bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matemática, adjetivo: a demonstração pela ótica da cultura
Authors: Vilela Denise Silva , Deus Karine Angélica
Published: May 2017

ResumoO presente texto visa explicitar alguns valores presentes na matemática escolar, especificamente no procedimento dedutivo, e, portanto, na demonstração. Nosso olhar para a matemática e sua organização lógico dedutiva ocorrerá de um ponto de vista cultural, respaldado por abordagens provenientes do campo da etnomatemática que discutem que toda prática é imbricada de valores. Mostraremos que, nas orientações curriculares e em guias do Programa Nacional de Livros Didáticos atuais, a demonstração permanece sendo valorizada na matemática escolar. Para explicitar os valores serão consideradas demonstrações contidas em “Os Elementos” de Euclides de forma a mostrar como a matemática, mais especificamente a geometria, incorporou a lógica aristotélica assim como a valorização do conhecimento dedutivo sob o indutivo. Sendo a matemática vista como uma ciência dedutiva, argumentamos que nela ainda se coloca a superioridade desta em relação a outros conhecimentos. Os processos dedutivos realizados na matemática escolar serão problematizados para além da noção de rigor, trazendo valores associados a eles.Palavras-chave: valores; dedução; silogismo; lógica; Os Elementos de Euclides.Mathematics, adjective: The demonstration by the perspective of cultureAbstractThe present text aims to clarify some values in school mathematics, specifically in the deductive procedure, and therefore in demonstration. Our approach to mathematics and its deductive logical organization will focus on a cultural perspective, based on ethnomathematics which discuss that every practice is closely tied to values. We will show, both in the current curricular guidelines as in National Textbook Program, that demonstration is valuable in school mathematics. To clarify these values, we will take into account demonstrations contained in Euclid’s Elements, in order to show how mathematics, specifically geometry, incorporated Aristotelian logic as well as the appreciation of deductive knowledge under the inductive. Since math is conceived as a deductive science, we argue that it still gives it a higher position in relation to other forms of knowledge. Deductive procedures held in school mathematics will be discussed beyond the notion of accuracy, bringing some related values. Keywords: values; deduction; syllogism; logic; Euclid’s Elements.
Postulações provocativas sobre a aprendizagem da avaliação escolar como processo formativo
Authors: Nogaro Arnaldo
Published: May 2017

O artigo em pauta resulta de revisão de literatura, reflexões sobre a prática vivida e algumas postulações que definimos como provocativas para um desempenho docente mais qualificado no que diz respeito à realização da avaliação da aprendizagem como processo formativo e à promoção da aprendizagem do estudante. O objetivo deste texto é tematizar ideias a respeito da avaliação da aprendizagem com a finalidade de subsidiar educadores, gestores e estudantes para que atinjam uma maior compreensão de seu real significado e importância no desenvolvimento de práticas pedagógicas cujo intuito seja melhorar as aprendizagens. Este possui pretensões bem definidas: epistemológicas e didáticas, ou seja, almeja alimentar e discutir alguns pressupostos teóricos que embasam e orientam os processos de realização da avaliação e, também, servir para calibrar olhares e posturas adotadas no seu trato.
Trabalho Docente na Educação a Distância: reflexões que o professor conferencista faz sobre o seu processo de trabalho
Authors: Alberti comparin Alberti do rocio
Published: May 2017

Esse artigo apresenta os principais resultados sobre o processo de trabalho do professor conferencista, obtidos a partir da tese de doutorado “Concepções e tendências do trabalho docente na educação a distância”, desenvolvida por meio de um estudo de caso realizado em um Instituto Federal do país, entre os anos de 2011 a 2013, e que teve como objetivo investigar como se desenvolve o trabalho dos docentes mediado pelas tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) no Curso Superior de Tecnologia em Gestão Pública. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida com base em informativos e documentos impressos e digitais cedidos pelo instituto, além da realização de entrevistas com a coordenação do curso. A partir da pesquisa empírica, foi possível demonstrar as elaborações conceituais e as contradições presentes no desenvolver do trabalho docente no curso e a percepção que apresentam desse trabalho, mediado pelas TIC.
A prática docente e a Pedagogia: reflexões acerca do cotidiano dos professores do Ensino Técnico
Authors: Reis Ailton Gonçalves
Published: May 2017

