bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The grin of Cheshire cat resurgence from supersymmetric localization
Authors: Dorigoni Daniele , Glass Philip
Published: February 2018

First we compute the \mbox{S}^2S2
partition function of the supersymmetric \mathbb{CP}^{N-1}ℂℙN−1
model via localization and as a check we show that the chiral ring
structure can be correctly reproduced. For the
\mathbb{CP}^1ℂℙ1
case we provide a concrete realisation of this ring in terms of Bessel
functions. We consider a weak coupling expansion in each topological
sector and write it as a finite number of perturbative corrections plus
an infinite series of instanton-anti-instanton contributions. To be able
to apply resurgent analysis we then consider a non-supersymmetric
deformation of the localized model by introducing a small unbalance
between the number of bosons and fermions. The perturbative expansion of
the deformed model becomes asymptotic and we analyse it within the
framework of resurgence theory. Although the perturbative series
truncates when we send the deformation parameter to zero we can still
reconstruct non-perturbative physics out of the perturbative data in a
nice example of Cheshire cat resurgence in quantum field theory. We also
show that the same type of resurgence takes place when we consider an
analytic continuation in the number of chiral fields from
NN
to r\in\mathbb{R}r∈ℝ.
Although for generic real rr
supersymmetry is still formally preserved, we find that the perturbative
expansion of the supersymmetric partition function becomes asymptotic so
that we can use resurgent analysis and only at the end take the limit of
integer rr
to recover the undeformed model.
Price and market risk reduction for bond portfolio selection in BRICS markets
Authors: Ortobelli Lozza Sergio , Petronio Filomena , Vitali Sebastiano
Published: February 2018

This paper focuses on classical portfolio strategies applied to five countries, which are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. These five countries form the so-called BRICS group. In particular, the authors investigate their corporate and sovereign bond market and evaluate whether these markets can represent a profitable investment for non-satiable and risk-averse investors. Two-step optimization is proposed to control price risk and market risk. For price risk management, classical immunization strategies and are obtained funds of bond are obtained that share the same risk measure. For market risk control, the previously found funds are used and a performance measure optimization commonly used in stock markets is applied to define the best portfolio of funds. Therefore, the resulting optimal portfolio controls the price risk and jointly maximizes a desired performance measure that includes the market risk. Finally, the authors propose an empirical analysis to evaluate the profitability of the suggested two-step optimization for the five BRICS countries and compare the ex-post sample paths of the obtained portfolios for testing the stochastic dominance relations.
Skills profile of technical staff in the south African local government sector: an empirical survey
Authors: van der Waldt Gerrit , Fourie David , Jordaan Johan , Chitiga-Mabugu Margaret
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the findings of a local government sector-wide technical skills audit. A mixed-method research design was followed in both a positivist and interpretivist scientific paradigm to conduct the survey in local, district and metropolitan municipalities. Quantitative and qualitative data were processed and thematic analyses were done per respondent and participant category to obtain rich descriptions of current technical skills challenges and skills development priorities in local government. From the empirical survey it is evident that significant technical skills shortages exist, especially in rural district and local municipalities. This severely compromises the delivery of the four basic technical services, namely water provisioning, waste management, sanitation and sewerage, and electricity.
Innovative Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoid Receptors as Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease and Less Well-Known Diseases
Authors: Páez Juan A. , Campillo Nuria E.
Published: February 2018

:

The discovery of cannabinoid receptors at the beginning of the 1990s, CB1 cloned in 1990 and CB2 cloned in 1993, and the availability of selective and potent cannabimimetics could only be justified by the existence of endogenous ligands that are capable of binding to them. Thus, the characterisation and cloning of the first cannabinoid receptor (CB1) led to the isolation and characterisation of the first endocannabinoid, arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA), two years later and the subsequent identification of a family of lipid transmitters known as the fatty acid ester 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

:

The endogenous cannabinoid system is a complex signalling system that comprises transmembrane endocannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands (the endocannabinoids), the specific uptake mechanisms and the enzymatic systems related to their biosynthesis and degradation.

:

The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in a wide diversity of biological processes, in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, including memory, learning, neuronal development, stress and emotions, food intake, energy regulation, peripheral metabolism, and the regulation of hormonal balance through the endocrine system.

:

In this context, this article will review the current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid receptor as a target in Alzheimer’s disease and other less well-known diseases that include, among others, multiple sclerosis, bone metabolism, and Fragile X syndrome.

:

The therapeutic applications will be addressed through the study of cannabinoid agonists acting as single drugs and multi-target drugs highlighting the CB2 receptor agonist.
New Life to an Old Treatment: Pegylated Interferon Beta 1a in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ortiz Miguel Angel , Espino-Paisan Laura , Nunez Concepcion , Alvarez-Lafuente Roberto , Urcelay Elena
Published: February 2018

Background:

In the 1990s, the beta interferons and glatiramer acetate were introduced
for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. These medications have a demonstrated record
of efficacy and safety, although they require frequent administration via injection and are only
partially effective. The optimization of treatment in patients who do not respond adequately to
this first-line therapy is essential for attaining the best long-term outcomes. Switching to the recently
approved emergent therapies is a strategy to consider for treatment of patients with a
suboptimal response.

