bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of glucocorticoid therapy on adrenal function in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Widyapuri Gita , Gatot Djajadiman , Pulungan Aman Bakti , Hegar Badriul
Published: August 2016

BackgroundGlucocorticoids play an important role in thetreatment ofacute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but can causeside effects such as suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis. Suppression of the HPA axis causes adrenal insufficiency, disturbs the cortisol response to stress, and may be a cause of morbidity and mortality in children with ALL.ObjectiveTo evaluate adrenal function in children with ALL afterinduction chemotherapy with high dose glucocorticoids.MethodsThe adrenal function of 20 children with ALL wasevaluated using a standard dose (250 μ g) adrenocorticotropinhormone (ACTH) test performed before and after a 6 week oftreatment with glucocorticoids induction phase chemotherapy,which was followed by a week period tapering off. Adrenalinsuffien cy was defined as blood cortisol level of < 18 μg/dLResultsAdrenal insufficiency was found in 14/20 subjects afterthe induction phase followed by a week period of tapering off.Median cortisol levels pre- and post-stimulation before inductionphase were 14.72 (range 2.0 1- 46. 1) μg/dL and 29.29 (range 21.65 - 55 .15) μg/dL, respectively. Median cortisol levels pre- and poststimulation after induction phase were 5.87 (range 0.2 - 20.53)μg/dL and 10.49 (range 0.33 - 28.69) μg/dL, respectively. Clinicalsigns and symptoms did not differ between those with and withoutadrenal insufficiency.ConclusionOf 20 children with ALL, 14 develop adrenalinsufficiency after a 6-week induction therapy with glucocorticoidsand followed by a week period of tapering off. No specific clinicalsigns and symptoms are identified to be related to the adrenalinsufficiency.
Exposure to cow’s milk as a prognostic factor for atopic dermatitis during the first three months of life
Authors: Widyanti Putu Ayu , Wati Ketut Dewi Kumara , Prawirohartono Endy P.
Published: August 2016

Background The incidence of atopic dermatitis has increased inthe early life of children. Cow's milk, the first foreign protein towhich infants are exposed, is predicted to be a prognostic factorof atopic dermatitis.Objective To determine if exposure to cow's milk is a prognosticfactor for atopic dermatitis during the first three months oflife.Methods We performed a cohort study involving 136 newbornsfrom families with and without histories of atopy in SanglahHospital, Denpasar, between April to August 20 12. Subjects wereallocated into 2 groups, those who were exposed to cow's milk(n=68) and not exposed to cow's milk (n=68). We analyzedthe impact of several possible prognostic variables on atopicdermatitis at 3 months of age including exposure to cow's milk,birth weight, sex, gestational age, exposure to cigarette smoke,early solid feeding, and history of atopy in the mother, the father,or both, as well as maternal consumption of chicken eggs whennursing. Data were analyzed with Cox's proportional hazardfunction. The cumulative incidence and incidence rate in eachgroup were calculated.Results Exposure to cow's milk in the first 3 months of liferesulted in a cumulative incidence of atopic dermatitis of 17 .6%,with an incidence rate of atopic dermatitis of 54.5%. However,multivariate analysis showed that cow's milk exposure was nota significant prognostic factor for atopic dermatitis (HR 1.3 7;95%CI 0.22 to 8.43).Conclusion Cow's milk exposure is not a prognostic factor ofatopic dermatitis during the first three months of life
Nutritional status and physical activity of childhood leukemia survivors
Authors: Tanjung Conny , Lukito Johannes Bondan , Meylani Prima Dyarti
Published: August 2016

Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the mostcommon malignancy of childhood, has an overall cure rate ofapproximately 80%. Long-term survivors of childhood ALL areat increased risk for obesity and physical inactivity that may leadto the development of diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome,as well as cardiovascular dis eases, and related mortality in theyears following treatment.Objective To evaluate the physical activity and the propensityfor developing obesity longer term in ALL survivors.Methods This retrospective cohort study included all ALLsurvivors from Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) Hospital. We assessedtheir physical activity and nutritional status at the first time ofALL diagnosis an d at the time of interview.Results Subjects were 15 ALL survivors aged 7 to 24 years. Themedian fo llow up time was 6.4 years (range 3 to 10 years). Only2 out of 15 survivors were overweight and n one were obese.All survivors led a sedentary lifestyle. Most female subjectshad increased BMI, though most were not overweight/obese.Steroid therapy in the induction phase did not increase the riskof developing obesity in ALL survivors.Conclusion Lon g-term survivors of childh ood ALL do not meetphysical activity recommendations according to the CDC (Centersfor Disease Control). Howevei; steroid therapy do not seem tolead to overweight/obesity in ALL survivors.
You-Will-Kill-Me-Beans: Taste and the Politics of Necessity in Humanitarian Aid
Authors: Trapp Micah M.
Published: August 2016