ResumoA formação de professores tem sido uma constante nas discussões sobre a educação. Nesse sentido, parece haver uma relação intrínseca entre o sucesso ou insucesso de um determinado processo de ensino e a formação de professores. Para o Ensino Técnico, porém, essa preocupação com a formação de professores tem deixado a desejar. Nesse contexto, este trabalho, resultado de Dissertação de Mestrado em Educação, tem como objetivo mostrar a pertinência da formação pedagógica para os professores do Ensino Técnico, com vistas a uma formação integral dos alunos egressos dos cursos técnicos. No que diz respeito à metodologia, optou-se pela pesquisa descritiva, caracterizada como um estudo de caso, realizada em um dos campi do Instituto Federal do Amazonas – IFAM, cujos participantes foram 15 professores e 30 alunos do Ensino Técnico. Os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados foram entrevistas e questionários previamente elaborados. O referencial teórico se apoia em autores que advogam a formação integral do homem e não uma formação meramente técnica, tais como: Arroyo, Contreras, Franco, Marques, Hypólito, Tardif. Espera-se, assim, contribuir na formação de professores para o Ensino Técnico de Nível Médio.Palavras-chaves: Formação Professores; Formação Pedagógica; Ensino Técnico; Prática Docente; Cidadania. A teaching practice and pedagogy: reflections about the daily teachers lives of Technical Teaching AbstractTeacher education has been a constant in discussions about education. In this sense, there seems to be an intrinsic relationship between the success or failure of a given process of teaching and teacher education. For Technical Education, however, this concern with teacher education has been less than optimal. In this context, this work, the result of Dissertation in Education, aims to show the relevance of pedagogical training for teachers of Technical Education, aiming an integral formation of students graduating from technical courses. With respect to methodology we chose the descriptive research, featured as a case study conducted in one of campi of the Federal Institute of Amazonas -IFAM, whose participants were 15teachers and30studentsof Technical Education. The instruments used for data collection were interview sand questionnaires, previously elaborated. The theoretical frame work relies on authors who advocate the integral formation of man and not a merely technical training, such as Arroyo, Contreras, Franco Marques, Hypólito, Tardiff. Thus, it is expected to contribute to the training of teachers for Technical Education Middle Level. Keywords: Teacher Education; Pedagogical Training; Technical Education; Teaching Practice; Citizenship.
Educação Infantil: sentidos construídos por Tutoras Virtuais sobre o lugar do Estágio na formação de professores a distância
Authors: Sommerhalder Aline , Zanotto Luana , Dos Santos Camila Marques
Published: May 2017

ResumoO artigo apresenta parte de um estudo concluído em um curso de Pedagogia, na modalidade de educação a distância de uma universidade pública federal, que aderiu ao Sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil. Teve como questões de pesquisa: Que sentidos tutores virtuais em exercício apresentam sobre o Estágio Curricular Supervisionado em Educação Infantil, no processo de formação inicial de professores? Para tutores virtuais, que lugar esse Estágio ocupa no processo de formação inicial para a docência na educação infantil? A investigação anunciou as possibilidades formativas do Estágio e alguns de seus limites na formação inicial de professores. Foram sujeitos sete tutoras virtuais em exercício na disciplina “Estágio Supervisionado em Educação Infantil”. De abordagem qualitativa, o estudo fez uso de questionário e da análise de conteúdo. O Estágio apresentou-se como momento formativo no processo de reflexão de aprendizagens relativas à docência na educação infantil e ocupou um lugar de interlocução teoria e prática. Entre os limites, tem-se o tempo para convivência em estágio e as interações de alunos-professores no Moodle.Palavras-chave: Estágio curricular supervisionado; Tutoria virtual; Formação de professores de educação infantil; Educação à distância.Supervised Internship in Early Childhood Education: meanings constructed by Virtual tutors about of internship in distance teacher educationAbstractThis article presents part of a study undertook in an undergraduate course in pedagogy, in the modality of distance education of a public university, which adhered the Sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil. The research questions were: Which meanings virtual tutors in duty present about the Supervised Stage in Early Childhood Education in the initial education process of teachers? For virtual tutors, which place does this stage take in the initial education process of teachers in early childhood education? The research has announced the formation possibilities of the stage and some of its limits in initial teacher education. Seven virtual tutors were participants in duty in “Estágio Supervisionado em Educação Infantil” discipline. Of qualitative approach, the study used a questionnaire and content analysis. The supervised intership presented as a formative moment in the learning process of reflection related to the teaching in early childhood education and has occupied a place of interlocution of theory and practice. Among the limits, we have the time to the acquaintanceship in the intership and interactions of students-teachers in Moodle.Keywords: Curricular supervised intership; Virtual mentoring; Teacher education for early childhood education; Distance education.
Interdisciplinaridade, arte e cultura popular na educação básica segundo o discurso dos documentos legais vigentes
Authors: Marcelino Leonardo , Bernardes Sueli Teresinha de Abreu
Published: May 2017