Objective:

This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, clinical benefits, and safety profiles
of current multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies, including highly efficacious
monoclonal antibodies or convenient oral therapies, and with a special focus on the pegylated
interferon beta 1a formulation.

Methods:

We reviewed the recent literature and human clinical trials on multiple sclerosis therapies
by bibliographic search in PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov.

Results and Conclusion:

Although the first-line interferon beta exhibits a favorable benefit-torisk
profile, treatment compliance is compromised potentially due to its known adverse events
and frequent injectable administration. Less frequent dosing and improved pharmacological
properties have been achieved by reaction of interferon beta with chemically activated polyethylene
glycol. Provided that none of the available therapies show better effectiveness for all outcomes
and their safety in clinical practice is of a fundamental concern, the pegylated form of interferon
beta seems to keep its place as a competitive therapeutic option.
UDP-glucuronosyltransferases: Structure, Function and Drug Design Studies
Authors: Mano Erica Candido Costa , Scott Ana Ligia , Honorio Kathia M.
Published: February 2018

UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are important phase II metabolic enzymes
responsible for approximately 40-70% of endo and xenobiotic reactions. It catalyzes the transfer
of glucuronic acid to lipophilic substrates, converting them into hydrophilic compounds
that are excreted. There are 22 active human UGTs that belong to 4 families. This review focuses
on human UGTs, highlighting the most current issues in order to connect all information
available and allowing a discussion on the challenges already solved and those in which
we need to move forward. Although, several UGTs studies have been conducted, the most
recent ones addressing drug-drug interactions and polymorphism issues, there are still bottlenecks
to overcome. Tridimensional structure is difficult to obtain due to overexpression, purification,
and crystallization problems as well as the action mechanism - since overlapping of
substrate specificities renders impasses on the identification of which isoform is responsible
for a particular drug metabolic pathway. For this reason, bioinformatic tools are gaining more
space, since it is a faster and less expensive reliable methodology that complements in vitro
and in vivo researches. Combinations of quantum and molecular methods have become increasingly
common, leading to the incorporation of enzyme features comprising their structure,
dynamics and chemical reactions. Breakthroughs related to the enzyme, not only enable
the discovery of new drugs essential for the treatment of various diseases, but also provide an
improved action of the existing drugs.
Development of an Aqueous Ophthalmic Solution with an Enhanced-Solubility Enrofloxacin Crystal, and its Clinical Evaluation in Dogs
Authors: Miranda-Calderon Jorge E. , Gutierrez Lilia , Ocampo Luis , Garcia-Gutierrez Ponciano , Tapia Graciela , Sumano Hector
Published: February 2018

Background:

The concern about the frequent use of ciprofloxacin in veterinary medicine is linked to
increased antimicrobial resistance. The corresponding fluoroquinolone for veterinary use is enrofloxacin. A
new solvate form of enrofloxacin, as dihydrate-hydrochloride (enro-C) with higher water solubility than the
parent compound, was formulated as an ophthalmic solution (pH 5). A multicentre, longitudinal, non-inferiority
clinical study in a non-hospital environment was designed to treat 36 dogs affected by tobramycin-unresponsive
conjunctivitis with either the experimental 0.5% enro-C ophthalmic preparation (enro-CG) or a commercial
preparation of ciprofloxacin (cipro-G). Other causes of conjunctivitis were ruled out. Pathogens were isolated
and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies of tobramycin were carried out. Three blocks of bacterial
resistance were set up, beginning at the established breakpoint i.e., 4 µg/mL; 8 µg/mL and 16 µg/mL. Eighteen
dogs were randomly assigned to each block. The enro-CG group was treated with two drops of the referred
preparation (10 mg/eye) twice a day for 7 days, and the cipro-G group was treated with four drops of a 0.3%
commercially available ciprofloxacin eye-drop preparation (9 mg/eye) twice a day, also for 7 days. Clinical and
bacteriological cure rates were evaluated.

Results:

Enro-C-treated dogs achieved a clinical cure one day earlier than ciprofloxacin-treated dogs, and unlike
this latter group, enro-CG achieved bacteriological cure in all cases. No side effects were observed in either
group, but dogs treated with enro-C showed no discomfort, allowing easier treatment-compliance.

Conclusion:

This is the first study reported on the successful formulation of enrofloxacin as an ophthalmic solution.
Clinical assessment reveals outstanding clinical efficacy. It is necessary to conduct further research on
clinical efficacy and toxicity, with the chronic use of this preparation under different clinical challenges.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Slow-release Fertilizers: A Review
Authors: AlShamaileh Ehab , Al-Rawajfeh Aiman E. , Alrbaihat Mohammad
Published: February 2018

Aims/Objective:

This review discusses the processes and applications associated with the mechanochemical synthesis of Slow-Release Fertilizers (SRF) from different resources.

Explanation:

The effect of mineral fertilizers on the environment and on living species will be discussed. Moreover, various aspects related to fertilizers production and applications are illustrated. It is found that solid-solid mechanical interaction initiates chemical reactions by lowering their energy of activation when compared to other thermochemical processes. Since milling is an important industrial operation, its contribution to materials processing is discussed.

