‘It's been hell.’ Italian and British practice educators’ narratives of working with struggling or failing social work students in practice learning settings

Periods of assessed learning in practice settings are common requirements for social work students world wide. The ‘practice learning opportunity’ as it is known in the UK, and ‘tirocinio di servizio sociale’ as it is referred to in Italy, are important sites of gatekeeping in preventing unsuitable people from becoming social workers. The experience of assessing failing students in practice learning settings however, has been found to be particularly stressful and challenging for practice educators. This article documents findings from two qualitative studies that explored field educators’ experiences of working with struggling or failing social work students in Italy and England. The study finds both similarities and differences in the narratives of the assessors from the two countries Similarities include, unpleasant emotional experience of working with a failing student, internalisation of the students failing as the practice educators’ own failing, perceptions that the universities may hide negative information about students and lack of acknowledgement of the gatekeeping function inherent in the practice educator role. Differences include the level of emotionality experienced by educators, the way students are spoken about and the perceived role and responses of the university. Further comparative European research which focuses on practice education is indicated

“It’s a shared responsibility”. The relationship between the working environment of child protection teams and practitioners’ emotionality and professional resilience: a psycho-social exploration

My research has adopted a psycho-social approach to investigate the ways in which professionals mediate between the emotional demands of their work and the statutory duties and responsibilities of their role. In order to fully understand the roles played by the professional’s individual characteristics, the team dynamics and the broader emotional texture of the child protection system in shaping the emotional experiences of front-line practitioners, this study has utilised a multiple-case study design. Professionals from two different child protection teams, one in Italy and one in England, have represented the two units of analysis. In particular, the research has explored the emotional vicissitudes of six front line practitioners (three from each team) over a period of sixteen months. Data have been gathered through periodic interviews with the research participants, psychoanalytically informed observations of their supervision sessions, periodic observations of team meeting discussions, and an interactive activity which had involved their entire teams. Doucet and Mauthner’s (2008) Listening Guide has been utilised in order to obtain a deep understanding of practitioners’ stories in a way that actively incorporated ‘the public and cultural narrative that inform their lives, and the crucial intersection of these narratives with other relevant social forces’ (Somers, 1994; 620). The findings of this research highlight how professionals within the Italian context appeared to be more capable of talking about the way in which their work affected them emotionally, compared with their English colleagues. One of the main reasons for this can be traced to the increasingly paranoid attitude that appears to permeate the overall English child protection system, especially after the death of Peter Connolly (‘Baby P’) and the public outcry which followed that tragic event. The child protection team was seen to have the potential to act as a supportive place where professionals’ emotional responses can not only be recognised and contained, but also where the intensity of these emotional responses can be suitably modulated to a more manageable level. Where this occurs, it can allow professionals to remain in touch with their own emotions, which in turn can enhance their ability to effectively protect and safeguard vulnerable children and their families. Conversely, it was shown that, if professionals are not adequately supported within their working environment, they may be left feeling ‘doubly deprived’ at an emotional level, firstly from the nature of their undeniably challenging work and, secondly, through the imposition of an unresponsive working environment over which they have minimal control. These emotional deprivations may adversely affect their ability to work competently and safely creating a situation whereby less resilient practitioners might identify themselves with negative aspects of their working environment. This could reduce their ability to fully appreciate vulnerable people’s needs and circumstances and to practice safely and competently. Ultimately it might result in practitioners leaving the profession. Contrary to popular perception, it might be the most resilient who would leave first, as they could recognise the damaging effects of an environment which did not contain or support them. Finally, the study makes a series of recommendations that could improve the retention of child protection social workers and enhance the outcomes of their work, including supporting front-line practitioners in becoming more familiar in the ways organisational dynamics might affect their work. The study also highlights the importance, for organisations, of putting in place strategies to create a safe environment in which they can work, and not to make them feel overly exposed towards anything or anyone who could try to affect their ability to perform their duties and responsibilities

EM DIREÇÃO A UMA NOVA DEFINIÇÃO DE COOPERAÇÃO PENAL INTERNACIONAL: DA SIMPLES ASSISTÊNCIA À LUTA CONTRA A IMPUNIDADE

A cooperação internacional em matéria penal não se limita aos casos de criminalidade transnacional sino que se utiliza também em sucessos de crimes comuns. Tradicionalmente, a cooperação no âmbito penal foi utilizada nos casos em que à pessoa acusada saiu do território de um país a outro. Mais com os casos que involucram a vários países e que transcendem as relações bilaterais, precisa-se reflexionar sobre os novos mecanismos para combater a impunidade.Uma das reflexões que surgem neste caso é o uso de refúgio como mecanismo de proteção de pessoas que está sendo julgadas pelos juízes de um país e solicitam a proteção em outro Estado para evitar extraditados as autoridades onde estão sendo processados, alegando entre outros argumentos as carências da justiça local ou as violações do processo devido. Estas situações que podem ser decididas pelos juízes e as vezes pelos governos merecem uma consideração especia

