bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Superoxide Contributes to Hippocampal Synaptic Dysfunction and Memory Deficits in Angelman Syndrome Model Mice
Authors: Santini Emanuela , Turner Kathryn L. , Ramaraj Akila B. , Murphy Michael P. , Klann Eric , Kaphzan Hanoch
Published: December 2015

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with developmental delay, lack of speech, motor dysfunction, and epilepsy. In the majority of the patients, AS is caused by the deletion of small portions of maternal chromosome 15 harboring theUBE3Agene. This results in a lack of expression of theUBE3Agene because the paternal allele is genetically imprinted. TheUBE3Agene encodes an enzyme termed ubiquitin ligase E3A (E6-AP) that targets proteins for degradation by the 26S proteasome. Because neurodegenerative disease and other neurodevelopmental disorders have been linked to oxidative stress, we asked whether mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) played a role in impaired synaptic plasticity and memory deficits exhibited by AS model mice. We discovered that AS mice have increased levels of superoxide in area CA1 of the hippocampus that is reduced by MitoQ 10-methanesuflonate (MitoQ), a mitochondria-specific antioxidant. In addition, we found that MitoQ rescued impairments in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and deficits in contextual fear memory exhibited by AS model mice. Our findings suggest that mitochondria-derived oxidative stress contributes to hippocampal pathophysiology in AS model mice and that targeting mitochondrial ROS pharmacologically could benefit individuals with AS.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOxidative stress has been hypothesized to contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and Angelman syndrome (AS). Herein, we report that AS model mice exhibit elevated levels of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species in pyramidal neurons in hippocampal area CA1. Moreover, we demonstrate that the administration of MitoQ (MitoQ 10-methanesuflonate), a mitochondria-specific antioxidant, to AS model mice normalizes synaptic plasticity and restores memory. Finally, our findings suggest that antioxidants that target the mitochondria could be used therapeutically to ameliorate synaptic and cognitive deficits in individuals with AS.
Steering Transforms the Cortical Representation of Self-Movement from Direction to Destination
Authors: Jacob Michael S. , Duffy Charles J.
Published: December 2015

Steering demands rapid responses to heading deviations and uses optic flow to redirect self-movement toward the intended destination. We trained monkeys in a naturalistic steering paradigm and recorded dorsal medial superior temporal area (MSTd) cortical neuronal responses to the visual motion and spatial location cues in optic flow. We found that neuronal responses to the initial heading direction are dominated by the optic flow's global radial pattern cue. Responses to subsequently imposed heading deviations are dominated by the local direction of motion cue. Finally, as the monkey steers its heading back to the goal location, responses are dominated by the spatial location cue, the screen location of the flow field's center of motion. We conclude that MSTd responses are not rigidly linked to specific stimuli, but rather are transformed by the task relevance of cues that guide performance in learned, naturalistic behaviors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTUnplanned heading changes trigger lifesaving steering back to a goal. Conventionally, such behaviors are thought of as cortical sensory-motor reflex arcs. We find that a more reciprocal process underlies such cycles of perception and action, rapidly transforming visual processing to suit each stage of the task. When monkeys monitor their simulated self-movement, dorsal medial superior temporal area (MSTd) neurons represent their current heading direction. When monkeys steer to recover from an unplanned change in heading direction, MSTd shifts toward representing the goal location. We hypothesize that this transformation reflects the reweighting of bottom-up visual motion signals and top-down spatial location signals, reshaping MSTd's response properties through task-dependent interactions with adjacent cortical areas.
A Unified Dynamic Model for Learning, Replay, and Sharp-Wave/Ripples
Authors: Jahnke Sven , Timme Marc , Memmesheimer Raoul-Martin
Published: December 2015

Hippocampal activity is fundamental for episodic memory formation and consolidation. During phases of rest and sleep, it exhibits sharp-wave/ripple (SPW/R) complexes, which are short episodes of increased activity with superimposed high-frequency oscillations. Simultaneously, spike sequences reflecting previous behavior, such as traversed trajectories in space, are replayed. Whereas these phenomena are thought to be crucial for the formation and consolidation of episodic memory, their neurophysiological mechanisms are not well understood. Here we present a unified model showing how experience may be stored and thereafter replayed in association with SPW/Rs. We propose that replay and SPW/Rs are tightly interconnected as they mutually generate and support each other. The underlying mechanism is based on the nonlinear dendritic computation attributable to dendritic sodium spikes that have been prominently found in the hippocampal regions CA1 and CA3, where SPW/Rs and replay are also generated. Besides assigning SPW/Rs a crucial role for replay and thus memory processing, the proposed mechanism also explains their characteristic features, such as the oscillation frequency and the overall wave form. The results shed a new light on the dynamical aspects of hippocampal circuit learning.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDuring phases of rest and sleep, the hippocampus, the “memory center” of the brain, generates intermittent patterns of strongly increased overall activity with high-frequency oscillations, the so-called sharp-wave/ripples. We investigate their role in learning and memory processing. They occur together with replay of activity sequences reflecting previous behavior. Developing a unifying computational model, we propose that both phenomena are tightly linked, by mutually generating and supporting each other. The underlying mechanism depends on nonlinear amplification of synchronous inputs that has been prominently found in the hippocampus. Besides assigning sharp-wave/ripples a crucial role for replay generation and thus memory processing, the proposed mechanism also explains their characteristic features, such as the oscillation frequency and the overall wave form.
Sleep Consolidation of Musical Competence
Authors: Van Hedger Stephen C. , Hogstrom Anders , Palmer Caroline , Nusbaum Howard C.
Published: December 2015