ResumoO objetivo deste artigo é analisar as menções à interdisciplinaridade, à arte e à cultura popular no discurso da legislação vigente nos aspectos em que se refere à educação básica. O corpus desta pesquisa abrange a Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil, a Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional, o Plano Nacional de Educação e as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais Gerais para a Educação Básica vigentes. A análise documental proposta fundamentou-se em conceitos de Ivani Fazenda sobre interdisciplinaridade, de Ana Mae Barbosa sobre Arte-Educação, de Carlos Brandão sobre cultura popular e Luís Dourado sobre políticas educacionais. Os resultados expressam a preocupação com o acesso aos bens culturais e artísticos e às relações entre teoria e prática como dimensão interdisciplinar a ser alcançada. De modo específico nas Diretrizes menciona-se o ensino da arte em suas diferentes linguagens e propõe-se o ensino interdisciplinar por meio de projetos temáticos.Palavras-chave: Interdisciplinaridade; Arte; Cultura popular; Legislação; Educação básica.Interdisciplinarity, art and popular culture in basic education according to the discourse of the current legal documentsAbstractThis paper aims to analyze mentions of interdisciplinarity, arts and popular culture in the basic education aspects in its current legislation discourse. The corpus of this research is composed of the current Constitution of Federative Republic of Brazil, National Educational Bases and Guidelines Law, National Education Plan and General National Curriculum Directives for Basic Education. The documentary analysis is based on Ivani Fazenda’s interdisciplinary concepts, on Ana Mae Barbosa’s Art-Education, on Carlos Brandão’s popular culture and Luís Dourado’s education policy. In general, the findings highlight the concern about the access to artistic and cultural assets as well as the link between theory and practice as interdisciplinary dimension to be achieved. Specifically, the Guidelines mention the teaching of art in its different languages and focus on the interdisciplinary teaching using thematic projects.Keywords: Interdisciplinarity; Art; Popular Culture; Legislation; Basic Education.
Construção da Escala Todaro: atitudes de crianças em relação a idosos
Authors: Todaro Monica de Ávila
Published: May 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi levantar significados de velhice entre as crianças e representá-los estruturadamente nos moldes de uma escala diferencial semântica, facilmente inteligível para elas. Escalas são meios de avaliação psicológica em que o respondente atribui graus de intensidade a elementos postos à sua análise. Sabe-se que as atitudes podem ser inferidas apenas por evidências de respostas ou indicadores. O método escalar tem ampla aceitação na Psicologia, na pesquisa e na intervenção. Pretende-se descrever a construção da Escala Todaro, para a avaliação de atitudes de crianças em relação a idosos e, despretensiosamente, iniciar um processo de colaboração com os pesquisadores e educadores engajados numa visão progressista de ensino. A Pedagogia Progressista é, no Brasil, um paradigma que propõe a transformação social por meio da educação.
A importância da cooperação internacional na formação superior de angolanos
Authors: Liberato Ermelinda
Published: May 2017

A cooperação internacional tem assumido, nos últimos anos, um protagonismo e importância nos diferentes sectores, sobretudo no que toca a formação e qualificação de recursos humanos. Para Angola, um país que tem atravessado diferentes constrangimentos essa importância acentua-se, pois, a formação de recursos humanos tem sido possível sobretudo com a realização de diferentes acordos de cooperação celebrados com diferentes países do mundo, dentre os quais se destacam Portugal e Brasil.
Histórias, memórias e significados educacionais da Casa Lambert: a patrimonialização de um espaço de habitar
Authors: Pinto Junior Arnaldo , Ferreira Márcia Regina Rodrigues
Published: May 2017

Este artigo analisa histórias, memórias e experiências educacionais socialmente construídas na relação com o processo de patrimonialização da Casa Lambert. Considerada simbolicamente a construção mais antiga de Santa Teresa - ES, o imóvel foi tombado como patrimônio histórico e cultural em 1985. Compreendendo o patrimônio como um espaço que educa por meio do contínuo, difuso e incisivo processo de educação das sensibilidades, que envolve os sujeitos em circulação pelos diferentes cenários da cidade, a trajetória da Casa Lambert, produção material e simbólica, fornece subsídios para pensarmos a cultura como um campo de tensões, conflitos e negociações.
Educação do olhar e das sensibilidades pela leitura de imagens visuais nos livros didáticos de história
Authors: Bueno João Batista Gonçalves , Guimarães Maria de Fátima , Silva Luzia Batista de Oliveira
Published: May 2017

Este artigo analisa as práticas de educação do olhar e das sensibilidades a partir do uso de imagens visuais impressas nos livros didáticos de ensino de História. Examinamos diferentes coleções desses manuais produzidos por variados autores e editoras e trabalhamos com edições distintas desses artefatos escolares contemporâneos. Entendemos que as imagens de patrimônios históricos reproduzidas para esses tipos de livros hierarquizam e legitimam a ideia de representação visual da beleza estética da arte e arquitetura clássica europeia e suas variações. Tomamos como pressuposto que as imagens impressas expressam determinadas informações relativas à ideia de patrimônio cultural ressaltando valores estéticos e simbólicos. Elas evidenciam esses tipos de significações, estimulando determinados gostos estéticos e o olhar que contribuem para o desenvolvimento da educação das sensibilidades.  Discutimos, também, como a educação política dos sentidos pode nos instigar a refletir sobre os paradigmas da modernidade europeia, calcados nas ideias de civilização, progresso e modernização oriundas daquele continente. Além disso, procuramos compreender o porquê de o processo de leitura de imagens visuais no ensino de História ter ganhado grande relevância a partir dos anos finais da década de 1960 e início da década de 1970. Foi a partir desse processo que os livros didáticos passaram a apresentar uma grande quantidade de iconografias coloridas, o que possibilitou que fossem criadas novas perspectivas metodológicas em relação à exploração desses veículos de informação, que foram e são, ainda hoje, sacralizados na relação com as particularidades locais que tendem a ser desqualificadas e tidas, também, como precárias, modestas, atrasadas.
A pós-graduação Lato Sensu na trajetória profissional de professores de Educação Física
Authors: Bernardi Ana Paula , Ilha Franciele Roos da Silva , Krug Hugo Norberto
Published: May 2017