Una relación complicada: el Paraguay frente a la administración del Estado

This study aims to explain the characteristic of the Paraguayan administration, considering specially the different agencies and the justice system. The current organization was created in a period where the administration had extremely large power to decide due to the Paraguayan history and where few cases were considered in the Courts. Today, we can notice a change in the rights of the people in their disputes with the administration and a better legislation, but there are still some aspects that need a revision.El presente trabajo explica las particularidades de la administración paraguaya, a la luz de los órganos competentes para representarla y la organización del sistema de justicia administrativa. El sistema fue ideado en una época en que la administración contaba en la práctica con poderes casi omnímodos y eran pocos los casos planteados ante la justicia. Hoy en día, se nota una evolución hacia un aumento de los derechos de los particulares frente a la administración y avances en materia legislativa, aunque aún existen aspectos que deben ser mejorados

Construção e avaliação de eletrodo modificado com nanocompósito prata-polipirrol para a determinação de glicose

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Luiz H. Marcolino JrCoorientador: Prof. Dr. Márcio F. BergaminiDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Exatas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química. Defesa : Curitiba, 21/03/2014Inclui referênciasÁrea de concentração: Química analíticaResumo: Existem diversos relatos na literatura descrevendo procedimentos eletroanalíticos para a determinação de glicose, frequentemente utilizando biossensores. A busca por materiais não-biológicos para a determinação de glicose é um desafio e, dentro deste contexto, materiais nanocompósitos do tipo metal-polímero são candidatos promissores para serem utilizados na eletrooxidação da glicose, pois este tipo de material possui propriedades diferenciadas quando comparados com os sólidos estendidos correspondentes. Aplicações eletroanalíticas baseadas no emprego de polímeros eletroativos merecem destaque pois são matrizes adequadas para as nanopartículas metálicas facilitando a transferência de carga na interface eletrodo-solução. Baseado nos argumentos supracitados, o presente trabalho descreve a síntese e caracterização de um novo nanocompósito constituído de nanopartículas de prata e polipirrol (NCAgPPy) e sua aplicação para determinação amperométrica de glicose. A síntese do NCAgPPy foi realizada empregando-se o método de microemulsão reversa, a partir de duas microemulsões preparadas separadamente: uma contendo o precursor metálico (AgNO3) e outra com o monômero pirrol (Py). A caracterização do nanomaterial foi feita utilizando as técnicas de difração de raio-x e TEM, que confirmaram a presença de nanopartículas de Ag0 e Ag2O, com morfologia semiesférica (tamanho médio de 12±5 nm) estando envoltas na matriz de polipirrol. Medidas de voltametria cíclica em meio de NaOH 0,1 mol L-1 foram realizadas utilizando um eletrodo de carbono vítreo (ECV, área geométrica = 0,03cm2) modificado por drop-casting com 3,0 ?L da dispersão 1,0 mg mL-1 do NCAgPPy, em água, chamado de eletrodo quimicamente modificado (EQM). O perfil voltamétrico do nanocompósito preparado foi comparado a um eletrodo convencional de prata, nas mesmas condições, sendo verificado a presença de um pico de oxidação auto-catalítico, em 0,60 V para o nanocompósito, esse sinal é referente à formação de óxido de prata (II), o que não foi observado no eletrodo de prata. A determinação da área ativa para eletrodos, convencional e o modificado com o nanocompósito foi realizada através da carga elétrica referente ao pico de redução do óxido de prata (Ag2O) observada em 0,08 V, sendo que a área ativa do NCAgPPy é de 449 nmol cm-2 é do eletrodo de prata é de 8,16 nmol cm-2, assim um efeito 55 vezes maior de prata ativa foi verificada para o material proposto. A determinação amperométrica da glicose, após processo de otimização da metodologia foi realizada em um potencial de 0,90 V e apresentou uma faixa de resposta linear de 2,5 x 10-5 a 1,0 x 10-2 mol L-1de glicose, obteve-se um