Conclusion:

In general, SRFs increase the value of nutrient uptake in plants and reduces energy consumption and labor costs.
Editorial
Authors: Dionísio Maria De Lourdes
Published: February 2018

.
A escola como entreposto cultural: o cultural e o simbólico no desenvolvimento democrático da escola
Authors: Torres Leonor Lima
Published: February 2018

Sujeita a uma multiplicidade de condicionamentos externos de grau e natureza distintos, a escola pública nunca, como nos dias de hoje, se viu confrontada com tantas diversidades culturais, sociais, politicas e ideológicas, que tanto a desafiam à assunção de lógicas de reconfiguração e mudança, como igualmente a colocam numa permanente tensão face à necessidade de preservar a sua matriz identitária, historicamente sedimentada. E é justamente perante este dilema estabelecido entre os factores de ordem externa que quotidianamente invadem as escolas (administração central e periférica, comunidades locais, entre outros) e os factores de natureza interna à escola (sociabilidades, práticas de convívio, rituais, costumes, tradições) que se jogam novas possibilidades de repensar o desenvolvimento democrático das escolas. Neste artigo retomámos a ideia de escola como entreposto cultural (Torres, 2004) — um espaço de cruzamento de culturas, de metamorfoses quotidianas de poder e de conflito, de relações diferenciadas entre actores escolares e educativos —, com o propósito de clarificar a relevância das dimensões culturais e simbólicas da organização escolar no desenvolvimento de processos de inovação e mudança e na exploração de (possíveis) vínculos de assessoria educativa. A nossa reflexão não deixará, por isso, de interrogar criticamente as temporalidades e as lógicas de acção num suposto novo espaço escolar, questionando o papel que os consequentes inputs culturais e políticos assumem na construção da autonomia e da escola democrática. Palavras-chave: Cultura escolar; Cultura organizacional escolar; Autonomia democrática da escola
Processos e práticas de educação e formação. Para uma análise da realidade portuguesa em contextos de globalização
Authors: Pacheco José Augusto
Published: February 2018

Numa análise crítica dos recentes processos e práticas de educação e formação, definidos pela agenda da União Europeia e de outros organismos, colocamos no centro do debate a relação entre globalização, conhecimento e currículo, de modo a salientar as mudanças ao nível da educação formal, não formal e informal para o estudo do currículo. Sublinhamos que as políticas de educação e formação são processos complexos de decisão, dependentes de territorialidades diferentes e entrelaçadas, com o objectivo de responder afirmativamente a uma mudança económico-social mais ampla. É nesta lógica estruturada de decisão política que situamos o estudo do currículo no contexto de políticas globalizadas, por um lado, e das políticas nacionais, por outro, reconhecendo que ambas estão edificadas em torno do conhecimento.Palavras-chave: Globalização; Educação; Formação; Currículo
Auto-avaliação da atuação da tutoria no curso de licenciatura em pedagogia a distância de uma universidade brasileira
Authors: Gelatti Lilian Schwab , Premaor Vânia Ben
Published: February 2018

Este artigo relata e analisa a auto-avaliação da atuação de tutores no Curso de Licenciatura em Pedagogia a Distância — PEAD/UFRGS, oferecido por uma universidade brasileira. Buscou-se sondar, mediante um estudo de caso, a função dos tutores no contexto deste curso a distancia, em conformidade com o Guia do Tutor, e aferir se tais procedimentos ensejam melhor aprendizagem.Palavras-chave: Tutoria; Educação a distância; Avaliação
Para escrever é preciso pensar! As orientações dos livros didáticos para escrita de textos da ordem do argumentar no Brasil
Authors: Leal Telma Ferraz , Brandão Ana Carolina Perrusi , Guerra Severina Érika , Correia Edla Ferraz
Published: February 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre as atividades de produção de textos de sete coleções de livros didáticos (quatro livros cada), analisando as orientações dirigidas ao desenvolvimento de estratégias argumentativas das crianças. Destacou-se, nas análises, o baixo investimento nessa direção. Em várias coleções, alguns volumes não apresentaram atividade alguma voltada para tal desenvolvimento e, nas poucas propostas, houve uma concentração na produção de gêneros publicitários. Em resumo, apesar de apresentar condições favoráveis para a produção de textos, as coleções investigadas não possibilitavam o desenvolvimento de diferentes estratégias para expressão de pontos de vista, para articulação de justificativas, ou ainda para introdução de contra-argumentos, nos casos em que isso se fazia necessário. Não havia, também, orientações que ajudassem os alunos a organizar os argumentos do texto ou mesmo atividades de revisão textual em que o foco de análise fosse a consistência argumentativa.Palavras-chave:Argumentação; Produção de textos; Livro didático
Novos actores no trabalho em educação: os mediadores socioeducativos
Authors: Costa e Silva Ana Mª , Caetano Ana Paula , Freire Isabel , Moreira Maria Alfredo , Freire Teresa , Ferreira Ana Sousa
Published: February 2018