Despite their nuanced palates and cooking skills, as guests at the humanitarian table, Liberians living at the Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana were expected and assumed to adapt to the “tastes of necessity.” In the refugee camp, the sensory experiences and pleasures of the taste of liberty—or “luxury”—existed, if at all, as an indicator that one was no longer in need of aid. In this article, I consider how innovations in cooking and taste shape humanitarian politics and argue that Liberian refugees subverted the biopolitics of necessity through biographies of taste. Through their sensuous encounters and critical responses to the taste of necessity, humanitarian subjects are able to produce biographies of food aid and a public accounting of the historic and contemporary conditions of humanitarianism. By prioritizing the taste of refugee food, camp residents have challenged the reason of humanitarian reason by expanding the sensibility of food aid and repositioning recipients as essential figures in humanitarian aid.
Activity Limitations in Brazilian Institutionalized Older Adults
Authors: Jerez-Roig Javier , de Medeiros Jéssica Fernandes , do Nascimento Moreira Fidélis Kalyne , de Lima Filho Bartolomeu Fagundes , de Oliveira Nayara Priscila Dantas , Paes de Andrade Fabienne Louise Juvêncio , de Brito Macedo Ferreira Lidiane Maria , Leandro Bezerra Souza Dyego , Costa Lima Kenio
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose:

Although functional assessments and programs to prevent activity limitations are fundamental for efficient geriatric evaluations and interventions, these procedures have not been satisfactorily explored at nursing homes in Brazil. Literature is scarce on the evaluation of disability in Brazilian institutionalized older people.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 nursing homes in the city of Natal (Northeast Brazil). Sociodemographic and health data were collected and activity limitations were assessed by the Katz Index.

Results and Discussion:

The prevalence of activity limitations was 72.9% (95% confidence interval: 67.8-77.5) and the most affected activity was “bathing” (71.6%), followed by “dressing” (65.4%) and “toileting” (62.0%). The final model revealed associations with private (for-profit) institutions (odds ratio [OR] = 3.33; P < .001), age ≥ 83 years (OR = 2.34; P = .003), institutionalization due to lack of caregiver (OR = 1.80; P = .033), and presence of osteoporosis (OR = 2.94; P = .045), adjusted by sex.

Conclusions:

Activity limitations affected almost 73% of institutionalized older people in this sample and were associated with private nursing homes, age, osteoporosis, and institutionalization due to lack of caregiver. Activity limitations exact high socioeconomic impacts and affect the quality of life of older people. The results obtained herein emphasized the importance of planning strategies for their prevention and treatment, directed to reduce the prevalence of this health issue.
Complex Locomotion Behavior Changes Are Induced in Caenorhabditis elegans by the Lack of the Regulatory Leak K+ Channel TWK-7
Authors: Lüersen Kai , Gottschling Dieter-Christian , Döring Frank
Published: August 2016

The change of locomotion activity in response to external cues is a considerable achievement of animals and is required for escape responses, foraging, and other complex behaviors. Little is known about the molecular regulators of such an adaptive locomotion. The conserved eukaryotic two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels have been recognized as regulatory K+ channels that modify the membrane potential of cells, thereby affecting, e.g., rhythmic muscle activity. By using the Caenorhabditis elegans system combined with cell-type-specific approaches and locomotion in-depth analyses, here, we found that the loss of K2P channel TWK-7 increases the locomotor activity of worms during swimming and crawling in a coordinated mode. Moreover, loss of TWK-7 function results in a hyperactive state that (although less pronounced) resembles the fast, persistent, and directed forward locomotion behavior of stimulated C. elegans. TWK-7 is expressed in several head neurons as well as in cholinergic excitatory and GABAergic inhibitory motor neurons. Remarkably, the abundance of TWK-7 in excitatory B-type and inhibitory D-type motor neurons affected five central aspects of adaptive locomotion behavior: velocity/frequency, wavelength/amplitude, direction, duration, and straightness. Hence, we suggest that TWK-7 activity might represent a means to modulate a complex locomotion behavior at the level of certain types of motor neurons.
Repeated Duplication of Argonaute2 Is Associated with Strong Selection and Testis Specialization in Drosophila
Authors: Lewis Samuel H , Webster Claire L , Salmela Heli , Obbard Darren J
Published: August 2016

Argonaute2 (Ago2) is a rapidly evolving nuclease in the Drosophila melanogaster RNA interference (RNAi) pathway that targets viruses and transposable elements in somatic tissues. Here we reconstruct the history of Ago2 duplications across the D. obscura group and use patterns of gene expression to infer new functional specialization. We show that some duplications are old, shared by the entire species group, and that losses may be common, including previously undetected losses in the lineage leading to D. pseudoobscura. We find that while the original (syntenic) gene copy has generally retained the ancestral ubiquitous expression pattern, most of the novel Ago2 paralogs have independently specialized to testis-specific expression. Using population genetic analyses, we show that most testis-specific paralogs have significantly lower genetic diversity than the genome-wide average. This suggests recent positive selection in three different species, and model-based analyses provide strong evidence of recent hard selective sweeps in or near four of the six D. pseudoobscura Ago2 paralogs. We speculate that the repeated evolution of testis specificity in obscura group Ago2 genes, combined with their dynamic turnover and strong signatures of adaptive evolution, may be associated with highly derived roles in the suppression of transposable elements or meiotic drive. Our study highlights the lability of RNAi pathways, even within well-studied groups such as Drosophila, and suggests that strong selection may act quickly after duplication in RNAi pathways, potentially giving rise to new and unknown RNAi functions in nonmodel species.
Neuroimmunological Responses to Social Isolation
Authors: Ramirez DDS, MSc, PhD Karol
Published: August 2016