O estudo objetivou analisar a percepção de professoras de Educação Física, que realizaram cursos de pós-gradução Lato Sensu, sobre o seu processo de formação continuada, seus saberes, sua prática pedagógica em sua trajetória profissional. Pautou-se na pesquisa qualitativa e no estudo de caso, utilizando como instrumento de pesquisa a narrativa oral. Participaram três professoras de Educação Física que haviam realizado formação continuada. Nas suas trajetórias profissionais, o curso de formação continuada acrescentou maturidade, melhorou a prática pedagógica, abriu os horizontes, pois possibilitou uma predisposição a olhar para si, a pensar sobre, a questionar-se, a refletir sobre sua prática docente.
Glycemic Status of Type 2 Diabetic Subjects On Different Anti-Diabetic Management
Authors: Samdani Tasrina Shamnaz , Rahim Muhammad Abdur , Mitra Palash , Ahmed AKM Shaheen , Uddin Khwaja Nazim
Published: May 2017

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex multi-system disorder that may lead to diabetes specific complications and target organ damage which can be prevented or delayed by good or strict glycemic control. Our aims were to evaluate the glycemic status of adult type 2 DM (T2DM) patients on different anti-diabetic management, to evaluate role of education and economic status on glycemic control and to correlate glycemic status with complications.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in BIRDEM General Hospital from November 2013 to April 2015. Data were collected in a pre-formed data collection form, purposively and consecutively from 300 T2DM patients who were diagnosed as diabetic for 3 months or more and were compliant, after face to face interview and undergoing the required physical examinations. Then data were compiled and analyzed accordingly.Result: Neither the educational level nor the monthly income had any influence on glycemic control. Only 17% of the patients had good glycemic control (HbA1c <7) in spite of different anti-DM managements. The overall mean HbA1C was 8.9±1.9%, among which the group of patients with medical nutrition therapy had the lowest mean HbA1c level (8.5±1.3%). Chronic kidney disease and polyneuropathy are the two commonest (45% and 40% respectively) complications with a significant (r=1, p=0.000) positive correlation between both macro and microvascular complications of DM with uncontrolled glycemic status.Conclusion: From the current study it can be concluded that glycemic control is rarely achieved and no treatment regimen is superior to other in achieving glycemic control. Patients educational or income level did not have any influence in glycemic control and there is a strong positive correlation between uncontrolled T2DM and its complications.Birdem Med J 2017; 7(2): 121-126
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Tuberculosis among Diabetic Patients
Authors: Hossain Md Delwar , Afroz Farhana , Ahmed Jamal Uddin , Amin Md Kamrul , Quddus Sharif Mohammad Ruhul , Islam Shafiqul
Published: May 2017

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Bangladesh. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of the knowledge, attitude, and health-seeking practice regarding TB amongst diabetic patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the Pulmonology OPD of Department of Internal Medicine, BIRDEM, 750 bedded Specialized Diabetic Tertiary Care hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to December 2015.Results: Out of 420 subjects (mean ±SD, age 51±12 years), 51% were male. Regarding educational status, 42% had primary and 34% had secondary education, while 12% graduated and 12% never attended school. More than half of the subjects belonged to the lower-middle income group. The proportion of poor, average and good score for knowledge were 19%, 66% and 15%, attitude 6%, 42% and 52% and for practice 11%, 82% and 7% respectively.Conclusion: Co-ordinated educational campaign with prioritized focus for poorer and less educated people needs to be considered for reducing tuberculosis transmission and better outcome with special attention to diabetic population.Birdem Med J 2017; 7(2): 127-131
The Concept of Vitamin D Sufficiency and Insufficiency in Graves Disease
Authors: Latif Zafar Ahmed
Published: May 2017

Graves disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland resulting from dysregulation of the immune system against this important endocrine gland. The disease is characterized by hyperthyroidism and presence of circulation auto antibody which stimulates the Thyroid Hormone Receptor(TSHR). The auto antibody is also responsible for goiter and other extra-thyroidal manifestation like ophthalmic, dermatological and others. Vitamin D (Vit.-D) deficiency is reported to link with variety of autoimmune diseases. However the relation between thyroid autoimmunity of Graves disease and Vitamin D deficiency is still not very clear. But in some studies10-12, it was found that there is strong correlation between thyroid autoimmunity and vitamin D  1,25-(OH) deficiency in newly diagnosed GD. It was found < 15 pmol/L. In one study it was found <12.5pmol/ L. According to definition of insufficiency or deficiency most of the Author agreed to describe insufficiency when Vit D level is less than 30pmol/L and deficient when less than 20 pmol/L. Vitamin D Receptor gene polymorphism is also associated with increased risk of Graves (4D) disease and higher volume of goiter. In other studies it was found that, the increased thyroid antibody titer was associated with Vitamin D deficiency. Some other studies showed that, treatment with Vitamin D in GD there is significant early improvement of the diseases. Meta-analysis showed low Vitamin D was also associated with higher risk of development of GD. Moreover, hyperthyroidism leading to osteoporosis in GD is also associated with low Vitamin D level and improves by treatment with Vitamin D. However, whether Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency favors the onset of GD or supplementation of Vitamin D has any beneficial effect, needs further research.Birdem Med J 2017; 7(2): 160-163
Rifampicin Induced Acute Interstitial Nephritis And Exfoliative Dermatitis Complicating Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Case Report
Authors: Afroz Farhana , Hossain Md Delwar , Ahmed Jamal Uddin , Haque Wasim Md Mohosinul
Published: May 2017