coeficiente linear de 1,26 x 104 ?A L mol-1com limite de detecção de 1,03 x 10-5 mol L-1. Por fim, aplicou-se o dispositivo para a determinação de glicose em saliva artificial, com boa recuperação para os três níveis estudados (30, 50 e 80 ?mol L-1). Pode-se concluir que foi possível obter um novo nanocompósito sem a utilização de estabilizadores e com a espontânea redução do metal pelo polímero eletroativo e que este material pode ser empregado para a construção de sensores eletroquímicos para glicose. Com a determinação amperométrica é possível notar a potencialidade do dispositivo para determinação não-enzimática da glicose em saliva, com o desenvolvimento, assim, de um sensor não invasivo para determinação de glicose. Palavras-chave: Nanopartículas de prata; polipirrol; Nanocompósito; Detecção de glicose; microemulsão reversa.Abstract: There are several reports in literature describe electroanalytical determination of glucose procedures, frequently using biosensors. The search for non-biological materials for the determination of glucose is challenge and in this context, nanocomposite materials metal-polymer is promising candidates for use in the electrooxidation of glucose, because this type of material has different properties when compared with corresponding bulk. An electroanalytical application, based in the use of electroactive polymers is suitable as a matrix for metal nanoparticles, because it facilitates the charge transfer at the electrode-solution interface. Based on the above arguments, the present work describes the synthesis and characterization of a novel nanocomposite consisting of silver nanoparticles and polypyrrole (NCAgPPy) and its application for amperometric determination of glucose. The synthesis of NCAgPPy was carried out using the method of reverse microemulsion, with two microemulsion separately prepared: one containing the metal precursor (AgNO3) and another with the pyrrole monomer (Py). The characterization of the nanomaterial was made using the techniques how x-ray diffraction and MET, which confirmed the presence of nanoparticles Ag0 and Ag2O, with hemispherical morphology (average size of 12±5 nm) being capped for polypyrrole matrix. Cyclic voltammetry measurements in medium of NaOH 0.1 mol L-1 were performed using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE, geometric area = 0.03 cm2) modified by drop-casting with 3,0 ?l of a dispersion of 1.0 mg mL-1 NCAgPPy in water, called chemically modified electrode (CME). The voltammetric profile of the nanocomposite front of a conventional silver electrode under the same conditions, can be seen only the presence of an oxidation autocatalytic peak in the nanocomposite, at 0.60 V, related to the formation of silver oxide (II), not observable in the silver bulk electrode. Realizing the determination of the active area of these two electrodes, by measuring the reduction peak of silver oxide (Ag2O) in 0.08 V, the active area is 449 nmol cm-2 for NCAgPPy and 8.16 nmol cm -2 for silver bulk electrode, with 55 times more mols of active silver. The amperometric determination of glucose after methodology optimization process, with applied potential of 0.90 V, presented a linear response range of 2.5 to 1.0 x 10-5 x 10-2mol L-1 glucose, yielded a linear coefficient of 1.26 x 104 ?A L mol-1, with a detection limit of detection of 1.03 x 10-5 mol L-1. Finally, the device was applied to determination of glucose in artificial saliva, with good recovery for the three levels studied (30, 50 and 80 ?mol L-1). Can be concluded that it was possible obtain a new nanocomposite without the use of stabilizers and the spontaneous metal reduction by electroactive polymer and this material can be used for construction of an electrochemical glucose sensors. With amperometric determination is possible to notice the capability of the device to non-enzymatic determination of glucose in saliva, with the development of a non-invasive sensor for glucose determination. Keywords: Silver nanoparticles; Polypyrrole; Nanocomposite; Glucose detection; Reverse microemulsio

Desenvolvimento de eletrodos compósitos modificados com a resina de troca catiônica (Amberlite IR120) para determinação não-enzimática da glicose e do pesticida carbendazim