Objective social isolation and perceived social isolation are psychosocial stressors that may impair the normal functioning of the neuroimmune system. Chronic activation of the neuro-immuno-endocrine communication and the consequent loss of homeostasis may lead to the appearance of pathologies and associated mood disorders. For example, alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system dynamics may account for the observed predisposition to inflammatory diseases following chronic social stress. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the underlying mechanisms in social isolation in order to prevent its deleterious effects on health. The objective of this New Perspective article is to supplement the understanding of the neuroimmunological responses to social isolation and provide a basis for future research in this topic.
From MTA to New Biomaterials Based on Calcium Silicate
Authors: Tanomaru DDS, MSD, PhD Mario , Viapiana DDS, MSD, PhD Raqueli , Guerreiro DDS, MSD, PhD Juliane
Published: August 2016

One of the most revolutionary materials introduced in Endodontics was the Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). The investigations regarding MTA formulation allowed researchers to disclose the composition and also some clinical problems related to the clinical application of this material. The augmentation on MTA’s studies resulted in the development a new generation of Endodontic materials, the calcium silicate-based cements. Thus, a brief description of new cements and the perspectives on calcium silicate-based materials development were presented in this communication.
Use of Dental Volumetric Tomography for Dental Phenotyping In Amelogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Murillo DDS, MSc Gina , Cob DDS Carla , Mena DDS Natalia , Valverde DDS Angie , Barrantes DDS Belén , Berrocal DDS, OMR Ana , Silva MQC, MSc Sandra
Published: August 2016

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) describes often severe, largely Mendelian biomineralisation defects of tooth enamel. AI enamel can be abnormally thin, soft, fragile, pitted and/or badly discoloured, resulting in major morbidity as patients have difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, experience  low self-esteem due to poor aesthetics and report an inferior quality-of-life. Improved understanding of biomineralisation defects in AI would assist in clinical management of AI patients. Dental Volumetric Tomography (DVT, commonly known as Cone Beam CT scanning) is a diagnostic X ray based methodology that produces  three -dimensional anatomical images of the skeletal tissues (including the teeth).  The aim of this study was to investigate the use of DVT to provide detailed dental anatomy associated with AI.  A Morita Veraviewpocs 3D R 100 was used to generate high definition 3D digital images of the maxillae of eight AI-affected volunteers (ethics approval N 440–B2-334 U.C.R.).  Pulpal calcifications of varying size, Dens in Vaginitus, dental cysts, root fractures, retained teeth and anomalies in the position of the mandibular canal were all common findings. The data also revealed enamel surface irregularities in an unerupted tooth.  In conclusion, use of DVT in AI would facilitate phenotyping by providing identification of dental/oral defects with greater accuracy and definition compared with conventional panoramic radiographs. The data could also be used to aid diagnostics, e.g. by permitting discrimination between hypoplastic enamel (diminished enamel volume) and hypomineralized enamel (failure of normal biomineralization). However, given the high costs associated with DVT and the radiation risks for individual patients, it is best indicated as a research tool for academic and clinical research proposes.
VISCOSITY OF TERNARY SOLUTIONS COMPOSED OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL, ETHANOL AND WATER
Authors: Khliyeva O. Ya. , Nikulina A. S. , Polyuganich M. P. , Ryabikin S. S. , Zhelezny V. P.
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the experimental data on the kinematic viscosity of water / ethanol / propylene glycol solutions that are prospective as coolants. An experimental setup with capillary viscometers was used to measure the kinematic viscosity of samples in the temperature range from 243K to 303K and in the wide range of mass fractions of components. Experimental uncertainty of the obtained experimental data does not exceed 0.4 %. Solutions compositions were chosen according to needs of the refrigeration industry in order to provide a possibility of their application at temperatures 233 K and higher. The new model for prediction of the kinematic viscosity of coolants within wide interval of reduced temperatures 0.1 ≤   ≤ 0.6 (  is the pseudocritical temperature) based on the limited experimental data both for pure substances and aqueous solutions of mono- and polyalcohols is presented in paper.
Assessment of the Intrinsic CanMEDS Roles in Diagnostic Radiology Residents using an Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCE)
Authors: Probyn Linda , Lang Catherine , Finlay Karen , Herold Jodi , Bartlett Eric , Glover Takahashi Susan
Published: August 2016

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Purpose: Non-Medical Expert or Intrinsic CanMEDS Roles, as outlined by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, can be difficult to evaluate in an objective and specialty-specific manner. This study investigates an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) evaluation tool to assess these competencies for Diagnostic Radiology Residents. Methods: A five station CanMEDS OSCE was developed for postgraduate year 3 and 4 Residents to evaluate the Communicator, Collaborator, Manager, Health Advocate, Scholar and Professional Roles. Performance was assessed by postgraduate year 5 Residents using standardized scoring rubrics. CanMEDS OSCE scores were correlated with American College of Radiology (ACR) scores and Medical Expert OSCEs. Results: Seventy Residents in three separate cohorts (n=21, 26, 23) participated in the CanMEDS OSCE. Mean station scores were consistent across cohorts. In general, one-way ANOVAs showed no effect of postgraduate year on station scores. There were no significant correlations between CanMEDS OSCE scores and ACR exam scores or CanMEDS OSCE scores and Medical Expert OSCE scores, demonstrating divergent construct validity. In turn, this indicates construct validity for the CanMEDS OSCE by demonstrating that unique competencies are being measured. In contrast, there was a correlation between ACR exam scores and Medical Expert OSCE scores, confirming that these both assess the same construct. Conclusions: An OSCE can be a useful assessment tool to assess Intrinsic CanMEDS Roles in a specialty-specific manner. Correlational analyses indicate that unique competencies are being evaluated that are not captured by other traditional assessment means.
On Relationship between Factors and the Use of Reading Strategies
Authors: Yang Xiaoling
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the course of study, including three research questions; subjects; instrument and procedure, by which analyzes the relationship between factors such as age, sex, motivation. The older and the younger should be differentiating strategy instruction. Boy students are more likely to translate into Chinese to but girl students prefer to analyze the grammatical structures. Motivation does have important influence on students’ use of reading strategies.
Foreign Language Anxiety and Learner Beliefs in Second Language Learning: A Research Timeline
Authors: Gopang Illahi Bux , Bughio Faraz Ali , Memon Shumaila Aijaz , Faiz Jalal
Published: August 2016

