Open Government Data Use by the Public Sector - an Overview of its Benefits, Barriers, Drivers, and Enablers

Although governments publish large amounts of open data, their use by the public sector is still in its infancy. Therefore, this study aims to gain insights into promoted benefits and factors that hinder (barriers), facilitate (enablers), and propel (drivers) Open Government Data (OGD) use and reuse by the public sector. A systematic literature review of 38 publications resulted in an overview of these factors. Findings suggest that OGD use benefits are increased transparency and the development of new/improved processes, products, and services. Moreover, open data institutionalization and pressure from external stakeholders drive the use. However, data issues and the lack of supporting open data organizational structure, capacity, and skills hinder OGD use. While the existence of open data policy and laws, motivated leadership, and open data infrastructure enable it. Thus, if OGD use is to reach maturity, administrations need to create the means to institutionalize open data

Open government data use in the Brazilian states and federal district public administrations

The resulting dataset is available at: https://doi.org/10.34622/datarepositorium/UY7MFA as per the CC0—“Public Domain Dedication” License, accessed on 5 October 2021.This research investigates whether, why, and how open government data (OGD) is used and reused by Brazilian state and district public administrations. A new online questionnaire was developed and collected data from 26 of the 27 federation units between June and July 2021. The resulting dataset was cleaned and anonymized. It contains an insight on 158 parameters for 26 federation units explored. This article describes the questionnaire metadata and the methods applied to collect and treat data. The data file was divided into four sections: respondent profile (identify the respondent and his workplace), OGD use/consumption, what OGD is used for by public administrations, and why OGD is used by public administrations (benefits, barriers, drivers, and barriers to OGD use/reuse). Results provide the state of the play of OGD use/reuse in the federation units administrations. Therefore, they could be used to inform open data policy and decision-making processes. Furthermore, they could be the starting point for discussing how OGD could better support the digital transformation in the public sector

An assessment of open government data benchmark instruments

Proceedings of Ongoing Research, Practitioners, Workshops, Posters, and Projects of the International Conference EGOV-CeDEM-ePart 2020.Open Government Data (OGD) is heralded as a pillar for promoting openness and e- Government. Several OGD benchmark instruments have been proposed, and so many options could confuse open data users. We intend to help practitioners and researchers decide which benchmark instrument is most appropriate to evaluate a specific purpose. We aim to investigate the different dimensions that OGD benchmarks evaluate to find out what aspects of publishing and using open data they measure. To achieve this goal, we built upon previous research on how the Open Data Charter principles are measured in OGD assessments and enriched the analysis with additional dimensions. Findings reveal that what differentiates these benchmark instruments is their scope or focus, as their creators have varying interests and objectives. All benchmark instruments measure "data openness"; however, each emphasizes different aspects of "openness." Concepts measured are deeply connected with the six Charter principles. OGD impact, use, and usefulness are addressed by half of the benchmark instruments. Measurements can be compared. Their assessments can be used to help improve data quality and the conditions for sharing and reusing OGD.(undefined

E-government maturity models: more of the same?

As e-government initiatives progressed, several models for measuring e-government maturity were proposed. Many are stage models based on the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) in which e-government maturity is conceptualized as stages of growth that evolve over time. The paper aims to investigate if e-government stage maturity models measure the use and usefulness of egovernment. A meta-synthesis technique was used to compare and contrast 11 meta-models (models derived from other models), at the stage level, for their perspectives, concepts, metaphors, and their similarities and differences. We found that although models use different names and metaphors for analogous concepts, similarities exist among them, and individual stages overlap. Results show two gaps in research regarding the assessment of the actual use and usefulness of e-government. First, meta-models primarily assess the supply-side and operational/technology and citizen/service perspectives. Second, the use and usefulness of e-government are not addressed.

Attack intensity of Corythucha ciliata (Hemiptera, Tingidae) on Platanus spp. in an urban area in Portugal: a comparison between pruned and unpruned trees.

Corythucha ciliata (Say, 1832), commonly known as sycamore lace bug (SLB), is an insect species native to North America. Since its accidental introduction in Europe (through Italy) in 1964, it has expanded across most European countries. The arrival of SLB in Portugal is uncertain but its distribution is wide. Sycamore (Platanus spp.), the only host of SLB, is one of the most widespread and important urban tree species in Portugal. It provides a wide range of environmental, social and economical benefits, which have been threatened by the invasion of this pest. SLB damages trees by feeding on the underside of the leaves causing discoloration and eventually premature senescence. While the long-term effect of SLB on the health of urban trees is yet to be fully assessed, there is compelling evidence that pruning further increases SLB damage. In this study we assessed the impact of pruning on the attack intensity of SLB. To test the hypothesis that pruning promotes the invasion of SLB, we compared the intensity of attack of pruned trees with unpruned trees. We collected sycamore leaves from pruned and unpruned trees and then assessed the intensity of attack by scaling damage by visual rating. Our findings show that pruned trees exhibit significantly higher attack intensities than unpruned trees (p < 0,001, χ2 goodness of fit). Based on these findings we recommend that sycamore pruning should be performed with caution (or even ceased), especially in urban areas where SLB is present