A mediação, enquanto prática socioeducativa, apesar de ser uma actividade com crescente visibilidade e enquadramento legal, tem ainda poucos estudos realizados que permitam a caracterização das actividades de mediação e do perfil dos mediadores socioeducativos. O estudo realizado teve dois objectivos centrais: identificar e definir o perfil socioprofissional dos mediadores socioeducativos e caracterizar contextos e práticas de mediação socioeducativa. Apesar de ser uma investigação em extensão, realizada em Portugal a nível nacional (N=225), é um estudo exploratório e predominantemente descritivo. A análise dos resultados obtidos no estudo realizado permite salientar alguns aspectos relevantes, que apontam para a importância da continuidade da investigação nesta área e para o investimento neste domínio de intervenção. Destacam-se as principais características sócio-demográficas e profissionais dos mediadores socioeducativos, a diversidade de contextos, de tipos de intervenção e de formação e aspectos relativos à percepção da auto-estima individual e de pertença ao grupo.Palavras-chave: Mediação; Mediadores; Espaços socioeducativos; Identidade profissional
A Agência Nacional de Educação e Formação de Adultos (ANEFA): Um marco na europeização da agenda pública do setor
Authors: Barros Rosanna
Published: February 2018

O texto apresenta o enquadramento sociopolítico com que foi criada a primeira instituição nacional de representação pública oficial para a educação de adultos. Demonstra-se que esta Agência Nacional de Educação e Formação de Adultos (ANEFA), apesar de ter conhecido uma existência curta, e normativamente precária, representou um marco fundamental para implementar as atuais características de desenvolvimento do setor.Argumenta-se que o seu papel consistiu em alterar os termos da regulação educacional instituída, na medida em que, a partir da sua atuação, foram transnacionalmente estabelecidas em contexto português as bases da governação pluriescalar da "nova EFA" que, sustentamos, caracteriza hoje o campo.Palavras-chaveEducação de adultos; Novas ofertas educativas; Governação pluriescalar; Políticas educacionais
Tutoria entre estudantes: uma proposta de trabalho que prioriza a aprendizagem
Authors: Frison Lourdes Maria Bragagnolo
Published: February 2018

O propósito deste artigo é refletir sobre tutoria, entendida como uma estratégia de ensino e aprendizagem, utilizada para potencializar a aprendizagem colaborativa, realizada através da parceria entre alunos. Explorou-se, historicamente, o desenvolvimento de aspectos conceituais e estabeleceu-se como ponto de referência o estudo da tutoria na atualidade. Com esse suporte teórico, foi realizado trabalho de tutoria entre estudantes de Pedagogia de uma universidade pública. Depois de efetivada a atividade, desenvolvida durante um semestre, aplicou-se instrumento para aquilatar a pertinência da atuação dos alunos com essa proposta de trabalho. Os dados levantados permitem afirmar que esta forma de atuação oportunizou uma aprendizagem colaborativa, ativa, interativa, mediada e autorregulada.Palavras-chaveTutoria; Ensino; Aprendizagem entre estudantes
Currículo e manuais escolares em contexto de flexibilidade curricular. Estudo de processos de recontextualização
Authors: Calado Sílvia , Neves Isabel Pestana
Published: February 2018

O estudo centra-se na mensagem de dois manuais escolares de Ciências Naturais do 3º CEB e na caracterização dos processos de recontextualização que ocorrem na mensagem do currículo aquando da elaboração daqueles, tendo em conta características pedagógicas específicas. O estudo apresenta fundamentos epistemológicos, psicológicos e sociológicos, constituindo o modelo do discurso pedagógico de Bernstein a principal estrutura conceptual da investigação. Seguiu-se uma metodologia mista, mantendo-se uma dialéctica entre o teórico e o empírico. Os resultados mostram que a mensagem dos manuais veicula baixa representatividade da metaciência e baixo grau de relações intradisciplinares, de exigência conceptual e de explicitação dos critérios de avaliação, sobretudo a do manual mais seleccionado. Verifica-se um elevado grau de recontextualização da mensagem do currículo. Estes resultados levantam questões sobre o nível da aprendizagem científica em contexto de flexibilidade curricular, dado o maior controlo conferido aos autores de manuais/professores.Palavras-chaveManuais escolares; Educação científica; Processos de recontextualização; Flexibilidade curricular
Ensino e aprendizagem do Português Língua Não Materna: necessidades e representações dos alunos
Authors: Gonçalves Carolina
Published: February 2018

O tema deste artigo justifica-se pela pertinência de os professores conhecerem as necessidades e interesses dos alunos com quem trabalham diariamente, na medida em que estes são o foco principal do desenvolvimento da aprendizagem. Assim, o objectivo principal do artigo é dar a conhecer aos intervenientes na acção educativa, em particular aos professores, as representações e necessidades que os alunos de ascendência africana sentem na aprendizagem da língua de escolarização, enquanto disciplina curricular, no 3.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico, bem como as influências que consideram que o desenvolvimento linguístico tem na aprendizagem das restantes disciplinas curriculares. Serão apresentados os resultados de um estudo desenvolvido junto de alunos, dando conta das suas opiniões, com vista a melhorar os seus níveis de proficiência linguística no Português. Apresentam-se ainda sugestões, por parte dos alunos, com vista ao melhoramento das suas experiências pedagógicas, quer na aula de língua, quer nas aulas das restantes disciplinas do currículo.Palavras-chaveLíngua não materna; Língua de escolarização; Ensino e aprendizagem; Sucesso escolar
A escolarização e as práticas sociais de leitura e escrita: a análise dos educandos adultos da Escola Básica
Authors: R. Fonseca Maria da Conceição , M. Simões Fernanda
Published: February 2018