Previous research has shown that sleep facilitates skill acquisition by consolidating recent memories into a stabilized form. The way in which sleep benefits the acquisition of a musical skill, however, is unclear. This is because previous studies have not dissociated the extent to which sleep consolidates learned motoric patterns from the conceptual structure of the music. We thus designed two experiments in which pianists performed short pieces – designed to separate conceptual from motoric errors – over the course of a day. In Experiment 1, participants were trained in the morning and tested immediately, 12 hours, and 24 hours after training. While both motor and conceptual errors increased over a waking retention interval, only conceptual errors were significantly reduced after sleep. Moreover, individuals who reported spending more time “playing by ear” showed greater reductions of conceptual errors after sleep. A second control experiment, in which participants were trained in the evening and tested immediately – as well as 12 hours – after training, confirmed that the results from Experiment 1 could not be attributed solely to circadian confounds or to elapsed time since training. Together, these results suggest that conceptual and motor errors consolidate differently and interact with differences in practice style.
Effects of sitagliptin on circulating zinc-α2-glycoprotein levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized trial
Authors: Tian Mingyuan , Liang Zerong , Liu Rui , Li Ke , Tan Xinrong , Luo Yong , Yang Mengliu , Gu Harvest F , Liu Hua , Li Ling , Yang Gangyi
Published: December 2015

Objective

Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) has recently been characterized as a potent metabolic regulator. However, the effects of anti-diabetic agents on circulating ZAG levels in humans remain largely unknown. To explore the possible mechanisms by which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor improves insulin resistance, we investigated the effect of sitagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor, on circulating cytokine levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (nT2DM) patients.

Design and methods

A subset of 141 subjects with nT2DM were assigned to receive placebo (n=47) or sitagliptin (n=94) for 3 months. Before and after treatment, subjects received a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC), and measurement of ZAG and adiponectin (ADI) concentrations.

Results

Circulating ZAG levels were lower in nT2DM than in control individuals (P<0.01). After 3 months of sitagliptin treatment, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, 2-h insulin after glucose overload, triglycerides, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were decreased significantly compared with pre-treatment (P<0.05 orP<0.01), whereas the glucose infusion rate during the stable period of the clamp (Mvalues) during EHC were significantly increased (P<0.01). In addition, circulating ZAG and ADI concentrations were significantly increased along with improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity compared with pre-treatment (bothP<0.01) and the change of ZAG (ΔZAG) was positively associated with ΔADI, ΔHOMA-IR, ΔBMI, Δfasting insulin and negatively associated with Δ tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, sitagliptin treatment resulted in significantly lowered plasma TNF-α level (P<0.05).

Conclusion

A low level of circulating ZAG is associated with insulin resistance and sitagliptin treatment significantly increases circulating ZAG levels. These observations have implications in relation to the mode of action of the DPP-IV inhibitor as an insulin sensitizing agent.
Los frutos de la movilidad. La emigración norteña peninsular en Madrid y el Imperio (siglos XVII y XVIII)
Authors: Angulo Morales Alberto
Published: December 2015

El Setecientos verá el impacto popular e histórico de los intensos procesos migratorios de jóvenes provincianos norteños en busca de futuro. Todos hidalgos norteños que protegían su idiosincrasia jurídica junto a los intereses de las autoridades de sus lugares de origen. Muchos de ellos sin ayuda de cadenas migratorias o viejas redes clientelares. Madrid, Cádiz o México vieron surgir centros de ayuda al emigrante por criterios de origen o naturaleza. Hospitales, cofradías o congregaciones fueron los tres prototipos asociativos de esta corriente migratoria norteña. Tal movilidad y el surgir de estas “comunidades emocionales” (en los centros políticos, culturales, administrativos y económicos del Imperio español) se concentra en tiempos de Felipe V y Fernando VI. Estas agencias de colocación y espacios de representación cultural y política muestran la organización conferida por las autoridades del norte de España para resolver algunos peligros derivados de los procesos migratorios de sus jóvenes.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ohm.24.2708
Pero si …, y si …, por si …: asegurar la pervivencia de la casa en el alto Aragón en la Edad Moderna
Authors: Aussens José Antonio Salas
Published: December 2015