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Luiz Humberto Marcolino-JúniorCoorientador: Prof. Dr. Márcio Fernando BergaminiTese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências Exatas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química. Defesa : Curitiba, 27/09/2018Inclui referências: p. 84-94Resumo: A determinação da glicose por sensores eletroquímicos é amplamente investigada, devido à sua importância no cenário mundial, principalmente pelo aumento do número de pacientes com diabetes mellitus. Atualmente, busca-se novos materiais não-biológicos capazes de oxidar glicose com boa resposta eletroquímica, como o Cu (III), que possui alta atividade eletrocatalítica. No presente trabalho, foram imobilizados íons cobre em resina de troca catiônica (Amberlite IR 120H) e usados para criar o eletrodo compósito (ECR-Cu) para quantificar a glicose. O eletrodo compósito apresentou boa precisão e exatidão, exibindo uma faixa linear de trabalho de 5,0 ?mol L-1 a 1,0 mmol L-1 e um limite de detecção (LD) de 1,8 ?mol L-1. O sensor foi aplicado na determinação de glicose no sangue humano, sem interferência na sensibilidade por espécies eletroativas presentes no sangue, com recuperação ou 100-108%. A resina de troca catiônica (Amberlite IR 120H) também pode ser usada para pré-concentração de cátions orgânicos, como o carbendazim, não apenas como uma fase suporte. O carbendazim é um fungicida empregado em diversas culturas agrícolas, como a manga. O eletrodo composto de resina (ECR) foi aplicado para determinar este fungicida, e parâmetros relacionados como quantidade de resina utilizada na composição do eletrodo composto, pH e tempo de incorporação, parâmetros instrumentais foram estudados. Sob condições otimizadas, uma curva analítica foi obtida para a determinação de carbendazim empregando RCE que apresentou uma faixa de resposta linear entre 80,0 nmol L-1 a 2,0 ?mol L-1, com LD de 19 nmol L-1 calculado. Estudos de adição e recuperação de sucos de frutos de manga enriquecidos com analito foram realizados, resultando em recuperações que variaram de 97 a 99% das amostras de suco.Abstract: ABSTRACT Determination of glucose by an electrochemical sensor, is widely research due to its importance on the world stage, mainly by the increasing number of patients with diabetes mellitus. Currently, hunt up non-biological materials that can oxidize glucose with good electrochemical response, such as Cu (III) which has a high electrocatalytic activity. In the present work, it was immobilized copper ions in a cation exchange resin (Amberlite IR 120H) and used to create a composite electrode RCE-Cu to quantification of glucose. The composite electrode showed a good accuracy and robustness, exhibit a linear dynamic range of 5.0 ?mol L-1 to 1.0 mmol L-1, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.8 ?mol L-1. The sensor was applied in determination of glucose in human blood, without interference nor sensitivity affected by species present in blood, with recovery of 100-108%. The cation exchange resin (Amberlite IR 120H) can be used to preconcentration of organic cations, like carbendazim, not just as support phase. Carbendazim is a fungicide employed in several agricultural culture, like mango. A resin composite electrode (RCE) was applied to determinate this fungicide, related parameters such as amount of resin used in the composition of the composite electrode, pH and incorporation time, instrumental parameters was studied. Under optimized conditions, an analytical curve was obtained for the determination of carbendazim employing RCE, which showed a linear response range between 80,0 nmol L-1 to 2.0 ?mol L-1, with LOD of 19 nmol L-1. Studies of addition and recovery in mango fruit juice spiked with analyte were performed, yielding recoveries ranging from 97-99% of juice samples

iCanCloud: a flexible and scalable cloud infrastructure simulator

Simulation techniques have become a powerful tool for deciding the best starting conditions on pay-as-you-go scenarios. This is the case of public cloud infrastructures, where a given number and type of virtual machines (in short VMs) are instantiated during a specified time, being this reflected in the final budget. With this in mind, this paper introduces and validates iCanCloud, a novel simulator of cloud infrastructures with remarkable features such as flexibility, scalability, performance and usability. Furthermore, the iCanCloud simulator has been built on the following design principles: (1) it's targeted to conduct large experiments, as opposed to others simulators from literature; (2) it provides a flexible and fully customizable global hypervisor for integrating any cloud brokering policy; (3) it reproduces the instance types provided by a given cloud infrastructure; and finally, (4) it contains a user-friendly GUI for configuring and launching simulations, that goes from a single VM to large cloud computing systems composed of thousands of machines.This research was partially supported by the following projects: Spanish MEC project TESIS (TIN2009-14312-C02-01), and Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation under the grant TIN2010-16497.Publicad

High resolution CT and histological findings in idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: Features and differential diagnosis

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a recently described clinical-pathologic entity characterized by pleural and subpleural parenchymal fibrosis, mainly in the upper lobes. As this disease is extremely rare (only 7 cases have been described in the literature to date) poorly defined cases of IPPFE can go unrecognized

Competence-oriented course design and monitoring: The approach of Erasmus Plus project “better e-learning for all”

Erasmus Plus Project Better e-Learning for All aims at contributing to the reduction of the gap between the potential value of E-learning and the quality of design of online courses. Departing from research findings in dropout, motivation and retention factors, a conceptual approach to course design was developed and applied to the Better-e MOODLE environment. Better-e platform is designed to support teachers and trainers to overcome uncertainties about pedagogical choices, providing a Competence- oriented decision support environment and a selection of platform features customized to provide easiness of use, to support self-regulation, and to reduce the risks of incurring in common errors of course design that could have a negative impact on retention.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME under grant agreement no. 2015-1-TR01-KA204-021954 “Better e-Learning for All”.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio