for an articulation of embodied trauma-knowledge. Finally, Maurice Blanchot’s depiction of the disaster and fragmentary writing best captures writing-trauma as it is, like trauma, a process of fragmenting language and meaning. My purpose is to make clear the value of poetic language and fragmentary writing in regard to knowing and writing trauma. The significance to philosophy is that my discussion bridges the phenomenological and epistemological perspectives with that of the literary in order to engage in philosophical discussion on the implications and value of traumatic experience for understanding the human condition. It is my observation that the more we experience trauma, the more valuable artistic expression becomes, and the more we are pressed within the philosophical tradition to account for an experience so many individuals suffer.

Embora a órtese de Palmaz tenha sido utilizada para tratamento de graves obstruções da via aérea, em pacientes com traqueomalacia ou estenose após traqueoplastia, não existe nenhum estudo experimental sobre o uso desta órtese. Este trabalho foi então realizado com o objetivo de determinar o efeito do uso experimental da órtese de Palmaz emtraquéias normais e previamente submetidas a cirurgia. A órtese de Palmaz foi colocada, através de broncoscopia e sob controle fluoroscópico, na traquéia intratorácica de quatro grupos de gatos anestesiados. Nos animais dos grupos I (adultos, n=10) e fi (filhotes, n=10), a órtese foi colocada na traquéia normal. Animais do grupo m (adultos, n=15) submeteram-se a toracotomia, incisão e sutura traqueal, e aqueles do grupo IV (adultos, n=15) à toracotomia e traqueoplastia com pericárdio. Nos grupos m e IV, a órtese foi inserida em dez animais, tendo cinco sido utilizados como controle. Balonete de 15 mm de diâmetro foi usado para expandir a órtese nos animais do grupo I; balonete de 8mmfoi usado nos demais grupos. Os animais foram avaliados diariamente. Broncoscopia e radiografia de tórax foram feitas em 2, 5, 8 e 10 semanas. Metade dos animais com órtese foram sacrificados em 5 semanas; todos os demais em 10 semanas. Após sacrificio foram realizados histologia e medida dos diâmetros traqueais. Testes t de student e exato de Fisher foram utilizados, considerando-se 0,05 como o nível mínimo de significância. Um animal do grupo I foi sacrificado após perfuração traqueal provocada pela órtese. A não ser episódios intermitentes de tosse observados em 19 gatos, e recusa alimentar com perda de peso em três do grupo IV, nenhum outro problema clínico foi notado. Em todos os grupos, a média de peso na inserção da órtese foi igualou menor do que aquela observada no momento do sacrificio dos animais. Traqueoscopia revelou tecido de granulação não obstrutivo, caracteristicamente localizado nas extremidades da órtese, em 15 animais dos grupos I e fi, e em 17 dos grupos fi e IV. Tecido de granulação também foi observado na região da cirurgia traqueal prévia, nos animais com órtese dos grupos m, e em todos do grupo IV. Esofagoscopia realizada nos animais com recusa alimentar e perda de peso excluiu esofagite ou obstrução esofágica. No grupo I, a área seccional da traquéia com órtese foi significativamente maior do que aquela da traquéia normal (pPalmaz stents have been used to relieve severe airway obstructions in patients with tracheobronchomalacia and post tracheoplasty stenosis. Experimental data to support their use are lack:ing. This study was undertaken to determine their effect on the normal and fresh1y operated trachea. Palmaz stents were placed bronchoscopically with f1uoroscopic control in thoracic tracheas of 4 groups of anesthetized cats. Gp I (adults, n=10) and Gp fi (kittens; n=lO): normal tracheas; Gp m(adults, n=15): thoracotomy, traeheal incision and closure; Gp IV (adults, n=15): thoracotomy, traeheoplasty with pericardial pateh. In Gp mand IV, stents were inserted in 10 and 5 served as controls. The balloon stents were inflated to 15 mmin Gp I and to 8 mmin the others. Cats were assessed daily, and by bronchoscopy and x-ray at 2, 5, 8 and 10 weeks. Halfthe stented animaIs were sacrificed at 5 weeks; all others at 10. At autopsy, tracheas were evaluated by size, contoU! and histology. Fiseher's and Student's "t" tests were utilized, and 0.05 was the significance leveI. One Gp I animaIs was sacrificed because of tracheal perforation. Except for mild cough in 19 eats, and difficulty of eating with loss ofweight in three, no clinicaI problems were noted. A non obstructing rim of granulation tissue at the upper or lower end of the stent in 15/20 Gp I and fi cats, and in 17/20 Gp m and IV animaIs, and also at the tracheal repair site in stented Gp m and all Gp IV. Endoscopy excluded esophagus inflammation and obstruction in animaIs with difficulty of eating and loss of weight. The difference in cross-sectional area ofthe stented versus the normal trachea in Gp I cats was significant (p<0.02); in Gp IV, the control (unstented) tracheoplasty site was narrower than the normal trachea (p<0.02). Mild epithelial damaged and inflammatory reaction with granulation tissue was observed in all stented animaIs, but Gp I (over distention) the reaction was more severe with epithelial ulceration and fibrosis. Stented tracheas in Gp m had significantly more inflammatory reaction, granulation tissue and epithelial damaged than eontrols. We ean conelude this study that: 1) Adequate expanded Palmaz stents provoke an inflammatory reaetion in the normal and fresh1y operated upon cat trachea; 2) Overexpanded (Gp I) Palmaz stents provoke traeheal perforation and severe histologic damage; 3) Palmaz stents insertion afier tracheal suture in cats provoke more granulation tissue and histologic damage; 4) Palmaz stents maintain the normal lumen size afier pericardial tracheoplasty in eats.