Las capitulaciones matrimoniales y los testamentos de los notarios de una pequeña comarca del Altoaragón a finales del siglo XVI y comienzos del XVII, muestran que ya entonces el modelo de transmisión de propiedad, basado en la continuidad de la casa y en las distintas estrategias puestas en marcha para alcanzar ese objetivo, característico del Pirineo aragonés y en parte similar al de otras áreas de montaña hispanas y europeas, estaba perfectamente definido. Pero a la vez, esa documentación evidencia la presencia de singularidades como la casi sistemática renuncia a la viudedad foral, que contemplaba el derecho del cónyuge supérstite al usufructo del patrimonio familiar, o la particularidad de los matrimonios a hermandad.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ohm.24.2709
Curricular Model of México National Technological (Tecnológico Nacional de México)
Authors: Gamino-Carranza Arturo , Acosta-González Mara Grassiel
Published: December 2015

Tecnológico Nacional de México (Mexico National Technological Institutes), as a decentralized body of the Mexico Ministry of Public Education, which has 266 affiliated institutes throughout the country and serves an enrollment of 556.270 students, seeks to offer top quality education geared towards the needs of the social, scientific, technological, economic, cultural and human development of Mexico. In this context, this article describes the definition of the curricular model used. This model is based on the idea of the curriculum as integrated training project, which underlies the concepts of professional training, learning and educational practice, providing sense and meaning to the educational content, the work of teachers and students, learning and teaching strategies, educational products and processes, as well as designing, implementing, developing, monitoring and evaluating academic programs. Currently, this model has designed and innovated 43 curricula with a focus on competence, which multiplied by the number of times offered in 266 schools, added more than 1,300 educational programs across the country. It is worth mentioning that for the design and innovation of these programs more than 35 national meetings were held in Mexico with the involvement of over 4,500 teachers. This model allows greater flexibility, knowledge and know-how integration, and thus, promote continuous student learning, boost the development of professional competencies for knowledge application and real problem-solving through the fulfillment of projects and promotion of ethical training as well as the encouragement of environmental care.
The Application of a Digital Educational Resource to the Learning Disability of Subtraction: A Case Study
Authors: Margalef-Ciurana Immaculada , García-Tamarit Consuelo
Published: December 2015

The lack of an adequate and organized transfer of steps in the subtraction process causes a learning disability of this operation in elementary school. The objective of this study is to show how the use of a digital educational resource can help improve the mathematical performance of children with dyscalculia. In particular, how the systematic application of a digital resource improves the resolution of subtraction, compared to the resolution of such operation without it. The study was carried out by applying a learning sequence of systematized subtraction and adapting it to the specific difficulties of the student and selecting a motivating digital resource. Our results suggest that the use of the resource has made outstanding contributions to the achievement of this mathematical operation. It is recommended to carry out studies in this line to contribute to improving the learning of school children with these difficulties.
Perceptions of Students about Politics, Political Parties and Individuals Devoted to Politics when Ending High School Education in Chile
Authors: Muñoz-Labraña Carlos , Martínez-Rodríguez Rosendo , Muñoz-Grandón Carlos
Published: December 2015

The article accounts for qualitative research proposed to identify the perceptions of students who are close to graduating from middle school about politicians and political parties, as well as the origin and reasons for their perceptions.   The sample included fourth year middle students belonging to twelve educational institutions located in the communes of Concepción metropolitan area, Chile. In-depth interviews and focus groups, protecting gender parity, were conducted to collect information. These results suggest that sample students, while appreciating the existence of politicians in society, have a negative and critical view of their performance, as well as the parties they represent. Students blame the politicians themselves and the policies of their perceptions; they reproach them lack of commitment, consistency, transparency and harmony. In addition, students blame the performance of politicians for their reactions against them. They also argue that political parties protect corporate interests rather than those from the citizenship, who cries out for greater concern regarding their problems.
Measurement of Listening and Reading Comprehension Skills in Students of English Pedagogy in a Chilean University
Authors: Cisterna-Zenteno Cecilia , Soto-Hernández Valentina , Díaz-Larenas Claudio
Published: December 2015

The article presents the results of an investigation aimed at measuring the skills of reading comprehension and listening comprehension of English pedagogy students in a Chilean university. Three standardized tests from ESOL Cambridge University were applied to students in second, third and fifth years, respectively:  Key English Test (KET), Preliminary English Test (PET) and First Certificate Exam (FCE). The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS program through descriptive statistics. In addition, these results were supplemented with information gathered from three focus groups which aimed at determining the main difficulties arousing during the execution of the tests. The results revealed that students showed problems in their listening comprehension and reading comprehension abilities in KET and FCE tests, where the latter obtained the lowest level of achievement. On the other hand, in the PET exam, approval scores reached the best level. In the focus groups, students expressed that their main difficulties were: adequate understanding of instructions for each task, high level of concentration required for these exams, and little exposure to trials of this type of measuring instruments. The article raises a possible explanation for the low results in two of the tests, using the concept of plateau effect in the process of learning a language. It concludes with a reflection on the English teacher initial training in Chile, the importance of knowing the content and the challenges facing the educational system, as well as the training institutions based on the new pedagogical standards established by the Ministry of Education.
Reflective Practice in the Clinical Learning: Earnings for the Building of the Nursing Thinking
Authors: Pereira-Mendes Anabela
Published: December 2015