Research in second language learning has significantly demonstrated that foreign language anxiety and learner beliefs have been the main domain of inquiry in applied linguistics. Such interest has seen upsurge in studies on L2 anxiety and learner beliefs. This study tends to review language anxiety and learner beliefs in language learning. The review shows moderate and high levels of language anxiety in studies including negative correlation between anxiety and achievement. In addition, it also reveals that learner beliefs have played a role in increasing language anxiety. Moreover, research studies on FLA (foreign language anxiety) and LB (learner beliefs) describe a whole scenario of the exiting literature. The study also critiques some pedagogical strategies suggested in research and how far these are applicable in decreasing language anxiety and avoiding incorrect beliefs about language learning. Further, the research review suggests that different approaches are used to quantify language anxiety and to describe beliefs in language learning. Since, the prime purpose of the study is to review the approaches and their validity and reliability in describing language anxiety and beliefs. The study synthesizes foreign language anxiety and learner beliefs studies and offers some recommendations in order to complement and supplement the existing literature.
Suçların Aydınlatılmasında CSI Etkisi
Authors: Yakupoğlu Aylin , Çalıcı Can , Ziyalar Neylan
Published: August 2016

Objective: This research is aimed to evaluate the impact of CSI series on Criminal Justice Professional’s attitudes and behaviour and how these programs effecting public. From this point of view criminal justice professionals are expected to respond questions about, how this kind of dramas and programs guided potential criminals, reflected the practice of forensic science and directed the public expectation regarding performing their professions.Material and Methods: A survey has been conducted to 266 participants, who are working as crime scene investigation specialists, criminal courts judges, public prosecutors, lawyers, law enforcement personnel and forensic specialists, to reveal their perceptions. Gained data has been analyzed statistically by using SPSS (Version 20.0).Findings: According to some results of the research; 1 out of every 2 participants are following CSI series. only 3 out of every 10 participants expressed that these kind of series have positive effects on their professional practices, more than half of the participants agreed that crime dramas are effecting criminal behaviour and creating trained perpetrators. Also 1 out of every 2 participants believe that the perpetrators are attentive to leave fewer evidence because of these programs.Results: CSI series are not reflecting forensic techniques and methods as what it’s supposed to be in real life. Due to the raise of public interest in forensic sciences because of these dramas people changed their expectation about criminal justice mechanism which can be cause misperceptions on citizens who face with investigation and prosecution processes for the first timeKeywords: CSI Effect; Crime Scene Investigation; Forensic Techniques and Methods
Survey of Forensically Important Calliphoridae in Samsun
Authors: Kökdener Meltem , Polat Erdal
Published: August 2016

Objective: This study was conducted from June 2009 to 2010 in north of Turkey, province Samsun. The objective was to determine forensically important Calliphoridae (Diptera) species and their seasonal distribution on dog carrcass during one year, this studies were carried out in a three different area of Samsun.Material and Methods: Three dogs carcass (Canis lupus familiaris L.), weighing approximately 15-20 kg each, were used as models for studying decomposition and insect succession in each experiments. Ambient daily temperature (maximum and minimum), relative humidity (RH) were recorded and existing keys were used for identification of different species.Results: Lucillia sericata (Meigen), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus) and Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) species were encountered. It was shown that the seasonal distribution of the collected species was different from each other. Chrysomya albiceps was observed in summer, auntumn and spring. In the spring and winter, the dominant fly species were Calliphora vicina. The rate of carcass's decomposition was faster in summer and autumn as compared to spring and winter. Results indicated that ambient temperature is the chief factor determining the seasonal variations in decay rate.Conclusion: This report also identified some of the Calliphoridae that occur in north of Turkey. The importance of regional faunistic studies of the calliphoridous community, the results of which may be applied to forensic practice in the future.Keywords: Forensic entomology, insect succession, corpse, postmortem interval, decomposition.
Adana’da Suça Sürüklenen Çocukların Sosyodemografik Özellikleri
Authors: Fırat Sunay , İltaş Yiğit , Gülmen Mete Korkut
Published: August 2016