Este artigo traz reflexões desencadeadas a partir de uma investigação, realizada no Projeto de Ensino Fundamental de Jovens e Adultos da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Brasil), sobre os modos como pessoas adultas em processo de escolarização básica analisam suas práticas de leitura e escrita, percebem as experiências de letramento vivenciadas na instituição escolar e avaliam seus possíveis impactos naquelas práticas. A análise de quatro entrevistas semiestruturadas com alunos da Educação de Jovens e Adultos sugere que os sujeitos consideram a diversidade de suas práticas de leitura e escrita e reconhecem, mas relativizam, o papel da escola na promoçãode práticas letradas de uso social. Os entrevistados identificam a ampliação e o refinamento de suas práticas de leitura e escrita, desencadeados pelas demandas e pelas oportunidades da vivência escolar. Apontam, porém, para uma certa independência de suas práticas de letramento cotidianas em relação às da escola, independência esta conquistada em decorrência da experiência escolar ou preservada apesar dela.Palavras-chaveEducação de jovens e adultos; Letramento; Sentido e significado
Interacções professor-aluno nas salas de aula no 1.º CEB: Indicadores de qualidade
Authors: Cadima Joana , Leal Teresa , Cancela Joana
Published: February 2018

Diversos investigadores têm salientado a importância dos processos interactivos que ocorrem na sala de aula para o desempenho escolar dos alunos. Segundo investigações recentes, os recursos educacionais, nomeadamente, o currículo ou o nível de formação dos professores, apesar de serem importantes, não serão suficientes para assegurar aprendizagens significativas. Por outro lado, cada vez mais se reconhece que os primeiros anos de escolaridade são cruciais para o subsequente sucesso académico dos alunos. O presente trabalho apresenta uma síntese da investigação mais recente acerca das interacções professor-aluno do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico que parecem ter um impacto positivo nas aprendizagens dos alunos. Apresenta ainda um modelo conceptual acerca dos processos interactivos, o modelo CLASS (Pianta, La Paro & Hamre, 2008) que contempla três grandes domínios: apoio a nível da instrução, gestão da sala e apoio socioemocional.Com base nesta conceptualização, são discutidas algumas das possíveis implicações para o sistema educativo.Palavras-chaveInteracções professor-aluno; 1.º CEB; Instrução; Organização da sala; Apoio socioemocional
Editorial
Authors: Dionísio Maria de Lourdes
Published: February 2018

Fruto do modo como temos respondido e antecipado os desafioscriados pelas novas condições da edição científica, nos últimos anos tem-setornado quase uma rotina anunciar nestes editoriais a inclusão da RPE emmais uma base de dados. Neste número o prazer é redobrado já queanunciamos a integração da Revista na Web of Knowledge via SciELOCitation Index da Thomson Reuters, e a adoção do formato digital no sistemaOJS, após o sucesso do concurso para alojamento de Revistas Científicas noRepositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP). Em qualquerdos casos trata-se do resultado de esforços vários que importa aqui destacar.Desde logo, os da equipa SciELO de Portugal, que sempre reconheceu queapenas medidas assumidas coletivamente poderiam colocar as revistasnacionais nestas plataformas pouco abertas à diversidade linguística. Depois,os de todos os que, de diversas formas, estão envolvidos na produção daRevista, desde o Comité Editorial que lê e encaminha os textos para aavaliação, ao nosso cada vez mais numeroso grupo de avaliadores, passandopelos técnicos sobre quem recaem muito as exigências dos patamares quevamos alcançando. Naturalmente também aos autores que nos escolhemcomo base de disseminação dos seus resultados científicos e quegenerosamente compreendem os tempos e modos da edição académica.
O IDEB e a construção de um modelo de accountability na educação básica brasileira
Authors: Schneider Marilda Pasqual , Nardi Elton Luiz
Published: February 2018

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o Índice de Desenvolvimento da EducaçãoBásica (IDEB), enquanto uma medida do governo brasileiro para aferir odesempenho educacional dos estudantes. A análise toma como referência oconceito de accountability, tal como proposto por alguns autores, e procura verificar quais variáveis das que integram um sistema completo estão mais presentes na política encampada pela via do IDEB, como elas se relacionam e em que medida o índice, criado em 2007 para aferir a qualidade da educação básica brasileira, permite avançar em relação às concepções predominantes de accountability, nomeadamente as que integram avaliações externas, prestação de contas e responsabilização como elementos de uma política educacional de qualidade. Com base no tensionamento entre as variáveis que compõem um sistema abrangente e complexo, assinala potencialidades do IDEB considerando condições de superação de visões reducionistas e conservadoras de accountability educacional. Palavras-chave: IDEB; Accountability educacional; Educação básica brasileira; Qualidade da educação
Estudantes adultos no Ensino Superior: O que os motiva e o que os desafia no regresso à vida académica
Authors: Quintas Helena , Gonçalves Teresa , Ribeiro Carlos Miguel , Monteiro Rute , Fragoso António , Bago Joana , Santos Lucília , Fonseca Henrique M.
Published: February 2018