The topic of this dissertation is the aspects of trauma and reaction to the traumatic experience that can be found in 9/11 literature. The research engages in a comparative analysis of five books that can be categorised as 9/11 literature, which means that the events of 9/11 are central in the novels and are a recurrent theme. The books have been written by authors of different nationalities: "Extremely Loud & Incredibily Close" by J. S. Foer, "Falling Man" by D. DeLillo, "Windows on the World" by F. Beigbeder, "Saturday" by I. McEwan and "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" by M. Hamid. The characters have either experienced the attacks personally or their lives have been largely influenced by the event. In either case, the protagonist has been traumatised by the tragedy. Therefore, in this study two different fields are fused together – the field of comparative literature and that of trauma studies.

Therapists who specialize in trauma therapy are indirectly exposed traumatic events presented by clients within the therapeutic relationship. The potential consequences for trauma therapists may be the risk of vicarious trauma. Effective coping and self-care are essential in the practice of trauma work. The research question for this study is: Do coping skills and self-care practices in trauma therapists moderate the disruptive effect of vicarious trauma on the fulfillment of their psychological needs (trust/dependence and control)? The purpose of this research study was to examine quantitatively, the role of trauma therapists' beliefs in the effectiveness of coping skills and time spent devoted to self-care practices as moderators of the disruptive effect of vicarious trauma on their fulfillment of psychological needs of trust/dependence and control. Based on the constructive self-development theory, this study explored 2 psychological needs areas including trust/dependence and control. A sample of therapists with 10 years or more experience in the field and who primarily treated traumatized populations were recruited. A survey design methodology via a customized internet-based system was used to administer the trauma and attachment belief scale and the coping inventory scale. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was completed to address the research question and hypotheses. The results of regression analysis supported the research question. Contributions to positive social change include increased awareness of the risk of vicarious trauma and potential coping strategies necessary to address this phenomenon. Therapists may then enhance their therapeutic effectiveness and organizational service delivery to traumatized client populations.

Este estudo traça um breve esboço sobre a maneira pela qual a historiografia trata o mecenato artístico de D. Pedro II, sua relação com os projetos construtores da incipiente nação e a imagem criada do próprio monarca. Considera ainda a ruptura do academismo romântico face aos padrões neoclássicos nas artes plásticas.