Introduction: There are a variety of risk factors which push children to delinquency. Personal and familial difficulties experienced by the children during the adolescence period, negative effects of intensive and uncontrolled migrations on the children and their families, inappropriate peer relationships of children, low socio-economic status of children and their families and their illiteracy, usage of alcohol and/or drugs by the children are some of these factors. In this study, socio-demographic date of children pushed to delinquency, their family traits, types of their crimes, age of committing crimes and the fact that whether they commit crime alone or with the participation of more than one person, their migration status for their vicinities have been put forward statistically.Materials and Methods :Data belonging to children between 0 and 18 ages who have come or have been made to come to 1, 2, 3 Numbered Juvenile Courts of Adana Court House as of January 2004 with the claim of their committing crime and data (information in court decisions and Social Study Report (SSR) that are demanded by court decision) about children who have been sent/have applied to Provincial Directorate for National Education because of injunctions by court decision have been evaluated retrospectively.Results: Out of 258 children in our study, 225 was male (87.2%) and 33 (12.8%) was female; average age of these children pushed to delinquency was 13 years 4 months ±2.20 (min: 5 years 8 months, max:17 years 9 months). 45% of children have committed crime against property; 23.3% against people; 3% committed terror crime. 27.5% of children have been put under protection due to their working in the streets. It is found that there is a meaningful relationship between crime types of children pushed to crime and migration status of the families of the children (p=0.028).Discussion: Socio-demographic features which may affect delinquency directly or indirectly according to us have been aimed to be shown in our study. Protective and supportive precautions can be taken for children pushed to delinquency within the scope of child protection law in our country. Reasons of delinquency, prevention ways and studies to reintroduce these children to the society are primary issues for all societies. As a consequence, stating the risk factors belonging to family, school, society and the child for the prevention of delinquency and finding solutions for these facts are needed.Keywords: juvenile delinquency; risk factors; epidemiology; socio-demographic characteristics
UM PANORAMA DA FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA DE PROFESSORES DE BIOLOGIA E CIÊNCIAS ATRAVÉS DA EAD NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: Salvador Daniel Fábio , Crapez Mirian A, Carlos , Rolando Roberta Flávia Ribeiro , Rolando Luiz Gustavo Ribeiro , Magarão Jorge Felippe Leal
Published: August 2016

O objetivo do artigo é apresentar o perfil dos professores que buscam por formação continuada a distância na área de Biologia da Fundação CECIERJ e a evolução dos níveis de participação deles durante o desenvolvimento dos cursos entre os anos de 2006 a 2009. Nesse período os ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem sofreram constantes inovações pedagógicas e a implementação de novas ferramentas de interação, o que refletiu positivamente na participação dos cursistas. A análise do perfil dos cursistas foi realizada a partir do mapeamento dos dados cadastrais dos inscritos nos cursos de formação continuada na área de Biologia em 2008 e 2009. Neste período, foram oferecidos oito cursos para 18 turmas, havendo um total de 6.993 pedidos de inscrição. As inscrições eram de licenciados na área Ciências da Vida em 73% dos pedidos. A maior parte dos professores que solicitaram inscrição (48%) declarou não lecionar, com 35% declarando trabalhar em escolas públicas de Ensino Fundamental e Médio. É importante assinalar que os licenciandos já ocupam 10% da demanda, provavelmente preocupados com a inserção no mercado de trabalho através de concursos públicos. Além desses, professores com formação na área de Humanas e os que ministram aulas em escolas particulares também têm buscado a formação continuada através da EAD. Para avaliação dos níveis de participação, foi usado o banco de dados do sistema acadêmico entre os anos de 2006 a 2009, sendo os cursistas separados em diferentes grupos: observadores, participantes, concluintes e aprovados. Houve aumento da procura por cursos de formação continuada em Biologia e Ciências, bem como maior índice de participação efetiva dos cursistas do ano de 2006 para 2009, como a maior evolução do ano de 2008 para 2009. Entre 2008 e 2009, houve aumento significativo dos alunos participantes, concluintes e aprovados, com queda de 14,1% da taxa de evasão. Conclui-se que as novas práticas pedagógicas e ferramentas tecnológicas utilizadas têm sido de grande ajuda para os professores-cursistas na construção de novos conhecimentos e o desenvolvimento de potencialidades de aprendizagem para a promoção do crescimento profissional da docência na área de Biologia e Ciências no estado do Rio de Janeiro.
DESENHO DE EXPERIÊNCIAS COLABORATIVAS PARA A EDUCAÇÃO A DISTÂNCIA
Authors: Correia Ana Paula
Published: August 2016

Este artigo apresenta um estudo de caso contextualizado no Programa de Pós-graduação a Distância em Curriculum e Instructional Technology da Iowa State University EUA. Este programa foi criado para servir professores do K-12 (pré-primária até à décima-segunda série) que, sem ele não teriam a oportunidade de completar uma pós-graduação em Educação. O modelo de aprendizagem experiencial de David Kolb é usado para estruturar as atividades de aprendizagem colaborativa e usado como quadro de referência para o desenvolvimento de um dos cursos a distância em Desenho Educacional. Este curso é discutido em detalhe no que respeita à comunidade de aprendizagem formada, abordagens de ensino utilizadas e projetos desenvolvidos com a finalidade de resolver problemas educacionais reais. Exemplos desses projetos realizados por equipes virtuais são fornecidos ao mesmo tempo que a sua pertinência em termos práticos é explicada. De igual forma, a avaliação dos alunos e do curso é discutida. Este artigo termina com sugestões para o desenvolvimento de cursos a distância que usem um quadro de referência idêntico como forma de contribuir para uma reflexão que potencie um uso mais alargado de aprendizagem experiencial e colaborativa na Educação a Distância.
OS DESAFIOS ENTRE O ENSINO PRESENCIAL E O ENSINO A DISTÂNCIA: UMA QUESTÃO DE CULTURA DIGITAL E DE FORMAÇÃO DO EDUCADOR
Authors: Farias Francisco Ramos de , Dias Mário José
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo tem como finalidade refletir sobre a cultura digital como um elemento significativo na implementação de cursos a distância e os desafios frente à estrutura de uma educação formal. O mundo digital é uma realidade, e por isso mesmo impulsiona o surgimento de um repensar sobre a cultura e, consequentemente, sobre a sociedade. Ele está aí presente no cotidiano das relações. Da simples compra que se faz à consulta de um saldo bancário, a tecnologia diz presente?. E na educação, em que carteira escolar pode a tecnologia se sentar? O artigo reafirma a importância do professor como animador e estimulador da aprendizagem, recurso importante à implantação de uma cultura digital.
Editorial
Authors: Moreno Esteban Lopez
Published: August 2016