O presente artigo reporta-se a um estudo acerca de estudantes adultos que, porvia do processo de ingresso dos "Maiores de 23", acederam às universidades portuguesas. Pretende analisar os principais problemas com que estas pessoas se debatem, sobretudo as que já têm uma idade mais avançada e que, naliteratura da especialidade, são designados de mature students). Ponderadas razões pessoais e profissionais, estes estudantes tomaram a decisão de alcançar um grau académico, mas não estão em igualdade de circunstâncias com os colegas que ingressam no Ensino Superior pela via tradicional, comquem não partilham as mesmas motivações e interesses. Algumas limitações que a idade coloca exigem um ajustamento constante entre a efetiva capacidade de realização e as exigências do mundo universitário,experimentando uma pressão para o sucesso que a vida pessoal e, muitas vezes, profissional impõem. Foram realizadas entrevistas biográficas a 5 sujeitos com idades mais avançadas (entre 45 e 60 anos), com o objetivo de compreender os desafios e as limitações com que se debatem, particularmente os adultos com mais idade, mas também conhecer as estratégias que utilizam para "sobreviver" e para alcançar o "sucesso" no meio universitário.Palavras-chave: Ensino Superior; Maiores de 23 anos; Estudantes adultos; Aprendizagem ao longo da vida
A Mobile Health Platform for Clinical Monitoring in Early Psychosis: Implementation in Community-Based Outpatient Early Psychosis Care
Authors: Kumar Divya , Tully Laura M , Iosif Ana-Maria , Zakskorn Lauren N , Nye Kathleen E , Zia Aqsa , Niendam Tara Ann
Published: February 2018

Background

A growing body of literature indicates that smartphone technology is a feasible add-on tool in the treatment of individuals with early psychosis (EP) . However, most studies to date have been conducted independent of outpatient care or in a research clinic setting, often with financial incentives to maintain user adherence to the technology. Feasibility of dissemination and implementation of smartphone technology into community mental health centers (CMHCs) has yet to be tested, and whether young adults with EP will use this technology for long periods of time without incentive is unknown. Furthermore, although EP individuals willingly adopt smartphone technology as part of their treatment, it remains unclear whether providers are amenable to integrating smartphone technology into treatment protocols.

Objective

This study aimed to establish the feasibility of implementing a smartphone app and affiliated Web-based dashboard in 4 community outpatient EP clinics in Northern California.

Methods

EP individuals in 4 clinics downloaded an app on their smartphone and responded to daily surveys regarding mood and symptoms for up to 5 months. Treatment providers at the affiliated clinics viewed survey responses on a secure Web-based dashboard in sessions with their clients and between appointments. EP clients and treatment providers filled out satisfaction surveys at study end regarding usability of the app.

Results

Sixty-one EP clients and 20 treatment providers enrolled in the study for up to 5 months. Forty-one EP clients completed the study, and all treatment providers remained in the study for their duration in the clinic. Survey completion for all 61 EP clients was moderate: 40% and 39% for daily and weekly surveys, respectively. Completion rates were slightly higher in the participants who completed the study: 44% and 41% for daily and weekly surveys, respectively. Twenty-seven of 41 (66%) EP clients who completed the study and 11 of 13 (85%) treatment providers who responded to satisfaction surveys reported they would continue to use the app as part of treatment services. Six (15%; 6/41) clients and 3 providers (23%; 3/13) stated that technological glitches impeded their engagement with the platform.

Conclusions

EP clients and treatment providers in community-based outpatient clinics are responsive to integrating smartphone technology into treatment services. There were logistical and technical challenges associated with enrolling individuals in CMHCs. To be most effective, implementing smartphone technology in CMHC EP care necessitates adequate technical staff and support for utilization of the platform.
The D2Refine Platform for the Standardization of Clinical Research Study Data Dictionaries: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sharma Deepak Kumar , Peterson Kevin Jerrold , Hong Na , Jiang Guoqian
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

D2Refine provides a Web-based environment to create clinical research study data dictionaries and enables standardization and harmonization of its variable definitions with controlled terminology resources.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usability of the functions D2Refine offers, a usability study was designed and executed.

METHODS

We employed the TURF (task, user, representation, and function) Usability Framework of electronic health record usability to design, configure, and execute the usability study and performed quantitative analyses. D2Refine was compared for its usability metrics against two other comparable solutions, OntoMaton and RightField, which have very similar functionalities for creating, managing, and standardizing data dictionaries. We first conducted the function analysis by conducting one-on-one interviews armed with questionnaires to catalog expected functionality. The enrolled participants carried out the steps for selected tasks to accomplish specific goals and their feedback was captured to conduct the task analysis.

RESULTS

We enrolled a group (n=27) of study developers, managers, and software professionals to execute steps of analysis as specified by the TURF framework. For the within-model domain function saturation, D2Refine had 96% saturation, which was 4 percentage points better than OntoMaton and 28 percentage points better than RightField. The manual examination and statistical analysis of the data were conducted for task analysis, and the results demonstrated a significant difference for favorability toward D2Refine (P<.001) with a 95% CI. Overall, 17 out of 27 (63%) participants indicated that D2Refine was their favorite of the three options.