The objectives of this study were to understand how reflective exercise contributes to building the nursing thinking and which strategies or conditions may influence the reflection exercise in the clinical learning contexts. As part of a qualitative paradigm, those participating in the study were 23 four-year graduate degree students in nursing, who carried out reflective exercises in the clinical learning settings. Data collection was conducted using a semi-structured interview and narrative writing. The corpus was subjected to content analysis, according to Bardin (2011). From the student body perspective, it was found that clinical learning, when reflective exercise is carried out in a systematic way and monitored by the teachers, significantly contributes to building the nursing thinking. The following conditions influencing this process were identified: the student as a person; the strategies found; and the monitoring context. It has been concluded that performing an effective work with the actors involved, students and mentors, the reflective exercise is essential in clinical learning, considering their responsibility in the training process. These results may support other participants, especially in graduate education.
Remarks on the Činggis Qaγan-u Altan Tobči
Authors: Kápolnás Olivér
Published: December 2015

The Golden History of Chinggis khan (Cinggis Qa?an-u Altan Tobci) is an important Mongolian historical work. It was found in 1958, so its research history is not very long. This paper aims at pointing out the problems with its facsimile edition and attempts to define the date of writing of the only existing manuscript of this work. Finally, the author gives evidence that the original work must have been compiled in Qubilai’s era with the purpose of showing his legitimacy.
Mongol Clothing in the Yuan Period
Authors: Oka Ildikó
Published: December 2015

The subject of this paper is clothing, specifically the costumes of the Great Mongol Empire. It is based on recent archaeological discoveries from the territory of the Yuan and the Juchid realms, and in particular on my personal study of the textile finds from Nartiin Xad and Buxiin Xušuu, Mongolia. The reconstruction of some of the costumes from there have made it possible to have a more complete picture of the clothes and to recognise their parallels not only among the other archaeological finds, but also as regards the figural representations of the era. The data of these costumes together with the written sources provide us a new way of understanding the clothing culture of the Mongol imperial era.
Indian Beauty and Foreign Spirits: The Golden Casket in The Merchant of Venice
Authors: MacKenzie Clayton
Published: December 2015

The casket scenes in The Merchant of Venice are powerful arbiters of success and failure. The casket challenge is loaded with culturally-specific signifiers which favour local contenders. Bassanio rejects the gold casket because he is aware that European moral iconographies repudiate earthly wealth (though, ironically, Bassanio is a poor illustration of the principle). The Prince of Morocco, by contrast, understandably supposes gold to be an appropriate metaphor for love – gold was, after all, the prima materia of North Africa. Morocco is on every level more worthy than Bassanio but fails because he chooses through foreign eyes.
HISTÓRICO DA PROPOSTA CURRICULAR DE SANTA CATARINA
Authors: Fernandes Coan Ivonete Benedet , Almeida Maria de Lourdes Pinto de
Published: December 2015

Este texto faz parte da dissertação de mestrado em andamento que tem como objetivo principal analisar os textos sobre alfabetização com letramento contidos na Proposta Curricular de Santa Catarina, no sentido de identificar conceitos e encaminhamentos efetuados pelo Estado catarinense aos professores da rede estadual de ensino por meio dessa política pública. A pesquisa orienta-se na concepção histórico-crítica e adota como método a análise documental e a pesquisa bibliográfica com revisão de literatura sobre as categorias pesquisadas. As respostas ao problema de pesquisa identificaram, precariedade na formação de professores; complexidade dos textos que compõem a Proposta e influência do sistema neoliberal sobre as políticas públicas educacionais brasileiras como fatores que concorrem para a permanência de índices de analfabetismo, repetência e evasão escolar no Estado de Santa Catarina. A elaboração do componente curricular catarinense teve início no final dos anos 1980 e a última atualização foi editada em 2005. Neste artigo, escreve-se o processo de construção dessa Proposta a partir do Plano de Ação 88/91 até os Cadernos Temáticos publicados em 2005.
PROFUNDIDADE DO LENÇOL FREÁTICO NO CULTIVO DE CANOLA
Authors: De Rossi Eduardo de , Lindino Cleber Antonio , Santos Reginaldo Ferreira , Cremonez Paulo André , Santos Kenia Gabriela , Antonelli Jhonatas , Nadaletti William césar
Published: December 2015

Desde os primórdios do surgimento da agricultura os níveis do lençol freático são parte importante na produção de alimentos, já nos dias atuais, esta produção se abrange também para setores como o energético e ambiental. A canola (Brassica napus L.), no Brasil, teve nos últimos anos um aumento expressivo de produção devido ao grande interesse, principalmente alimentar e energético. Um fator que poderia facilitar o seu plantio é o conhecimento de sua necessidade hídrica, em relação à profundidade do lençol freático. Neste sentido, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da variação de níveis de lençol freático no crescimento inicial da canola. O trabalho foi realizado em lisímetros com diâmetro de 20 cm em casa de vegetação da Unioeste, campus Cascavel. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos e seis repetições de profundidade do lençol freático: 0,1; 0,2; 0,3; 0,4; 0,5 e 0,6 m. Avaliou-se a altura de planta, número de folhas, área foliar, comprimento radicular, massa fresca e seca.
TEORIA DO PORTFÓLIO: UM ESTUDO SOBRE OS FATORES QUE INFLUENCIAM A ESCOLHA DO PERFIL DE INVESTIMENTO DA FASERN
Authors: Damasceno Thiago , Mol Anderson Luiz Rezende , Costa Lucia de Fatima Lucio Gomes
Published: December 2015

Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal avaliar os fatores que influenciam a escolha do perfil de investimento dos participantes ativos da FASERN. Este estudo apresenta os fundamentos de risco e retorno, as preferências em relação ao risco, os perfis de risco e alguns dos seus desdobramentos. Esses conceitos devem ser conhecidos previamente para que deem suporte às decisões adequadas no momento de se fazer um investimento. A pesquisa pode ser considerada como descritivo-exploratória. Ela se propõe a descrever o comportamento da amostra quanto ao desempenho das variáveis, para tanto foi realizado um survey, por meio do uso de medidas de posição, como média, distribuições de frequência e gráficos e pelas análises de cluster e discriminante. Ao final da modelagem é possível identificar que apenas 4 variáveis foram significantes para discriminar os grupos ou explicá-los, são elas: área de atuação na empresa; formação acadêmica; grau de escolaridade e faixa etária que os avaliam em relação ao grau de conhecimento do mercado financeiro e a variável dependente “perfil de investimento”. Também, define a que grupo pertence cada participante de acordo com o seu perfil de risco (conservador, moderado e agressivo).
O LIVRO DIDÁTICO E AS TEORIAS PEDAGÓGICAS
Authors: Gusmão de Carvalho Neto Eulália Raquel
Published: December 2015

Este artigo tem por objetivo discutir a relação entre as teorias pedagógicas e os materiais escolares, em particular o livro didático. Fundamenta-se nas teorias que enfocam o ensino a partir de uma visão dialética e histórico-antropológica. Reflete sobre as contribuições históricas, sociológicas, filosóficas e psicológicas que articuladas constroem um campo de saber no qual floresce o fazer pedagógico. Considera que as teorias pedagógicas influenciam o livro didático com implicações que determinam sua estruturação metodológica e conceitual. Destaca a importância de o professor posicionar-se diante dos fundamentos educacionais e de suas implicações no processo de escolha do livro didático.
IMPLICAÇÕES E POSSIBILIDADES PARA O ENSINO A PARTIR DA CONSTRUÇÃO DE BIODIGESTOR NO IFRN – CAMPUS APODI.
Authors: Maia da Silva Francisco Felipe , Bertini Luciana Medeiros , Alves Leonardo Alcântara , Barbosa Plínio Tavares , Moura Luciano Fernandes , Macêdo Cleia Souza
Published: December 2015

A criação e ampliação dos Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia no Brasil, surge em um contexto de crescente demanda por energia a nível mundial e da problemática crescente referente ao tratamento de resíduos sólidos. Nesse contexto, a biodigestão anaeróbica desempenha papel de destaque, pois, é uma tecnologia capaz de transformar dejetos animais em biogás, uma fonte de energia limpa e renovável que usa como matéria prima, um material considerado muitas vezes incomodo, que são os dejetos. Com isso esse trabalho teve como objetivo a construção de um biodigestor modelo indiano no Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte, campus Apodi, visando à geração de um ambiente de aprendizagem concreto e que permita integrar várias disciplinas, assim como divulgar a tecnologia para os produtores rurais que possibilite o tratamento dos dejetos gerados. O biodigestor construído tem 2,20 m de profundidade com 1,90m de diâmetro, com uma capacidade útil de aproximadamente 5.000 litros da mistura biomassa e água e uma campânula construída em polietileno de alta densidade, sendo esta para o armazenamento do biogás produzido. Dependendo da biomassa utilizada este equipamento tem capacidade de produzir até 1216m3 (dejetos bovinos), 809m3 (dejetos caprino), 1140m3 (dejetos suínos) por ano, produção essa, que equivale energeticamente a 669, 445 e 627 litros de óleo diesel. Estes dados mostram que a tecnologia do uso de biodigestores além de proporcionar o tratamento de dejetos, possibilita a produção de biocombustíveis, características que tornam essa tecnologia aplicável nas áreas de ensino, pesquisa e extensão.
NOVAS DIRETRIZES EDUCACIONAIS E NOVOS PROJETOS PEDAGÓGICOS ? (ETFRN E CEFET-RN): ENTRE O PENSAR E O FAZER
Authors: Pereira Ulisséia Ávila , França Magna
Published: December 2015