Rifampicin is one of the most effective antitubercular agents. Among its rare adverse effects, acute interstitial nephritis is noteworthy. Furthermore, exfoliative dermatitis caused by rifampicin is quite uncommon. Simultaneous occurrence of the both complications in the same patient has not been reported so far. Here we describe a case history of a 76-year-old male who developed rifampicin induced acute interstitial nephritis and exfoliative dermatitis at the same time.Birdem Med J 2017; 7(2): 168-171
Arsenic mobility in saline soil and its impact on plant growth
Authors: Ali Sayeda Sabrina , Begum Monira , Rashid Muhammad Harunur , Huq SM Imamul
Published: May 2017

A study was conducted to investigate the mobility of arsenic in saline soil and its consequences on plant growth. Two different types of saline soils, S1 (2.0 dS/m) and S2 (5.06 dS/m), collected from the south-western part of Bangladesh were used for the experiment. There were two parts in the experiment, viz., in vitro incubation study and pot experiment. Arsenic at the rates of 0, 0.05 and 1.0 mg/l was applied to the soil with water and for plant as irrigation water. The soils under incubation were sequentially extracted with seven different extractants viz., distilled water, 1M NH4Cl, 0.01M CaCl2, 0.005M DTPA, 0.1M EDTA, 0.1M HCl and 1M HCl. A local variety of rice, BRRI 41 was grown on the experimental soil as the test crop for pot experiment. The elevated arsenic concentration in the growth medium caused higher accumulation of arsenic as well as sodium in the plant.Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 29(2): 153-161, December-2016
Catalytic Abatement of Nitrous Oxide Coupled with Ethane Oxydehydrogenation over Mesoporous Cr/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Yan , Kumar Megarajan Suresh , Xu Xia , Lu Jingting , Jiang Heqing
Published: May 2017

Waste nitrous oxide (N2O) was utilized as an oxidant for ethane oxydehydrogenation reaction at the temperature range from 450 °C to 700 °C over the mesoporous Cr/Al2O3 catalyst synthesized via the one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) method. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The obtained mesoporous material with favorable textural property and advantageous thermal stability was investigated as the catalyst for ethane oxydehydrogenation. It was found that the utilization of N2O as an oxidant for the oxydehydrogenation reaction of ethane resulted in simultaneous and complete N2O abatement. Moreover, the catalytic conversion of C2H6 to C2H4 was increased from 18% to 43% as the temperature increased from 450 °C to 700 °C. The increased N2O concentration from 5 vol % to 20 vol % resulted in an increased ethane conversion but decreased ethylene selectivity because the nonselective reactions occurred. Ethane was converted into ethylene with approximately 51% selectivity and 22% yield at 700 °C and N2O concentration of 10%. After a catalytic steady state was reached, no obvious decline was observed during a 15 h evaluation period.
Cobalt-iron Oxide, Alloy and Nitride: Synthesis, Characterization and Application in Catalytic Peroxymonosulfate Activation for Orange II Degradation
Authors: Zhu Kaixin , Jin Changzi , Klencsár Zoltán , Ganeshraja Ayyakannu , Wang Junhu
Published: May 2017

In meeting the need for environmental remediation in wastewater treatment and the development of popular sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs), a series of Co/Fe-based catalysts with confirmed phase structure were prepared through extended soft chemical solution processes followed by atmosphere-dependent calcination. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy were employed to characterize the composition, morphology, crystal structure and chemical state of the prepared catalysts. It was shown that calcination in air, nitrogen and ammonia atmospheres generated Co-Fe catalysts with cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4), Co-Fe alloy and Co-Fe nitride as dominant phases, respectively. The prepared Co/Fe-based catalysts were demonstrated to be highly efficient in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for organic Orange II degradation. The activation efficiency of the different catalysts was found to increase in the order CoFe2O4 < Co-Fe nitride < Co-Fe alloy. Sulfate radical was found to be the primary active intermediate species contributing to the dye degradation for all the participating catalysts. Furthermore, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed for each of the studied catalysts. This study achieves progress in efficient cobalt-iron catalysts using in the field of SR-AOPs, with potential applications in environment remediation.
Taking a Bad Turn: Compromised DNA Damage Response in Leukemia
Authors: Nilles Nadine , Fahrenkrog Birthe
Published: May 2017

