A avaliação do conhecimento gramatical 'oficial': estudo dos exames nacionais de Português de 2010

Na última década e a nível nacional, as provas de aferição e os exames nacionais vêm sendo objecto de polémicas, vindas de distintos quadrantes e de que é exemplo o editorial do jornal Público de 22/6/2009: “Exames 2009: como se prepara o ‘sucesso’ fácil”. Em termos da avaliação educacional, se aceitarmos que “a avaliação é sinónimo de sucesso” (Pacheco & Zabalza, 1995: 7), tal significará que, ao estudar a avaliação externa, poderemos contribuir para uma compreensão sustentada da educação em línguas. Além disso, entendendo a avaliação do conhecimento gramatical “oficial” como um factor constitutivo das disciplinas de Português, será possível descrever como são representados e avaliados os conhecimentos explícitos sobre o ensino da língua materna. Neste quadro, pretende-se, neste estudo, aprofundar a análise do domínio da gramática em provas de avaliação externa, comparando as provas de aferição de Língua Portuguesa do 4º e do 6º anos de escolaridade e os exames do 9º e do 12º anos, todos realizados no ano lectivo de 2009/2010. Com esta finalidade, o trabalho desenvolver-se-á de acordo com as seguintes dimensões de análise: a) delimitação da estrutura das diferentes provas de avaliação em Português, de acordo com domínios correntes como a leitura, a escrita ou a gramática; b) identificação dos tipos de pergunta e dos conteúdos implicados na avaliação do saber gramatical; c) categorização das questões segundo três níveis - reconhecimento, produção e explicitação dos conhecimentos sobre a língua. Para além de compreender melhor o papel da regulação externa dos saberes relativos ao conhecimento explícito da língua, deste estudo retirar-se-ão conclusões acerca das novas formas de (re)configuração da gramática escolar

Quantifying the Impact of Non-Stationarity in Reinforcement Learning-Based Traffic Signal Control

In reinforcement learning (RL), dealing with non-stationarity is a challenging issue. However, some domains such as traffic optimization are inherently non-stationary. Causes for and effects of this are manifold. In particular, when dealing with traffic signal controls, addressing non-stationarity is key since traffic conditions change over time and as a function of traffic control decisions taken in other parts of a network. In this paper we analyze the effects that different sources of non-stationarity have in a network of traffic signals, in which each signal is modeled as a learning agent. More precisely, we study both the effects of changing the \textit{context} in which an agent learns (e.g., a change in flow rates experienced by it), as well as the effects of reducing agent observability of the true environment state. Partial observability may cause distinct states (in which distinct actions are optimal) to be seen as the same by the traffic signal agents. This, in turn, may lead to sub-optimal performance. We show that the lack of suitable sensors to provide a representative observation of the real state seems to affect the performance more drastically than the changes to the underlying traffic patterns.Comment: 13 page

Understanding the diversity and evolution of complex wound infections

Chronic wounds (CW) are a common complication of diabetic ulcers (DUs), which are a major burden to health care systems worldwide and can result in lower limb amputation due to the intractability of the infection. DUs appear because of underlying causes such as peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and trauma and often become colonized with multiple microbial species including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such polymicrobial infections have been suggested to be more virulent, antibiotic resistant and result in worse patient outcomes but the reasons why remain unclear. In a long-term infections such as DUs, there is a high probability of the infecting bacteria evolving considerable phenotypic and genetic diversity, as has previously been shown for chronic lung infections of cystic fibrosis patients. However, it is not known whether this is also the case for chronic DUs, and whether diversity and/or interactions between strains or species impacts on virulence and antibiotic resistance. To study this, bacterial populations were isolated from bone and soft tissue samples from five patients and six chronic wounds (CWs) from diabetic foot or leg ulcers. Initially phenotypic diversity was investigated in P. aeruginosa CW populations through the analysis of phenotypes traditionally associated with pathogenicity, and through a whole genome study. Phenotypic variation in P. aeruginosa isolates taken from different patients was observed, but little variation within the same chronic wound (with exception of one patient with a diabetic leg ulcer). Antibiotic resistance was found to increase during the course of infection, and with the genomic analysis it became apparent that P. aeruginosa colonisation in a diabetic CW is via a single strain per ulcer, and potentially per patient, even though some sample-specific phenotypic profiles can arise from a homogenous population, as happened in one of the patients. For this patient, two distinct phenotypic profiles were found, so a detailed genomic analysis between isolates was done, including a full characterisation of the single nucleotide polymorphisms and a comparison of their transcriptomes using RNAseq. The results suggest that the loss of flagellum due to a fliJ mutation facilitated evasion of the innate immune system, and blood isolates were able to go undetected and were able to spread systemically causing the rapid decline in the patient’s health. Furthermore, S. aureus isolates from two of the CWs were used to investigate interactions between strains of both species that co-evolved in the same or different ulcers. We observed that S. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains isolated from the same wound can often co-exist when grown together in synthetic wound fluid. In contrast, when such strains were isolated from different wounds, P. aeruginosa often outcompeted S. aureus, possibly because of differences in alkyl quinolone levels. The data presented in this thesis furthers aids our understanding of how ecology influences the evolution of different species within wound infections and how this contributes to virulence and antibiotic resistance in polymicrobial infections