Este artigo trata da implementação da Proposta Curricular da Escola Técnica Federal do Rio Grande do Norte no ano de 1995 e do Projeto Político-Pedagógico do Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica do Rio Grande do Norte em 2005. Analisamos os documentos específicos e a legislação que nortearam as diretrizes à implementação da Proposta. Os resultados apontam que a compreensão dos princípios norteadores desses documentos por parte da maioria dos professores contribuiu para alguns avanços nas atividades de ensino e na redefinição do trabalho da equipe pedagógica, bem como ao desenvolvimento de ações mais direcionadas à integração entre ensino, pesquisa e extensão.
A CELEBRIZAÇÃO DO JOGADOR DE FUTEBOL NEYMAR: O DISCURSO DO PROGRAMA ESPORTE ESPETACULAR VERSUS DISCURSO DE JOVENS UNIVERSITÁRIOS
Authors: Silva Francisca Islandia Cardoso da , Rodrigues Janete de Páscoa
Published: December 2015

O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar os sentidos de celebrização de Neymar presentes em uma matéria do programa Esporte Espetacular (EE) e no discurso de jovens universitários. Fez-se uso da técnica de grupos focais e do método analítico-descritivo para coleta e análise dos dados, respectivamente. A amostra foi constituída por 24 jovens universitários, na faixa etária entre 18 e 24 anos. A reportagem se centrou na exaltação e valoração da imagem de Neymar e na criação do mesmo como ídolo. Os sentidos propostos pelo EE não foram adotados pelos jovens, comprovando, assim, que o receptor processa as mensagens à sua maneira.
Effects of a Low-Intensity Laser on Dental Implant Osseointegration: Removal Torque and Resonance Frequency Analysis in Rabbits
Authors: Blay Alberto , Blay Claudia C , Tunchel Samy , Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Shibli Jamil Awad , Groth Eduardo B , Zezell Denise M
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate how a low-intensity laser affects the stability and reverse torque resistance of dental implants installed in the tibia of rabbits. Thirty rabbits received 60 dental implants with the same design and surface treatment, one in each proximal metaphysis of the tibia. Three groups were prepared (n = 10 animals each): conventional osseointegration without treatment (control group), surgical sites irradiated with a laser beam emitted in the visible range of 680 nm (Lg1 group), surgical sites irradiated with a laser beam with a wavelength in the infrared range of 830 nm (Lg2 group). Ten irradiation sessions were performed 48 hours apart; the first session was during the immediate postoperative period. Irradiation energy density was 4 J/cm2 per point in 2 points on each side of the tibias. The resonance frequency and removal torque values were measured at 2 time points after the implantations (3 and 6 weeks). Both laser groups (Lg1 and Lg2) presented a significant difference between resonance frequency analysis values at the baseline and the values obtained after 3 and 6 weeks (P > .05). Although the removal torque values of all groups increased after 6 weeks (P < .05), both laser groups presented greater mean values than those of the control group (P < .01). Photobiomodulation using laser irradiation with wavelengths of 680 and 830 nm had a better degree of bone integration than the control group after 6 weeks of observation time.
An Automatic Face Detection System for RGB Images
Authors: Barbu Tudor
Published: December 2015

We propose a robust face detection approach that works for digital color images. Our automatic detection method is based on image skin regions, therefore a skin-based segmentation of RGB images is provided first. Then, we decide for each skin region if it represents a human face or not, using a set of candidate criteria, an edge detection process, a correlation based technique and a threshold-based method. A high face detection rate is obtained using the proposed method.
Software Components for Signal Fishing based on GA Element Position Optimizer
Authors: Crisan Nicolae , Cremene Ligia Chira , Cremene Marcel
Published: December 2015

Long-term adaptation solutions do not receive much attention in the design phase of a wireless system. A new approach is proposed, where the antenna takes an active role in characterising and learning the operation environment. The proposed solution is based on a signal fishing mechanism. Several software components, among which a genetic optimizer, implement the processing stages of autonomous design of the antenna array during operation.
Tolerance of Swallowworts (Vincetoxicumspp.) to Multiple Years of Artificial Defoliation and Clipping
Authors: Milbrath Lindsey R. , DiTommaso Antonio , Biazzo Jeromy , Morris Scott H.
Published: December 2015

The European vines pale swallowwort and black swallowwort are invading various habitats in northeastern North America. It is unclear how these plants might respond to potential biological control agents, as they experience little herbivore damage in North America, or longer durations of mowing given the reported lack of efficacy of mechanical control. We evaluated the effect of six seasons of artificial defoliation (50 or 100% defoliation once or twice per season) and clipping (once, twice, or four times at 8 cm above the soil level) on the survival, growth, and reproduction of mature plants of the two species grown in a common garden field experiment. No plants died from damage after 6 yr. Black swallowwort produced more aboveground biomass, whereas pale swallowwort produced more root biomass and root crown buds, compared with its congener species. For most damage treatments, root biomass and the number of crown buds and stems increased over time, whereas aboveground biomass and viable seeds per plant generally did not change. Substantial overlap in plant size and seed production occurred among damage treatments and species. The most severe defoliation treatment did not substantially limit growth and reproduction compared with undamaged plants. While two clippings per season sometimes prevented seed production, four clippings per season was the only type of damage that consistently prevented plant growth and eliminated seed production. Pale and black swallowwort display a high tolerance to aboveground tissue loss in high-light environments without plant competition. The annual increase in plant size calls into question the potential efficacy of a defoliating insect against field populations of swallowworts, and it seems likely the only benefits of a long-term mowing regime will be to eliminate seed production.
Integrating sustainable development into structural design teaching
Authors: Arya Chanakya , Vassie Perry
Published: December 2015