Genomic integrity is of outmost importance for the survival at the cellular and the organismal level and key to human health. To ensure the integrity of their DNA, cells have evolved maintenance programs collectively known as the DNA damage response. Particularly challenging for genome integrity are DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and defects in their repair are often associated with human disease, including leukemia. Defective DSB repair may not only be disease-causing, but further contribute to poor treatment outcome and poor prognosis in leukemia. Here, we review current insight into altered DSB repair mechanisms identified in leukemia. While DSB repair is somewhat compromised in all leukemic subtypes, certain key players of DSB repair are particularly targeted: DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and Ku70/80 in the non-homologous end-joining pathway, as well as Rad51 and breast cancer 1/2 (BRCA1/2), key players in homologous recombination. Defects in leukemia-related DSB repair may not only arise from dysfunctional repair components, but also indirectly from mutations in key regulators of gene expression and/or chromatin structure, such as p53, the Kirsten ras oncogene (K-RAS), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2). A detailed understanding of the basis for defective DNA damage response (DDR) mechanisms for each leukemia subtype may allow to further develop new treatment methods to improve treatment outcome and prognosis for patients.
Methane Adsorption Rate and Diffusion Characteristics in Marine Shale Samples from Yangtze Platform, South China
Authors: Dang Wei , Zhang Jinchuan , Wei Xiaoliang , Tang Xuan , Wang Chenghu , Chen Qian , Lei Yue
Published: May 2017

Knowledge of the gas adsorption rate and diffusion characteristics in shale are very important to evaluate the gas transport properties. However, research on methane adsorption rate characteristics and diffusion behavior in shale is not well established. In this study, high-pressure methane adsorption isotherms and methane adsorption rate data from four marine shale samples were obtained by recording the pressure changes against time at 1-s intervals for 12 pressure steps. Seven pressure steps were selected for modelling, and three pressure steps of low (~0.4 MPa), medium (~4.0 MPa), and high (~7.0 MPa) were selected for display. According to the results of study, the methane adsorption under low pressure attained equilibrium much more quickly than that under medium and high pressure, and the adsorption rate behavior varied between different pressure steps. By fitting the diffusion models to the methane adsorption rate data, the unipore diffusion model based upon unimodal pore size distribution failed to describe the methane adsorption rate, while the bidisperse diffusion model could reasonably describe most of the experimental adsorption rate data, with the exception of sample YY2-1 at high pressure steps. This phenomenon may be related to the restricted assumption on pore size distribution and linear adsorption isotherm. The diffusion parameters α and β/α obtained from the bidisperse model indicated that both macro- and micropore diffusion controlled the methane adsorption rate in shale samples, as well as the relative importance and influence of micropore diffusion and adsorption to adsorption rate and total adsorption increased with increasing pressure. This made the inflection points, or two-stage process, at higher pressure steps not as evident as at low pressure steps, and the adsorption rate curves became less steep with increasing pressure. This conclusion was also supported by the decreasing difference values with increasing pressures between macro- and micropore diffusivities obtained using the bidisperse model, which is roughly from 10−3 to 100, and 10−3 to 10−1, respectively. Additionally, an evident negative correlation between macropore diffusivities and pressure lower than 3–4 MPa was observed, while the micropore diffusivities only showed a gentle decreasing trend with pressure. A mirror image relationship between the variation in the value of macropore diffusivity and adsorption isotherms was observed, indicating the negative correlation between surface coverage and gas diffusivity. The negative correlation of methane diffusivity with pressure and surface coverage may be related to the increasing degree of pore blockage and the decreasing concentration gradient of methane adsorption. Finally, due to the significant deviation between the unipore model and experimental adsorption rate data, a new estimation method based upon the bidisperse model is proposed here.
Effects of Building Occupancy on Indicators of Energy Efficiency
Authors: Huovila Aapo , Tuominen Pekka , Airaksinen Miimu
Published: May 2017

The potential to reduce energy consumption in buildings is high. The design phase of the building is very important. In addition, it is vital to understand how to measure the energy efficiency in the building operation phase in order to encourage the right efficiency efforts. In understanding the building energy efficiency, it is important to comprehend the interplay of building occupancy, space efficiency, and energy efficiency. Recent studies found in the literature concerning energy efficiency in office buildings have concentrated heavily on the technical characteristics of the buildings or technical systems. The most commonly used engineering indicator for building energy efficiency is the specific energy consumption (SEC), commonly measured in kWh/m2 per annum. While the SEC is a sound way to measure the technical properties of a building and to guide its design, it obviously omits the issues of building occupancy and space efficiency. This paper studies existing energy efficiency indicators and introduces a new indicator for building energy efficiency which takes into account both space and occupancy efficiency.
Design and Implementation of a Data Acquisition System for Combustion Tests
Authors: Miranda María , Montero Irene , Sepúlveda Francisco , Arranz José , Rojas Carmen
Published: May 2017