Motivada pelo crescente interesse na Educação a Distância no Brasil e no mundo, a revista EaD em Foco tem como principal objetivo difundir a produção acadêmica de pesquisadores da área de Educação a Distância, já se constituindo como um dos principais canais de divulgação desse tema em língua portuguesa. No que se refere a esta temática, não restam dúvidas sobre a importância de um veículo como a revista EaD Foco e o compromisso mantido pela Fundação CECIERJ por uma abordagem reflexiva e atual das pesquisas aplicadas ou teóricas na área de EaD. Nesta 2ª edição, constatamos um espectro relativamente amplo de interesses, que foram acolhidos com entusiasmos pelos autores, com rigor pelos avaliadores, deixando-nos confiantes de que esta nova edição vem a contribuir para a disseminação e a construção coletiva do conhecimento de qualidade sobre educação a distância no Brasil.
PREPARO TÉCNICO E PROFISSIONAL EM EAD PARA GESTÃO DE TRÂNSITO: UMA ANÁLISE A PARTIR DE PROGRAMAS APRESENTADOS NA INTERNET
Authors: Simões Fernanda Antonio , Simões Eliane Antonio , Peterossi Helena Gemignani
Published: August 2016

Uma das principais diretrizes para definição de conteúdo programático para cursos técnicos deve ser a formação do profissional em função de sua competência para atuação no mercado de trabalho. Em se tratando da gestão para o trânsito, tem-se carência de profissionais que possam atuar em pequenas e médias cidades brasileiras, com ênfase em estabelecer a mobilidade e a sustentabilidade em áreas urbanas. Para contribuir com essa tarefa, surgem cursos na modalidade a distância que têm suas características apresentadas nas páginas das instituições proponentes. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo relacionar o conteúdo programático de interesse para as funções da gestão de trânsito e analisar as propostas de cursos em Educação a Distância (EaD) ofertados no Brasil nessa área. A metodologia foi composta de pesquisa na internet, com coleta de informações sobre o programa, o perfil do aluno e os recursos didáticos utilizados. Os resultados apontaram que os cursos não apresentam conteúdo direcionado para as diversas possibilidades de atuação na área, constituindo-se em multidisciplinares sem foco profissional específico. A maioria dos cursos precisa ajustar o programa à competência profissional para gestão de trânsito, com melhor definição para o perfil do aluno e os recursos didáticos.
ESTUDO DE CASO DA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES NA LICENCIATURA EM QUÁMICA EAD DA UFRN: REFLEXOS DA FORMAÇÃO ALICERÇADA NA RACIONALIDADE TÉCNICA DOS TUTORES
Authors: Santos da Silva Fábio Adriano , Fireman Elton Casado
Published: August 2016

Pressupostos teóricos e documentos legais destacam que a formação de professores se alicerça no acúmulo de conhecimentos específicos e pedagógicos desvinculados entre si e das necessidades que atenderiam efetivamente à complexidade e desafios existentes nas salas de aula da Educação Básica, já que a formação se alicerça na racionalidade técnica. Defende-se, então, uma formação baseada na racionalidade prática, alicerçada na reflexão, onde se busca ultrapassar o simples acúmulo de conhecimentos a partir de um elo entre os conteúdos específicos, pedagógicos e a transposição didática dos diversos campos do conhecimento nas escolas de Educação Básica. À luz dessa proposta, pretende-se, com o presente trabalho, observar qual a posição da Licenciatura em Química à distância da UFRN, isto é, observar se o curso está voltado ao simples acúmulo de conhecimentos ou se já busca meios de se adaptar às propostas de formação reflexiva, onde tomamos como referência as aulas experimentais desenvolvidas de 2008 a 2010. Assim, esse levantamento foi feito a partir de dois pontos: 1: leitura e análise das aulas experimentais propostas pelos professores; 2 - acompanhamento das aulas experimentais orientadas pelo tutor de laboratório. Os resultados desse acompanhamento demonstram que a experimentação na Licenciatura em Química à distância da UFRN, e como conseqüência a formação que ela oferece, ainda está ligada à racionalidade técnica.
LEITURA E ESCRITA EM AMBIENTES VIRTUAIS DE APRENDIZAGEM: O PAPEL DA MEDIAÇÃO PEDAGÓGICA NESSE CONTEXTO
Authors: Rigo Rosa Maria , Vitória Maria Inês Côrte
Published: August 2016

Este artigo objetiva apresentar resultados parciais coletados no projeto de extensão denominado Comunidade Virtual Espiritualidade na Educação. A presente experiência foi realizada na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), na modalidade totalmente a distância, utilizando a Plataforma Moodle. O projeto foi organizado para acontecer em oito módulos, totalizando 64 horas. Foi oferecido a 115 professores dos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental de diversos estados e países de latino-americanos, cuja inscrição foi opcional, interessados no tema proposto. Trata-se de um estudo interpretativo, de abordagem qualitativa, em que foram analisados excertos acerca da mediação pedagógica e os resultados desta nas leituras e na produção da escrita. O instrumento de análise das escritas foi as postagens especificamente registradas no diário de bordo dos participantes. O diário é um documento em que o autor dialoga consigo mesmo, analisando percursos, revendo posicionamentos. Esse espaço tem como objetivo também permitir ao participante registrar suas impressões sobre qualquer assunto. Especificamente, neste trabalho, o objetivo foi obter um posicionamento particular do professor participante, compartilhado apenas com o professor e o tutor. Os pressupostos teóricos escolhidos para refletir partem dos autores Nóvoa (1992), Palloff e Pratt (2013) e Souza (2003), dentre outros, pela relação de aproximação com o objeto do estudo. Desse modo, a investigação assume a seguinte problemática: de que maneira a mediação pedagógica atua sobre os processos de leitura e escrita em contextos virtuais de aprendizagem e como ambos podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional dos professores participantes?  Palavras-chave: Mediação pedagógica. Leitura e escrita. Ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem.
FERRAMENTAS DA EDUCAÇÃO A DISTÂNCIA: A VISÃO DO TUTOR
Authors: Ferreira Rosemeire Spedine Lopes , De Almeida Michele Cristina Rodrigues , Zucon Luis Henrique , Tenório Thaís , Tenório André
Published: August 2016

A visão de um grupo de tutores sobre algumas das ferramentas da Educação a Distância foi investigada. Nove dos dez tutores de uma instituição privada de ensino superior do Estado de São Paulo responderam a questões sobre o ambiente virtual de aprendizagem, o fórum, a videoconferência, o bate-papo, o portfólio, o blog e o telefone. Segundo os pesquisados, a ação tutorial depende de um ambiente bem elaborado. O ambiente virtual de aprendizagem foi apontado como essencial à Educação a Distância, e o Moodle, citado como a plataforma mais conhecida. O bate papo foi considerado a forma preferida de comunicação entre tutor e aluno, sucedido por fórum, telefone e videoconferência. O blog e o portfólio figuraram como instrumentos pouco explorados. O primeiro era empregado por apenas um tutor, porque para os demais o ambiente virtual de aprendizagem torná-lo-ia desnecessário. O portfólio foi descrito como um recurso de uso esporádico. A Wikipédia e o GoogleDocs não eram aproveitados pelos tutores. Palavras-chave: Tutoria. Ferramentas da Educação a Distância. Ambiente virtual de aprendizagem.
TEORIAS, LEGISLAÇÃO, QUALIDADE E EXPECTATIVAS DO ALUNO: REFLEXÕES TEORICAS SOBRE EDUCAÇÃO A DISTÂNCIA.
Authors: Borges Valmir Sales , Brandão Susany Sales
Published: August 2016

As teorias educacionais, para a aplicação no dia a dia se faz preciso considerar aspectos individuais tais como: idade, grupo social, formação anterior, religião, valores, emoções e outras variáveis que possam influenciar no ensino aprendizagem. A educação à distância possui vantagens e desvantagens, pontos que podem se inverter a depender da necessidade, do grau de instrução, do empenho e do projeto pedagógico. O presente estudo teórico, tem como objetivo principal, traçar um panorama da Educação a Distância no Brasil, tendo como objetivos específicos: Conceituar teorias educacionais; Evidenciar a legislação vigente; Analisar as vantagens e as desvantagens; Discorrer sobre fundamentos básicos para a Gestão Acadêmica e Administrativa.O estudo evidenciou que o projeto pedagógico para EAD precisa ter foco principal na interatividade, apodera-se do Empirismo, para privilegiar a experiência e a percepção, do Behaviorismo, quando utilizada para pessoas com personalidades formadas e, portanto busca ampliar conhecimento técnico; noConstrutivismo, por ter fococentralnosujeitonaproduçãodosaber. Também naconcepçãointeracionista,a qual preconiza que oconhecimentoéconstruídopelo indivíduodurantetodaasuavida. Já percepção da qualidade na educação carece de observação e mensuração em diversos fatores. Tais avaliações possibilitam ao gestor manter o foco principal na satisfação do indivíduo enquanto aluno perpetuação da instituição. Quanto ao aluno, deve está disposto a ler, buscar conteúdos complementares, participar do grupo, saber usar computador e ter acesso à internet, e outras virtudes positivas, ou seja, assumir a responsabilidade de ser parte ativa da sua formação.Palavras-chaveEducação à distância. Vantagens e desvantagens. Gestão. Qualidade.
Análise biométrica de frutos e sementes de Bauhinia forficata L.
Authors: Dutra Fabrício Vieira , Cardoso Adriana Dias , Souza Bruna Aparecida Madureira de , Bandeira Arlete Da Silva , Morais Otoniel Magalhães
Published: August 2016