This paper describes a suite of exercises that have been devised to help civil and structural engineering students develop a deeper understanding of the relevance of sustainable development to structural design. The exercises are based on a new tool called System for Appraising the Sustainability of Structures, which was designed to appraise the sustainability of bridge structures. Specifically, the exercises compare the sustainability of three alternative bridge designs for a motorway crossing, highlighting relevant performance indicators including climate change, resource use, noise, dust, vibration, aesthetics, cost of construction, cost of maintenance and traffic delay costs, together with methods for their evaluation both individually and in combination. The exercises primarily show that the choice of construction material and structural form can have a significant effect on the economy, society and environment and demonstrate the interconnectedness of the three themes.
Governança Corporativa e Beta de Empresas Listadas na BM&FBOVESPA
Authors: Cazzari Roberto Bomgiovani , Fávero Luiz Paulo Lopes , Takamatsu Renata Turola
Published: December 2015

Este artigo busca estudar a relação entre o nível de governança corporativa e os betas das empresas. Se todos os investidores forem racionais, tal como prevê as premissas do modelo de precificação de ativos - CAPM, esses já estão trabalhando com carteiras de mínima variância, conforme demonstrou Markowitz (1952). Logo, o único risco a que todos estariam submetidos seria o sistêmico. Nessa visão, um risco idiossincrático, como o risco de má governança, já deveria ter sido diversificado na etapa anterior e não deveria estar diretamente relacionado ao beta de uma dada empresa, que inclui o risco da empresa ligado a aspectos sistêmicos. Porém Parigi, Pelizzon e von Thadden (2013) propuseram um modelo que incorporasse a governança corporativa ao CAPM. Diferentemente do visto pela clássica teoria do CAPM, referidos autores desenvolveram um modelo que prediz que a qualidade da governança das empresas se correlaciona positivamente com o beta e a volatilidade idiossincrática, porém negativamente com o retorno nos ativos. Para testar qual teoria possui melhor poder explicativo para o cenário brasileiro, testou-se a hipótese de independência entre o beta e a qualidade da governança corporativa de empresas listadas na BM&FBOVESPA. Os achados não mostraram que a qualidade da governança das empresas se relaciona positivamente com o beta, mas que são independentes. Isso parece ser um forte indício de que o beta, em cenário brasileiro, não reflete um risco idiossincrático como o risco de má governança, mas o risco sistêmico, o que o relaciona melhor à clássica teoria do CAPM.
Uma Discussão sobre o Tratamento Contábil das Compensações Financeiras Decorrentes da Exploração de Petróleo e Gás Natural no Setor Público Brasileiro
Authors: Brito Geverson Dourado , Lima Diana Vaz de
Published: December 2015

O presente estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma discussão sobre o tratamento contábil das compensações financeiras decorrentes da exploração de petróleo e gás natural no âmbito do Setor Público brasileiro, de modo a refletir sua essência e impacto no patrimônio dos entes federados e não meramente a cumprir os aspectos legais e formais. Para tratar a questão de pesquisa, foi efetuado estudo de caso em um Município de pequeno porte localizado no Estado do Espírito Santo, a partir de dados extraídos dos balanços contábeis relativos aos exercícios de 2011, 2012 e 2013 disponibilizados pela Prefeitura. Os achados do estudo mostram que atualmente vem sendo mantido processo apto de registro para sustentar o disposto legal do regime da receita orçamentária. Os lançamentos contábeis são efetuados no momento do ingresso dos recursos, mas o mesmo não acontece do ponto de vista patrimonial, uma vez que não se verifica o registro contábil das compensações financeiras no momento da ocorrência do fato gerador. Uma proposta de tratamento contábil é então apresentada, recomendando que um ativo seja reconhecido sob a forma de direito a receber no mês de produção do petróleo ou gás natural.
Internet as a resource for solving the problems of adolescence: a review of psychological research
Authors: Zhilinskaya A.V.
Published: December 2015

We analyzed psychological research that consider the Internet as a resource for solving the problems of adolescence. Based on the understanding of self-consciousness as a central adolescence new formation, we formulated a set of tasks of adolescence. It is shown that for the successful solution of age problems by teenagers on the Internet, specialized environments should be designed. Internet as a medium of teenagers’ socialization is characterized by a high degree of variety and uncontrollability. Behavior of adolescents on the Internet depends on the social and cultural context in which they live. The emergence of the Internet makes new demands on media competence of the teenager and his environment. Adolescents face online with a variety of risks. An essential resource for successful adolescent development is the presence of a person whom he trusts, with whom he can consult in difficult situations. The research plan involves the creation of Internet resources, contributing to the solution of teenagers’ problems age, as well as the mapping of the Internet in terms of its developmental potential.
Restorative culture in school. Continuation of discussion
Authors: Pentin A.A.
Published: December 2015