In recent years, the biomass market has constantly increased. The pellet manufacture industry has started looking for new products, such as wastes from forest, agriculture, and agroindustrial residues, among others, with the potential to be used as biofuels. However, some of these wastes have some characteristics that make both the combustion process and operating and maintenance conditions of thermal equipment difficult. Thus, further research to optimize the performance and ensure the compliance of the maximum atmospheric levels is needed. In order to carry out these studies, the design and implementation of a supervision, control, and data acquisition system for a domestic pellet boiler was carried out, which makes obtaining further information about the performance of non-conventional biofuels possible. Thus, these biofuels, coming from different sources, underwent different working regimes, facilitating the understanding of the results and the correction of limiting elements. The results from initial tests were reliable and precise, coinciding with the check readings that were done with a thermometer and a combustion gas analyser. Under these conditions, the system designed constitutes a fundamental tool to examine thermal processes with alternative biofuels, with the objective of making the most of different biomass wastes as renewable energy sources.
Identification and Expression Profiling of the Auxin Response Factors in Dendrobium officinale under Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Chen Zhehao , Yuan Ye , Fu Di , Shen Chenjia , Yang Yanjun
Published: May 2017

Auxin response factor (ARF) proteins play roles in plant responses to diverse environmental stresses by binding specifically to the auxin response element in the promoters of target genes. Using our latest public Dendrobium transcriptomes, a comprehensive characterization and analysis of 14 DnARF genes were performed. Three selected DnARFs, including DnARF1, DnARF4, and DnARF6, were confirmed to be nuclear proteins according to their transient expression in epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Furthermore, the transcription activation abilities of DnARF1, DnARF4, and DnARF6 were tested in a yeast system. Our data showed that DnARF6 is a transcriptional activator in Dendrobium officinale. To uncover the basic information of DnARF gene responses to abiotic stresses, we analyzed their expression patterns under various hormones and abiotic treatments. Based on our data, several hormones and significant stress responsive DnARF genes have been identified. Since auxin and ARF genes have been identified in many plant species, our data is imperative to reveal the function of ARF mediated auxin signaling in the adaptation to the challenging Dendrobium environment.
Impact of Gravity on Thyroid Cells
Authors: Albi Elisabetta , Krüger Marcus , Hemmersbach Ruth , Lazzarini Andrea , Cataldi Samuela , Codini Michela , Beccari Tommaso , Ambesi-Impiombato Francesco , Curcio Francesco
Published: May 2017

Physical and mental health requires a correct functioning of the thyroid gland, which controls cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, and immune systems, and affects behavior and cognitive functions. Microgravity, as occurs during space missions, induces morphological and functional changes within the thyroid gland. Here, we review relevant experiments exposing cell cultures (normal and cancer thyroid cells) to simulated and real microgravity, as well as wild-type and transgenic mice to hypergravity and spaceflight conditions. Well-known mechanisms of damage are presented and new ones, such as changes of gene expression for extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton proteins, thyrocyte phenotype, sensitivity of thyrocytes to thyrotropin due to thyrotropin receptor modification, parafollicular cells and calcitonin production, sphingomyelin metabolism, and the expression and movement of cancer molecules from thyrocytes to colloids are highlighted. The identification of new mechanisms of thyroid injury is essential for the development of countermeasures, both on the ground and in space, against thyroid cancer. We also address the question whether normal and cancer cells show a different sensitivity concerning changes of environmental conditions.
Photoactive Nanomaterials Inspired by Nature: LTL Zeolite Doped with Laser Dyes as Artificial Light Harvesting Systems
Authors: Gartzia-Rivero Leire , Bañuelos Jorge , López-Arbeloa Iñigo
Published: May 2017

The herein reported work describes the development of hierarchically-organized fluorescent nanomaterials inspired by plant antenna systems. These hybrid materials are based on nanostructured zeolitic materials (LTL zeolite) doped with laser dyes, which implies a synergism between organic and inorganic moieties. The non-interconnected channeled structure and pore dimensions (7.1 Å) of the inorganic host are ideal to order and align the allocated fluorophores inside, inferring also high thermal and chemical stability. These artificial antennae harvest a broad range of chromatic radiation and convert it into predominant red-edge or alternatively white-light emission, just choosing the right dye combination and concentration ratio to modulate the efficiency of the ongoing energy transfer hops. A further degree of organization can be achieved by functionalizing the channel entrances of LTL zeolite with specific tailor-made (stopcock) molecules via a covalent linkage. These molecules plug the channels to avoid the leakage of the guest molecules absorbed inside, as well as connect the inner space of the zeolite with the outside thanks to energy transfer processes, making the coupling of the material with external devices easier.
Transferring Nanoscale Bainite Concept to Lower C Contents: A Perspective
Authors: Garcia-Mateo Carlos , Paul Georg , Somani Mahesh , Porter David , Bracke Lieven , Latz Andreas , Garcia De Andres Carlos , Caballero Francisca
Published: May 2017

The major strengthening mechanisms in bainitic steels arise from the bainitic ferrite plate thickness rather than the length, which primarily determines the mean free slip distance. Both the strength of the austenite from where the bainite grows and the driving force of the transformation, are the two factors controlling the final scale of the bainitic microstructure. Usually, those two parameters can be tailored by means of selection of chemical composition and transformation temperature. However, there is also the possibility of introducing plastic deformation on austenite and prior to the bainitic transformation as a way to enhance both the austenite strength and the driving force for the transformation; the latter by introducing a mechanical component to the free energy change. This process, known as ausforming, has awoken a great deal of interest and it is the object of ongoing research with two clear aims. First, an acceleration of the sluggish bainitic transformation observed typically in high C steels (0.7–1 wt. %) transformed at relatively low temperatures. Second, to extend the concept of nanostructured bainite from those of high C steels to much lower C contents, 0.4–0.5 wt. %, keeping a wider range of applications in view.
Brazilian Green Propolis Extract Synergizes with Protoporphyrin IX-mediated Photodynamic Therapy via Enhancement of Intracellular Accumulation of Protoporphyrin IX and Attenuation of NF-κB and COX-2
Authors: Wang Cheng-Cheng , Wang Yu-Xuan , Yu Nian-Qin , Hu Die , Wang Xiao-Yan , Chen Xing-Guang , Liao You-Wei , Yao Jing , Wang Hao , He Ling , Wu Liang
Published: May 2017

Brazilian green propolis (BGP) is noted for its impressive antitumor effects and has been used as a folk medicine in various cultures for many years. It has been demonstrated that BGP could enhance the cytotoxic effect of cytostatic drugs on tumor cells. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic approach used against malignant cells. To assess the synergistic effect of BGP extract on protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-mediated photocytotoxicity, MTT assays were performed using A431 and HeLa cells. TUNEL assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining were performed to confirm the induction of apoptosis. Western blotting analysis was performed to examine the pro-apoptotic proteins, anti-apoptotic proteins and inflammation related proteins in A431 cells. Intracellular accumulation of PpIX was examined by flow cytometry. The synergistic effect of BGP extract in PpIX-PDT was also evaluated with a xenograft model. Our findings reveal that BGP extract increased PpIX-mediated photocytotoxicity in A431 and HeLa cells. PpIX-PDT with BGP extract treatment resulted in a decrease in Bcl-xL and an increase in NOXA, Bax and caspase-3 cleavage. The protein expression levels of p-IKKα/β, NF-κB and COX-2 were upregulated by PpIX-PDT but significantly attenuated when in combination with BGP extract. BGP extract was also found to significantly enhance the intracellular accumulation of PpIX in A431 cells. BGP extract increased PpIX-mediated photocytotoxicity in a xenograft model as well. Our findings provide evidence for a synergistic effect of BGP extract in PpIX-PDT both in vitro and in vivo.
A Critical Review on Polyphenols and Health Benefits of Black Soybeans
Authors: Ganesan Kumar , Xu Baojun
Published: May 2017

Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites containing antioxidant properties, which help to protect chronic diseases from free radical damage. Dietary polyphenols are the subject of enhancing scientific interest due to their possible beneficial effects on human health. In the last two decades, there has been more interest in the potential health benefits of dietary polyphenols as antioxidant. Black soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr) are merely a black variety of soybean containing a variety of phytochemicals. These phytochemicals in black soybean (BSB) are potentially effective in human health, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Taking into account exploratory study, the present review aims to provide up-to-date data on health benefit of BSB, which helps to explore their therapeutic values for future clinical settings. All data of in vitro and in vivo studies of BSB and its impact on human health were collected from a library database and electronic search (Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar). The different pharmacological information was gathered and orchestrated in a suitable spot on the paper.
Under 5 Energize: Tracking Progress of a Preschool Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme with Regional Measures of Body Size and Dental Health at Age of Four Years
Authors: Rush Elaine , Obolonkin Vladimir , Young Leanne , Kirk Madeleine , Tseng Marilyn
Published: May 2017

To reduce weight gain and encourage healthy eating including reduced sugar intake, Under 5 Energize (U5E) was introduced to 121 early-childhood-centres in the Waikato region of New Zealand in July 2013. Using anonymized data collected from January 2013 to September 2016 through free physical assessments of all 4-year-olds provided by the NZ Ministry of Health, the prevalence of obesity and dental decay children measured in the Waikato region was examined. Data were divided into four periods representing pre-implementation and 3 years of gradual implementation. Obesity was defined according to International Obesity Task Force criteria. Of 18,774 Waikato children included in the analysis, 32% were indigenous Māori, and 32% attended an U5E centre. Pre-implementation prevalences of obesity (4%) and visible dental decay (11%) of children attending and not-attending U5E centres were not different. While obesity prevalence did not change significantly over time, prevalence of dental decay decreased among children at U5E (trend p = 0.003) but not non-U5E (trend p = 0.14) centres, such that prevalences were significantly different between children at U5E vs. non-U5E centres at Year 3 (p = 0.02). The U5E intervention is a small but arguably effective part of the wider system approach that is required to improve children’s future health.
How Not to Link the Reformation and Science: Reflections on Brad Gregory’s The Unintended Reformation
Authors: Reeves Josh
Published: May 2017

This article evaluates Brad Gregory’s argument in The Unintended Reformation that links the Reformation with the rise of secular science. I provide an overview of Gregory’s claims and make two criticisms, arguing that Gregory’s thesis lacks historical evidence to support it and mistakenly implies that retaining the framework of premodern metaphysics would have prevented the rise of scientific naturalism. The paper concludes by pointing to more positive accounts on the connection between the Reformation and science by recent historians.