Role of protein kinase R in the killing of Leishmania major by macrophages in response to neutrophil elastase and TLR4 via TNF and IFN

In cutaneous leishmaniasis, Leishmania amazonensis activates macrophage double-stranded, RNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR) to promote parasite growth. In our study, Leishmania major grew normally in RAW cells, RAW-expressing dominant-negative PKR (PKR-DN) cells, and macrophages of PKR-knockout mice, revealing that PKR is dispensable for L. major growth in macrophages. PKR activation in infected macrophages with poly I:C resulted in parasite death. Fifty percent of L. major-knockout lines for the ecotin-like serine peptidase inhibitor (ISP2; Δisp2/isp3), an inhibitor of neutrophil elastase (NE), died in RAW cells or macrophages from 129Sv mice, as a result of PKR activation. Inhibition of PKR or NE or neutralization of Toll-like receptor 4 or 2(TLR4 or TLR2) prevented the death of Δisp2/isp3. Δisp2/isp3 grew normally in RAW-PKR-DN cells or macrophages from 129Sv pkr−/−, tlr2−/−, trif−/−, and myd88−/− mice, associating NE activity, PKR, and TLR responses with parasite death. Δisp2/isp3 increased the expression of mRNA for TNF-α by 2-fold and of interferon β (IFNβ) in a PKR-dependent manner. Antibodies to TNF-α reversed the 95% killing by Δisp2/isp3, whereas they grew normally in macrophages from IFN receptor–knockout mice. We propose that ISP2 prevents the activation of PKR via an NE-TLR4-TLR2 axis to control innate responses that contribute to the killing of L. major.—Faria, M. S., Calegari-Silva, T. C., de Carvalho Vivarini, A., Mottram, J. C., Lopes, U. G., Lima, A. P. C. A. Role of protein kinase R in the killing of Leishmania major by macrophages in response to neutrophil elastase and TLR4 via TNFα and IFNβ

An integrated approach for trace detection of pollutants in water using polyelectrolyte functionalized magneto-plasmonic nanosorbents

Resistance of pathogenic micro-organisms to conventional antibiotics is an essential issue for public health. The presence of such pharmaceuticals in aquatic ecosystems has been of major concern for which remediation and ultra-sensitive monitoring methods have been proposed. A less explored strategy involves the application of multifunctional nanosorbents for the uptake and subsequent detection of vestigial contaminants. In this study, colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) of iron oxide and gold were encapsulated in multi-layers of a charged polyelectrolyte (PEI: polyethyleneimine), envisaging the effective capture of tetracycline (TC) and its subsequent detection by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). Adsorption studies were performed by varying operational parameters, such as the solution pH and contact time, in order to evaluate the performance of the nanosorbents for the uptake of TC from water. While the magnetic nanosorbents with an external PEI layer (Fe3O4@PEI and Fe3O4@PEI-Au@PEI particles) have shown better uptake efficiency for TC, these materials showed less SERS sensitivity than the Fe3O4@PEI- Au nanosorbents, whose SERS sensitivity for TC in water has reached the limit of detection of 10 nM. Thus, this study highlights the potential of such magneto-plasmonic nanosorbents as multi-functional platforms for targeting specific contaminants in water, by taking into consideration both functionalities investigated: the removal by adsorption and the SERS detection across the nanosorbents' surfaces.publishe