Estudos relacionados aos aspectos biométricos de frutos e sementes são importantes devido à necessidade na identificação e diferenciação da espécie. A partir da caracterização biométrica de frutos é possível obter informações para a conservação e exploração da espécie, e constitui um instrumento fundamental para detectar a variabilidade entre indivíduos em uma determinada área. Dessa forma, objetivou-se caracterizar biometricamente frutos e sementes de Bauhinia forficata L. de plantas provenientes do município de Vitória da Conquista, BA. Para isso foram selecionados aleatoriamente 30 frutos e 100 sementes, os quais foram medidos com o auxílio de um paquímetro digital (0,01mm), determinando-se comprimento e diâmetro de frutos e sementes. Os frutos de Bauhinia forficata L, provenientes do município de Vitória da Conquista, apresentaram variação nas suas dimensões biométricas e na massa fresca do fruto indicando potencial de seleção da espécie estudada. 

Biometric analysis of fruits and seeds of Bauhinia forficata L.

Abstract: Studies related to biometric aspects of fruits and seeds are important because of the need to identify and differentiate the species. From the fruits of biometric characterization it is possible to obtain information for the conservation and exploitation of the species, and is a key instrument to detect the variability between individuals in a given area. Thus, this study aimed to characterize biometrically fruits and seeds of Bauhinia L. forficata from the city of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. To this were 30 randomly selected fruits and 100 seeds, which were measured with the aid of a caliper (0.01 mm), determining the length and diameter of fruits and seeds. The fruits of Bauhinia forficata L, from the city of Vitoria da Conquista, showed variations in their biometric dimensions and fresh fruit mass indicating potential of the studied species selection.
Uso de destiladores solares para fornecer água potável no semiárido Paraibano
Authors: Silva José Adailton Lima , Lima Vera Lucia Antunes de , Marinho Francisco José Loureiro , Pereira Bárbara Bruna Maniçoba , Alexandria Amonikele Gomes Leite de , Lima Tiago Silva
Published: August 2016

A escassez de água advinda das condições climáticas do semiárido paraibano tem forçado inúmeras famílias rurais a consumirem água de má qualidade, o que tem contribuído para o aumento de casos de doenças transmitidas pela água. Tendo em vista esta problemática, objetivou-se analisar como o uso de destiladores solares pode proporcionar a obtenção de água potável, e avaliar os benefícios socioeconômicos e ambientais advindos do uso desta tecnologia. Após os estudos, observou-se que os destiladores solares são uma tecnologia de baixo custo econômico, de fácil disseminação social, utilizam energia solar (limpa e renovável), e são capazes de fornecer água potável para atender as demandas hídricas de famílias que convivem com a escassez hídrica em regiões semiáridas.

Use of solar distillers to provide drinking water in semiarid Paraibano

Abstract: The scarcity of water arising from climatic conditions of semi-arid Paraiba has forced many rural families to consume poor quality water, which has contributed to the increase in cases of waterborne diseases. In view of this problem, the objective was to examine how the use of solar distillers can provide the production of drinking water, and assess the socio-economic and environmental benefits from the use of this technology. After the studies, it was observed that solar distillers are a low economic cost technology, easy social diffusion, uses solar energy (clean, renewable), and are able to provide drinking water to meet the water demands of families living with the shortage of water in semi-arid regions
Financing SMEs – prospects in Hungary
Authors: Mester Éva , Tóth Róbert
Published: August 2016

After joining the EU, micro, small and medium enterprises came to the focus of attention in Hungary for their grandiose role in both employment and producing added value. Due to their flexibility, creativity and adaptability SMEs find new market opportunities easier. Also, SMEs can find their way and seize appearing opportunities more quickly under rapidly changing, insecure and high-risk circumstances. When analysing the sector, besides the investigation of the external environment, it is also important to focus on internal factors. The success of businesses is not only influenced by their access to financial resources, but also by their internal organisational structure and the standard of their organisational culture. In the present phase of world economy, when transports are delayed, credits are harder to obtain and companies downsize, leaders have to make careful and considerate management and operational decisions. Thus financial decisions have considerable short and long-term effects on the success of business operation. This research paper aims at a comprehensive study of the present situation of the Hungarian SME sector, some of its financing opportunities, as well as factors that hinder its development. Another purpose of the present writing is to lay the theoretical foundations for questionnaire primary research exploring the financing characteristics of SMEs in Hungary.
Is the WTO over? Mega-regional/plurilateral free trade negotiations: perspectives of multilateralism in trade
Authors: Csáki György
Published: August 2016

Since WWII a very dynamic expansion of international trade has taken place – it is especially true for the period since the early 1980s. Many says that world trade has never been so free as nowadays, and 161 countries are taking place in multilateral trade talks under the umbrella of WTO. Nonetheless, recent two decades of WTO is far from being a success story – none of the WTO trade Rounds have been completed successfully: the Millennium Round had not even started in 1999, and the Doha Round (launched in November 2001) was officially suspended in the year 2006. Under such conditions, it is not surprising at all that multi-regional/plurilateral trade negotiations were launched – and the most important of those, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, that is the US – EU free trade negotiations contributed a lot to the relatively successful conclusion of the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference (Bali, December 2013). Now, the great question is, whether which mega-regional free trade negotiations will be concludes and if more, in what order? Will these mega-regional trade deals mean the end of WTO? Will the WTO driven back to become a multilateral dispute settlement forum?