CONCLUSIONS

D2Refine is a useful and promising platform that can help address the emerging needs related to clinical research study data dictionary standardization and harmonization.
Cyclicity of Second-hand-ness: The Language and Translation of Afrizal Malna’s “Toko Bekas Bahasa A dan B”
Authors: Sari Zita Reyninta
Published: February 2018

Penned by the Indonesian poet, Afrizal Malna, “Toko Bekas Bahasa A dan B” is a poem with the prominent theme of second-hand-ness. This paper examines the use of language in Malna’s poem, along with its co-relation with its English translation by Gracia Asri, using translation theory from Marilyn Gaddis Rose and Lacan’s psychoanalytic theory on language and speech. Ultimately, this research found the presence of two cyclical relationships (cyclicities) in the following forms: (1) the cyclicity of language in the form of the co-dependent relationship between “problem” and “language”, made apparent by the non-normative translation of the poem, and (2) the cyclicity of language “birth” performed by characters A and B. These two cyclicities are constantly renewing themselves inside the scope of the poem.
Light and sex interplay: Differential herbivore damage in sun and shade in dioecious Mercurialis perennis
Authors: Selakovic Sara , Stanisavljevic Nemanja , Vujic Vukica , Rubinjoni Luka , Jovanovic Zivko , Radovic Svetlana , Cvetkovic Dragana
Published: February 2018

Interactions between plants and herbivorous insects can be shaped by light environment, resulting in differential herbivory in sun and shade. In dioecious species, the combination of plant sex and light-induced changes in defense traits and nutritive value can alter the patterns of foliar damage. We explored the combined effects of light environment and plant sex on natural herbivore damage and plant traits in the dioecious understory forb Mercurialis perennis on Mt. Kopaonik (Serbia). The role of plant traits in predicting the extent of damage was examined as well. Male and female plants from contrasting light environments (shade vs. sun) were analyzed with respect to leaf damage, as well as plant morphological and biochemical traits (size, specific leaf area, carbon-based defensive compounds and nutritional quality). We found prominent differences in herbivore damage between sun and shade conditions, but not between the sexes. Plants from the sun-exposed site had a significantly larger leaf area removed. The specific leaf area co-varied with herbivore damage in an inverse fashion, while leaf nutritional value had a moderate effect. Contrasting light conditions influenced the patterns of intersexual differences in the contents of condensed tannins and soluble proteins, with females exhibiting higher trait values. We found that factors defining risk of consumption were related to plant morphological traits and nutritive value rather than to chemical defenses.
Analysis of smad4 gene promoter methylation in pancreatic and endometrial cancers
Authors: Nikolic Aleksandra , Opincal Filip , Ristanovic Momcilo , Trifunovic Jovanka , Knezevic Srbislav , Radojkovic Dragica
Published: February 2018

Background. Promoter hypermethylation of the SMAD4 gene has been registered
in some cancer types, but in general doesn?t appear to be a frequent event in
carcinogenesis. However, only a few published studies deal with this topic
and not many cancer types have been analyzed. The aim of this study was to
establish SMAD4 gene promoter methylation status in pancreatic and
endometrial cancers. Methods. Patients included in the study (62 subjects)
were diagnosed and surgically treated at the University of Belgrade, Clinical
Center of Serbia. Patients with pancreatic carcinoma (17 subjects) underwent
surgical removal of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma at the First Surgical
Clinic, while the patients with endometrial carcinoma (45 subjects) underwent
hysterectomy with adnexectomy at the Institute for Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Extraction of DNA from fresh tissue samples was performed and the methylation
status of the SMAD4 gene promoter was studied by a previously designed
PCR-based HpaII and MspI restriction enzyme assay. The resulting PCR products
were analyzed by electrophoresis in 2% agarose gels. Results. Neither of the
analyzed samples was found to be hypermethylated. Conclusion. This is the
first report on SMAD4 methylation status in pancreatic and endometrial tumor
specimens, and supports the viewpoint that SMAD4 hypermethylation is not a
common event in malignant tumors. Nevertheless, promoter hypermethylation
remains a candidate mechanism for SMAD4 inactivation in malignant tissue as a
potential cause of decreased or lost SMAD4 expression in certain tumor types,
and should be further investigated in different tumor types and larger
cohorts of patients.
House prices and the macroeconomic environment in Turkey: The examination of a dynamic relationship
Authors: Yıldırım Mustafa , İvrendi Mehmet
Published: February 2018

The aim of this paper is to examine the dynamic relationship between house
prices, income, interest rates, housing permits, and share prices in Turkey,
using Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) models. This paper uses both
monthly and quarterly data for the Turkish economy and applies four different
SVAR models to reveal this dynamic relationship over the 2003-2016 period.
The results show statistically significant and substantial relationships
between the variables. The analysis also shows that house prices and housing
permits as housing market variables are very sensitive to monetary policy and
income shocks. The key finding of the study for policymakers is that a change
in mortgage rates is the factor that most changes house prices. The study
also shows that the housing market plays an important role in transferring
monetary policy to the real economy in Turkey.
Preschool education as a determinant of educational attainment: An analysis of Serbia
Authors: Vuksanovic Nemanja , Joksimovic Ljubinka
Published: February 2018