New benzilidenimine and amido derivatives: evaluation of antioxidant activity

The use of compounds with antioxidant activity is expected to be useful for the treatment of diseases were active oxygen species and free radicals play an important role [1,2]. Phenolic antioxidants react with free radicals by a process that usually involves the transfer of a hydrogen atom, resulting in a stable phenolic radical [1,2]. Aromatic amines and imines also contain active hydrogen atoms (NH) and by analogy it is expected that these atoms can be transferred to free radicals behaving the aromatic amines and imines as antioxidants.Numerous methods can be applied to evaluate the potential use of a new compound as an antioxidant and both chemical and electrochemical methods have been developed with this purpose [3,4]. The use of electrochemical methods, in particular voltammetric techniques, provides information regarding its reducing power. In this work benzilidenoimine and amido derivatives, presented in figure 1 and 2 respectively, were synthesized and their potential use as antioxidants was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The structure–activity relationships of the synthesised compounds were investigated in order to understand how the different functionalities affect their antioxidant activity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cynaropicrin- and chlorogenic acid-rich extracts easily prepared from Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus: antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus, commonly known as globe artichoke, is known for its medicinal and culinary properties since ancient times. Nowadays, with the increasing demand for healthier foods artichoke has been valorized and worldwide production has increased to meet the increasing demand in consumption of the flower and infusion from leaves. The aim of this work was to characterize the main bioactive compounds obtained from artichoke leaf extracts using simple and sustainable techniques. Among different extraction procedures tested, decoction in water gave extracts particularly rich in chlorogenic acid (1) and cynaropicrin (2) as demonstrated by the NMR spectroscopy analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 were efficiently separated by liquid-liquid extraction, as 1 was only found in the aqueous (Aq) fraction and 2 was selectively isolated in the organic (O) fraction. While both fractions showed in vitro antioxidant activity by scavenging activity, only the O fraction was able to protect Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from oxidative stress. Interestingly, the O fraction was much more antigenotoxic than Aq fraction, suggesting a highly efficient hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Besides being simple and avoiding organic solvents, decoction in water provides maximal extraction of 1 and 2 and, presumably, maximal bioactivities.This work was supported by national funds through the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, FCT I.P. [“Contrato-Programa” UIDB/04050/2020]; the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding [UIDB/ 00686/2020]; and by the Operation Program of Integrated Infrastructure [Advancing University Capacity and Competence in Research, Development and Innovation, ITMS2014+: 313021X329, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund]

Brincando com os padrões: a arte de criar estampas

A proposta deste artigo consiste em trazer técnicas para a configuração de estampas a partir de formas geométricas, como quadriláteros, triângulos e hexágonos, juntamente com a simetria. Buscando referências nos Fundamentos do Design de Superfície apresentados por Rüthschiling (2008), assim, busca-se trazer conceitos básicos para compreender o processo de configuração do design de superfície passando pelas etapas: Escolha do tema [temática]; Elaboração dos elementos/motivos; Escolha das cores; Construção do Módulo; Repetição [Geração de alternativas]. Cabe ressaltar, que este artigo pretende trabalhar com o conceito de Rapport que é um modelo utilizado para configurar padrões diferentes tendo como base um mesmo módulo, mudando, por exemplo, a direção ou rotação de seus encaixes – geralmente neste modelo a figura base do módulo é o quadrado ou retângulo. Porém, neste artigo busca-se demonstrar como utilizar outras formas geométricas [como hexágonos e triângulos]

INCLUSÃO DE ALUNOS COM AUTISMO NO ENSINO REGULAR: ANÁLISE EM UMA ESCOLA DE ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL

This article is a quali-quantitative approach research, whose objective is to verify how the inclusion of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) occurs in regular education in a public school in the city of Marabá (PA). The work starts initially from a theoretical framework regarding the inclusion of autistic children, in addition to the role of the school and the family for its development, as well as the challenges and the need for an adequate training of teachers, so that inclusion becomes effective Methodologically, a form with mixed questions was applied, applied via Google Forms, aimed at 10 (ten) education professionals, having as participants teachers, managers and coordinators of an elementary school in the municipality of Maraba/PA. The choice of form via Google Forms was due to having been carried out in a pandemic period by Covid-19. Participants demonstrated knowledge of the proposed theme, but they still need training courses and specific training in dealing with autistic students. Regardless of this fact, in order for these students to be included in regular education, respect for the limits imposed by the disorder must be linked to the use of resources and strategies for the care of students with ASD, especially because the benefits of an early diagnosis and Partnerships with other actors in the school environment, as well as the family, are essential for them to feel part of the society in which they live and agents of rights, such as education, priority care, social assistance, culture, sport, among others.Este artículo es una investigación cualitativa-cuantitativa, cuyo objetivo es verificar cómo ocurre la inclusión de alumnos con Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) en la educación regular en una escuela pública de la ciudad de Marabá (PA). El trabajo parte inicialmente de un marco teórico respecto a la inclusión de los niños autistas, además del rol de la escuela y la familia para su desarrollo, así como los desafíos y la necesidad de una adecuada formación de los docentes, para que la inclusión sea una realidad. efectivo Metodológicamente, se aplicó un formulario con preguntas mixtas, aplicado a través de Google Forms, dirigido a 10 (diez) profesionales de la educación, teniendo como participantes profesores, administradores y coordinadores de una escuela primaria en el municipio de Marabá/PA. La elección del formulario a través de Google Forms se debió a que se realizó en un período de pandemia por el Covid-19. Los participantes demostraron conocimiento del tema propuesto, pero aún necesitan cursos de capacitación y formación específica en el trato con estudiantes autistas. Independientemente de este hecho, para que estos estudiantes sean incluidos en la educación común, el respeto a los límites impuestos por el trastorno debe estar ligado al uso de recursos y estrategias para la atención de los estudiantes con TEA, especialmente porque los beneficios de una educación temprana diagnóstico y Las alianzas con otros actores del ámbito escolar, así como de la familia, son fundamentales para que se sientan parte de la sociedad en la que viven y agentes de derechos, como la educación, la atención prioritaria, la asistencia social, la cultura, el deporte, la entre otros.O presente artigo trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem quali-quantitativa, cujo objetivo é verificar como ocorre a inclusão de alunos com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) no ensino comum em uma escola pública do município de Marabá (PA). O trabalho parte inicialmente de um referencial teórico a respeito da inclusão da criança autista, além do papel da escola e da família para o desenvolvimento desta, bem como os desafios e a necessidade de uma formação adequada dos professores, a fim de que a inclusão se efetive. Metodologicamente, fez-se a aplicação de um formulário com perguntas mistas, aplicado via Google Forms, direcionado a 10 (dez) profissionais da educação, tendo como participantes professores, gestores e coordenadores de uma escola de Ensino Fundamental do município de Marabá/PA. A escolha por formulário via Google Forms deu-se por ter sido realizada em período pandêmico pelo Covid-19. Os participantes demostraram conhecer a temática proposta, porém ainda necessitam de cursos de capacitação e formação específica no trato com alunos autistas. Independentemente deste fato, para que haja a inclusão destes alunos no ensino comum, deve-se atrelar o respeito aos limites impostos pelo transtorno à utilização de recursos e estratégias para o atendimento do aluno com TEA, até porque os benefícios de um diagnóstico precoce e de parcerias com outros atores no ambiente escolar, assim como a família, são fundamentais para que os mesmos se sintam parte da sociedade em que vivem e agentes de direitos, como educação, atendimento prioritário, assistência social, cultura, esporte, dentre outros

Biological invasion of Corythucha ciliata in green urban spaces in Portugal: a niche modeling approach using maximum entropy

Corythucha ciliata (Hemiptera: Tingidae) é um inseto nativo da América do Norte que foi introduzido na Europa, pela Itália, em 1964. Desde então tem se expandido por toda a Europa, desconhecendo-se a data de chegada e a sua área de distribuição em Portugal. Esta importante praga invasora alimenta-se na face inferior das folhas de plátano, uma das mais importantes árvores ornamentais nos espaços verdes urbanos em Portugal, causando senescência prematura e eventualmente morte, em casos de infestações severas consecutivas. A modelação de nicho está se tornando uma ferramenta cada vez mais importante na gestão de invasões biológicas, tanto antes como depois da introdução do organismo invasor. Neste estudo, o software MaxEnt (máxima entropia) foi usado na modelação da distribuição invasiva potencial de Corythucha ciliata em Portugal, a partir de um conjunto de variáveis ambientais e de dados de presença do inseto, obtidos a partir da observação de folhas de plátanos amostrados por todo o país. De acordo com o melhor modelo gerado pelo MaxEnt, as áreas de maior adequabilidade potencial à invasão de Corythucha ciliata encontram-se no norte de Portugal apresentando o sul e as regiões de maior altitude do norte e centro adequabilidade reduzida ou nula. Observações laboratoriais da biologia de Corythucha ciliata aliadas aos registos de ausência em várias localidades do sul de Portugal e ocorrência predominante na metade norte de Espanha suportam o modelo desenvolvido. Porém, a validação do modelo requer futuras prospecções nas áreas de reduzida adequabilidade e onde a praga se encontrava virtualmente ausente no momento em que foi realizada a amostragem. Os modelos de adequabilidade podem ser usados como ferramenta auxiliar na tomada de decisão no que concerne à gestão dos espaços verdes