The article deals with the lack of effective ways of building relationships, parenting responsibility and conflict solving in the school community. It is addressed to the whole school community – to the administration, psychologists and social workers, to the faculty, parents and students. We discuss the key concepts and principles of “restorative culture” and the reasons for its introduction in educational institutions. The restorative culture refers to activities on formation and spread of interpersonal relations value in the aspect of its understanding, trust, acceptance of active responsibility, separation of problems and subjects, and focus on the successful experience. We briefly discuss the theory of restorative justice and narrative practice. Particular attention is paid to the typical methods of school response to conflicts, and to zero-tolerance policy. We propose that the school community needs a number of specific technologies that would optimally suit for different types of situations and would constitute a part of the system.
Sociocultural determinants of subculture orientation in adolescents
Authors: Litvinova A.V.
Published: December 2015

We analyze the results of the study of the influence of sociocultural determinants on the formation of youth subcultures. An introduction to the subculture is understood as one of the stages of individualization and formation of the young person as a member of society. In the described study, we tested the assumption that the orientation of adolescents on a subculture or the dominant culture is due to different sociocultural determinants (society, small group and personality). The participants were 304 high schools students, average age 15.2 years. With the use of a number of diagnostic techniques and factor analysis, we revealed the sociocultural determinants of adolescents’ orientation on the dominant culture or gamers subculture. Experts attention is drawn to the consideration of the specific of identified sociocultural determinants that will boost the effectiveness of the preventive and remedial work programs aimed at developing in teenagers the means of constructive intercultural interaction, focused on different levels of the organization culture.
Teenager as the subject of self-determination: the resources and risks
Authors: Ichenko N.A.
Published: December 2015

We present research data reflecting the problem of resources and risks of adolescent as a subject of self-determination. We show the main features of the personality of a modern teenager. We provide a detailed description of factors that determine the content and direction of socialization at this age. We reveal the determination of conflicts in adolescence. We examine the role of teenager and virtual environment interaction in the formation of self-presentation of a developing subject. We analyze the empirical results of studying features of value orientations and self-esteem of the modern teenagers. We describe the specific effect of self-esteem type and content of value orientations on choosing ways of self-determination at this stage of development of the subject. We reveal the basic vectors of social activity as a factor of self-determination in adolescence. We present a model of psychological support program of adolescent's personality development, which includes the following components: motivational, axiological, informative, instrumental, reflexive, projective.
Psychological features of aggression in adolescence
Authors: Kuznetsova S.O. , Abramova A.
Published: December 2015

We present the results of empirical study of the psychological characteristics of aggression and frustration response in adolescents with different types of socialization. We describe the qualitative and quantitative aspects of aggression in adolescence. We show the nature of the relationship of a aggressiveness features with type of socialization in adolescents. The described study involved 125 male adolescents aged 13-14 years, enrolled in the VIII grade (56 cadets and 69 students). We used methods of testing, survey, subjective scaling. In cadets, we found elevated rates of aggression and hostility, the prevalence of physical aggression, high scores on Irritation, Verbal aggression and Suspicion, as well as the prevalence in situations of frustration of extrapunitive reactions with “fixation on self-defense”. In the group of students of secondary school, the levels of aggression and hostility an on upper limit of test norms, impunitive reactions, indirect aggression, guilt, constructive reaction with “fixation on meeting needs” prevail.
An introduction to the scientific problem of the “mind wandering” phenomenon
Authors: Ivanov M.V. , Bagrationi K.A.
Published: December 2015

The problem of the “wandering mind” phenomenon is considered in an interdisciplinary perspective. We provide evidence that the “wandering mind” is the cause of attention errors when performing cognitive tasks, both in laboratory conditions and in professional and daily activities. We show the role of “wandering mind” in the modeling of personal psychological future. According D. Kahneman’s conceptual views on the thinking nature, the “wandering mind” is a prerequisite of appearance of creative ways to solve ambiguous problems (“creative insight”) in the process of thinking. Based on the B.F. Lomov’s methodological conception, we reveal the need for considering the problem of “wandering mind” along with socio-psychological characteristics of a group (such as, for example, incorporativity), which includes subjects that are in the described condition.
A study of danger perception in adolescents in normal and endogenous mental pathology
Authors: Veschikova M.I. , Zvereva N.V.
Published: December 2015

We describe a pilot study of perception of the environment danger (the content and the degree of threat) in health adolescents and mental pathology. We provide a complex of diagnostic techniques for the assessment of categorization of ambiguous safe/unsafe situations, ways to respond to threats and aggression, developed by the authors. The complex includes two parts: 1) a study of aggression (Wagner Hand test, Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration study), 2) danger perception of different origin study (modified Drawn Apperception Test, incomplete sentences (authors set), danger assessment based on photos). The study involved adolescents aged 13-17 years. The experimental group consisted: 22 patients (13 boys) of Mental Health Research Center and Scientific and Practical Center for Children and Adolescents Mental health with diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, and personality disorder. The control group: 24 pupils of general academic school (13 boys) in Moscow. The study identified structure of subjective danger in adolescents, key dangers, differences in the perception of danger in adolescents in health and disease.