The subject of this paper is preschool education as a determinant of
students? educational attainment in Serbia and factors that influence whether
a Serbian child is included in preschool programmes. This paper aims 1) to
assess how attendance of preschool programmes in Serbia affects a student?s
educational attainment in terms of mathematical, reading, and scientific
literacy; 2) to explore how preschool education differs for students who
occupy different positions in the distribution of educational attainment; and
3) to examine the determinants of a child in Serbia receiving preschool
education. The analysis is based on data from PISA2012 testing. In order to
assess the significance and nature of the effect of preschool education on
educational attainment in terms of mathematical, reading, and scientific
literacy we use unconditional quantile regression. To analyse factors that
affect whether a child is included in the preschool programme we apply probit
regression. Unconditional quantile regression results suggest that the sign
and intensity of the effect of preschool education for more than a year are
positive and increasing. The results of the probit regression show that
socio-economic family background and parental status in the labour market are
the factors that determine whether the student will attend preschool
education for more than a year. The results indicate that the educational
system in Serbia reproduces poverty and social exclusion.
Survey of the readiness of insurance companies in Serbia for solvency II
Authors: Ilic Mirjana , Avdalovic Veselin , Obadovic Milica
Published: February 2018

The main objective of this paper is to analyse the readiness of the largest
insurance companies operating in Serbia to implement the upcoming Solvency II
regulation. The survey was conducted in 2014 using a questionnaire comprising
30 questions. It was sent to the seven biggest companies operating in Serbia
during the research, which cover 80% of the market. The questionnaire covered
both the organizational and technical profile of the insurance companies. The
survey helped to understand the benefits and problems for the domestic
insurance market that would result from the introduction of the Solvency II
regime and the adjustment of current legislation to the European standard,
and whether the insurance sector in Serbia will manage to overcome the
obstacles and adopt the policies and procedures prescribed by Solvency II
when required. Adopting the European Solvency II regulation means a complete
reorganization of the insurance sector in Serbia, which has not been
sufficiently surveyed, and never in this manner.
The colour lexicon of the Serbian language - a study of dark blue and dark red colour categories Part 2: Categorical facilitation with Serbian colour terms
Authors: Jakovljev Ivana , Zdravkovic Suncica
Published: February 2018

Part 1 of this study (Jakovljev & Zdravkovic, 2018) isolated two frequent and salient non- BCTs in the Serbian language: teget ?dark blue? and bordo ?dark red?, that segregate the blue and the red part of the colour space respectively. Now we conducted two experiments to additionally test the cognitive salience of these terms, investigating whether they can produce the category effects in a colour discrimination task. We demonstrated within? and between-participants agreement about the placement of the boundary in the blue and the red part of the colour space, additionally showing that Serbian speakers have distinctive representations of these categories. Analysis of RT in the discrimination task showed category effects ? participants were faster when discriminating colour pairs that belong to different linguistic categories than the pairs from the same category. These results for the first time demonstrated category effect in the Serbian language as well as the category effect in speeded discrimination of the red part of the colour space for any language. They also support views that category effect is linked to higher cognitive processes; hence it can be language specific.
Trends in forceps deliveries in a tertiary health care facility in Serbia
Authors: Petronijevic Milos , Vrzic-Petronijevic Svetlana , Bratic Danijela , Nikolic Tatjana , Jestrovic Zorica
Published: February 2018

Introduction/Objective. Increased incidence of cesarean sections leads to the reduction of incidence of instrumental vaginal deliveries. The aim of this study was to analyze the trends of forceps deliveries at the tertiary healthcare facility. Methods. The study was performed at the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, covering a 30-year period, from 1987 to 2016 with a total of 198,882 births. Results. Forceps delivery rate was significantly lowering during time, while the cesarean section rates were rising. Conclusion. Using linear, cubic and quadratic prediction models, we can estimate that in the year 2020 there will be no more forceps deliveries. However, minding the confidence interval of 95% some forceps deliveries might still be carried out. Since it has been shown that the forceps is a very useful obstetric tool, this very important skill might soon be neglected due to the lack of training.
A Novel Strategy to Prevent Advanced Atherosclerosis and Lower Blood Glucose in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Kanter Jenny E. , Kramer Farah , Barnhart Shelley , Duggan Jeffrey M. , Shimizu-Albergine Masami , Kothari Vishal , Chait Alan , Bouman Stephan D. , Hamerman Jessica A. , Hansen Bo F. , Olsen Grith S. , Bornfeldt Karin E.
Published: February 2018

Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis is the leading cause of mortality associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Insulin therapy is often needed to improve glycemic control, but it does not clearly prevent atherosclerosis. Upon binding to the insulin receptor (IR), insulin activates distinct arms of downstream signaling. The IR-Akt arm is associated with blood glucose lowering and beneficial effects, whereas the IR-Erk arm might exert less desirable effects. We investigated whether selective activation of the IR-Akt arm, leaving the IR-Erk arm largely inactive, would result in protection from atherosclerosis in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome. The insulin mimetic peptide S597 lowered blood glucose and activated Akt in insulin target tissues, mimicking insulin’s effects, but only weakly activated Erk and even prevented insulin-induced Erk activation. Strikingly, S597 retarded atherosclerotic lesion progression through a process associated with protection from leukocytosis, thereby reducing lesional accumulation of inflammatory Ly6Chi monocytes. S597-mediated protection from leukocytosis was accompanied by reduced numbers of the earliest bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells and reduced IR-Erk activity in hematopoietic stem cells. This study provides a conceptually novel treatment strategy for advanced atherosclerosis associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.