EVALUATION PROCESS IN SUPERVISED TRAINING: A CONTRIBUTION FOR THE STUDY

Partindo do pressuposto que o processo avaliativo nos estágios supervisionados encontra-se vinculado a uma abordagem pedagógica tradicional, neste estudo buscou-se compreender o processo avaliativo realizado no estágio supervisionado de um curso de graduaçãoem Enfermagem em atividade no nordeste brasileiro. Os participantes foram quatro enfermeiros, dois supervisores diretos e dois indiretos. A análise do material empírico se deu através da técnica de Análise de Discurso e os resultados evidenciaram que a maioria dos entrevistados utilizava elementos de diferentes abordagens pedagógicas para a prática do processo avaliativo. As contradições observadas relacionaram-se à função dos supervisores diretos e indiretos neste processo, bem como à utilização de abordagens que desconsideram o desenvolvimento crítico, reflexivo e questionador, necessário a uma formação profissional socialmente comprometida. Concluiu-se que há uma urgente necessidade de mudanças no processo avaliativo vigente, a partir do uso de práticas pedagógicas que propiciem uma formação integral ao aluno, superando as vertentes tradicionais, tendo em vista o modelo de saúde vigente e o perfil profissional que ele requer.Assuming that the evaluation process in supervised training is related to a traditional pedagogical approach, this study aimed to understand the evaluation process used in the supervised training of a nursing graduation course in the Brazilian northeastern region. The participants encompassed four nurses, two direct supervisors and two indirect supervisors. The analysis of the empirical material used the technique of Speech Analysis and the results evidenced that the majority of the interviewed used elements of different pedagogical approaches for the practice of the evaluation process. The observed contradictions were related to the function of the direct and indirect supervisors in this process as well as the use of approaches that disregard critical, reflective and inquiring development, necessary to a socially committed professional qualification. It was concluded that there is urgent need of changes in the current evaluation process applying pedagogical practices that foster students’ whole education, overcoming traditional trends, keeping in mind the current health model and the required professional profile.Basándose sobre el presupuesto de que el proceso de la evaluación en las prácticas supervisionadas está vinculado a un abordaje pedagógico tradicional, en este estudio se buscó comprender el proceso de evaluación realizado en las prácticas supervisionadas de un curso de graduación en enfermería en actividade en Nordeste brasileño. Los participantes fueron cuatro enfermeros, dos supervisores directos y dos indirectos. El análisis del material empírico ocurrió por medio de la técnica de Análisis de Discurso y los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de los entrevistados utilizava elementos de diferentes abordajes pedagógicos para la práctica de proceso de evaluación. Las contradicciones observadas se relacionaron a la función de los supervisores directos y indirectos en este proceso, así como a la utilización de abordajes que desconsideron el desarrollo crítico, reflexivo y cuestionador, necesario a una formación profesional socialmente comprometida. Se concluyó que hay una urgente necesidad de cambios en el proceso de evaluación vigente acerca del uso de prácticas pedagógicas que propicien una formación integral al alumno, superando las vertentes tradicionales, teniendo en cuenta el modelo de salud vigente y el perfil profesional que este exige

Mortar with pet—Preliminary results

ICEER2019 - 6th International Conference on Energy and Environment Research: “Energy and environment: challenges towards circular economy”, 22 -25 July 2019, Aveiro, PortugalThe objective of this work is to evaluate the performance and feasibility of the use of coating mortars with the incorporation of ground polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste. It was studied the performance of 1: 4 mortars in weight with partial replacement of the aggregate by PET residuals in different percentages (0%, 5% and 10%). Obtained results showed a decrease of the mechanical resistance of mortars in the inverse proportion of the use of PET residues of the mixture, an increase in resistance to water absorption by capillary action and a decrease in thermal conductivity. These results support the potential use of PET waste in coating mortars, thereby contributing to reduce the environmental impact caused by plastic waste. However, in order to be considered energy efficient, this new material needs further improvements.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Extracellular enolase of Candida albicans is involved in colonization of mammalian intestinal epithelium

Enolase is secreted by C. albicans and is present in its biofilms although its extracellular function is unknown. Here we show that extracellular enolase mediates the colonization of small intestine mucosa by C. albicans. Assays using intestinal mucosa disks show that C. albicans adhesion is inhibited, in a dose dependent mode, either by pretreatment of intestinal epithelium mucosa disks with recombinant C. albicans enolase (70% at 0.5 mg/ml enolase) or by pretreatment of C. albicans yeasts with anti-enolase antibodies (48% with 20 µg antiserum). Also using flow cytometry, immunoblots of conditioned media and confocal microscopy we demonstrate that enolase is present in biofilms and that the extracellular enolase is not an artifact due to cell lysis, but must represent functional secretion of a stable form. This is the first direct evidence that C. albicans extracellular enolase mediates colonization on its primary translocation site. Also, because enolase is encoded by a single locus in C. albicans, its dual role peptide, as glycolytic enzyme and extracellular peptide, is a remarkable example of gene sharing in fungi

Use of oak and cherry wood chips during alcoholic fermentation and the maturation process of Rosé wines: impact of phenolic composition and sensory profile

There is a lack of knowledge about the use of di erent wood species on rosé wine production. Thus, this work focused on the impact of the addition of wood chips from oak and cherry trees during the alcoholic fermentation and maturation process on rosé wine characteristics. Therefore, phenolic composition and sensory characteristics were monitored during the rosé wines’ production. The use of wood chips during alcoholic fermentation induced a significant increase of phenolic content in rosé musts. During rosé wine maturation, the wood chip contact induced significantly higher values of colored anthocyanins, color intensity, and polymeric pigments, and significantly lower values of color hue in the corresponding rosé wines. In terms of sensory profile, a tendency for lower scores of “overall appreciation” were attributed to control rosé wine, while significantly higher scores for “color intensity” descriptor were attributed to all rosé wines matured in contact with wood chips. For the majority of phenolic parameters and individual phenolic compounds quantified, a clear and specific influence of the use of oak and cherry wood chips was not detected, except for (+)-catechin, where the rosé wines produced in contact with cherry chips showed the highest values. This study provides relevant information for winemakers about the impact of the use of wood chips on rosé wine qualityinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio