Rapid automatized naming and reading performance: a meta-analysis

Evidence that rapid naming skill is associated with reading ability has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. However, there is considerable variation in the literature concerning the magnitude of this relationship. The objective of the present study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evidence on the relationship between rapid automatized naming (RAN) and reading performance. To this end, we conducted a meta-analysis of the correlational relationship between these 2 constructs to (a) determine the overall strength of the RAN-reading association and (b) identify variables that systematically moderate this relationship. A random-effects model analysis of data from 137 studies (857 effect sizes; 28,826 participants) indicated a moderate-to-strong relationship between RAN and reading performance (r = .43, I-2 = 68.40). Further analyses revealed that RAN contributes to the 4 measures of reading (word reading, text reading, non-word reading, and reading comprehension), but higher coefficients emerged in favor of real word reading and text reading. RAN stimulus type and type of reading score were the factors with the greatest moderator effect on the magnitude of the RAN-reading relationship. The consistency of orthography and the subjects' grade level were also found to impact this relationship, although the effect was contingent on reading outcome. It was less evident whether the subjects' reading proficiency played a role in the relationship. Implications for future studies are discussed

Ocorrência e disseminação de resistência a antibióticos no ambiente: origem dos genes de resistência e papel da atividade humana

Resistance to antibiotics is a rising concern in respect to community and personal health, health-access social discrepancy and the future of the natural world. This work aimed to understand the role of environmental bacteria as the origin of the genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance (AR), as well as to explore the impact of anthropogenic pressures on the evolution and spread of AR. Shewanella’s genus role as progenitors and reservoir of AR genes was assessed through the analysis of a collection of environmental isolates and genomes of this genus deposited in public databases. The presence and the genetic context of the gene encoding for carbapenemase OXA-48 and the presence of qnrA-like genes was assessed. These genes were detected in several Shewanella species, in certain cases for the first time, being speciesspecific at times. Furthermore, several new variants were identified in this work. Insertion sequences associated with gene transfer were identified, suggesting its contribution to the spread of these genes to other phylogenetic groups. The impact of human action on the spread of AR in aquatic compartments was addressed through the analysis of groundwater used for irrigation and vegetables consumed raw. Multiresistant strains with virulent characteristics were found, common to both environments, suggesting irrigation water as the source of the contamination detected in the vegetables. Genome analysis of some of these strains revealed virulence determinants, mobile genetic elements and resistance genes, suggesting a potential risk to human health. In addition, the diversity and abundance of bacteria resistant to carbapenems were evaluated in a wastewater treatment plant, throughout the process, which includes an ultraviolet radiation disinfection step. This treatment showed significant results in reducing the number of bacteria, either total and resistant to carbapenems. In untreated samples, Enterobacteriaceae strains were detected carrying blaGES-5 -associated with integrons-, which is rarely found in clinical settings in Portugal. In the final effluent were found bacteria intrinsicallyresistant to carbapenems, namely Stenotrophomonas. The results obtained in this work reveal additional evidence regarding the role of environmental bacteria as progenitors of AR genes, as well as the role of humans in the spread of AR in aquatic compartments. This knowledge is crucial to define mitigation strategies for this problem, both in the environment and in the clinic.A resistência a antibióticos é uma preocupação crescente no que diz respeito à saúde pessoal e comunitária, à discrepância social no acesso à saúde e ao futuro do mundo natural. Este trabalho teve como objetivos compreender a origem dos determinantes genéticos da resistência a antibióticos (RA) em bactérias ambientais, bem como explorar o impacto da pressão antropogénica na evolução e dispersão da RA. O papel do género Shewanella como origem e reservatório de genes de RA foi avaliado através da análise de uma coleção de isolados ambientais e de genomas deste género, depositados em bases de dados públicas. A presença e o contexto genético do gene que codifica para a carbapenemase OXA-48 e a presença de genes qnrA foram avaliados. Estes genes foram detetados em várias espécies de Shewanella, nalguns casos pela primeira vez, sendo específicos para algumas destas espécies. Além disso, várias variantes novas foram identificadas neste trabalho. Sequências de inserção associadas à transferência de genes foram identificadas, fundamentando a sua contribuição na dispersão destes genes para outros grupos filogenéticos. O impacto da ação humana na disseminação da RA em compartimentos aquáticos foi abordado através da análise de vegetais consumidos crus e da água subterrânea utilizada para irrigação. Foram encontradas estirpes multirresistentes e com características de virulência, comuns aos dois ambientes, sugerindo a água de irrigação como origem da contaminação detetada em vegetais. A análise do genoma de algumas destas estirpes revelou determinantes de virulência, elementos genéticos móveis e genes de resistência, sugerindo um risco potencial para a saúde humana. Além disso, a diversidade e abundância de bactérias resistentes a carbapenemos foram avaliadas numa estação de tratamento de águas residuais, ao longo do processo que inclui um passo de desinfeção com radiação ultravioleta. O tratamento reduziu significativamente o número de bactérias, totais e resistentes a carbapenemos. Em águas não tratadas, foram detetadas estirpes de Enterobacteriaceae com o gene blaGES-5 -associado a integrões-, raramente encontrado no contexto clínico em Portugal. No efluente final foram encontradas bactérias intrinsecamente resistentes aos carbapenemos, nomeadamente Stenotrophomonas. Os resultados obtidos revelam evidência adicional no que diz respeito ao papel das bactérias ambientais como progenitores dos genes de RA, tal como o papel do homem na disseminação da RA nos compartimentos aquáticos. Este conhecimento é crucial para definir estratégias de mitigação deste problema, tanto no meio ambiente como na clínica.Programa Doutoral em Biologia e Ecologia das Alterações Globai

The networks of inter-industry flows in a SAM framework

The networks of nominal flows between industries in a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) framework are studied. The flows of the SAM submatrices of production (or output of goods and services) and intermediate consumption, are identified, which are constructed from the supply and use tables of the National Accounts. From these flows, the inter-industry networks are induced. The structure of these networks are analysed, as well as, the underlying generation of income. An application to Portugal illustrates the approach.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cadavre Exquis: motion-controlled interactive film

This interactive film, a variation on the surrealist game Cadavre Exquis, seeks the possibility of subverting the filmic discourse by exploring psychosomatic processes that may give the viewer different perceptions of cinematic time, by providing the possibility of intervening into the narrative in a disruptive way.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cultures of (In)Security in comparison: From Comparative Literature to Critical Approaches to Security Studies

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cognitive subtyping of university students with dyslexia in a semi-transparent orthography: what can weaknesses and strengths tell us about compensation?

Developmental dyslexia is characterized by a profile of reading- and writing-related difficulties which stands out as a core deficit in phonological processing. Although these difficulties seem to persist into adulthood, it is still an open question to what extent they are immune, or not, to the extensive training resulting from extended schooling. The main objective of this study was to explore the heterogeneity of the cognitive profile of European Portuguese highly literate adults with dyslexia. Thirty-one university students diagnosed with dyslexia during childhood and their matched skilled adult control readers were assessed through a battery of reading and cognitive tests. A cluster analysis of data obtained from participants with dyslexia identified two profile groups. While Cluster 1 grouped participants with clear phonological deficits and concomitant reading difficulties, Cluster 2 showed better performance on most of the core skills associated with reading and also better general cognitive abilities, suggesting that these dyslexic readers have partially resolved their phonological constraints along the development, probably due to the systematic exposure to reading and writing. As Cluster 2 matched typical readers in general cognitive abilities, it might also be the case that cognitive strengths associated with general intelligence worked as protective factors, helping students to strategically compensate for their reading difficulties. Overall, these results suggest that both mechanisms-partial remediation of the core phonological deficit and adoption of compensatory strategies supported by general cognitive skills-might contribute together to improving the reading performance of highly literate adults with dyslexia.2021.03462.CEECIND; LA/P/0053/2020 RISEinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Language education at the University of Aveiro before and after Bologna: practices and discourses

Higher education plays a fundamental role in the construction of a European citizenship that demands the development of plurilingual competences. Although the Bologna Process highlights that development (relating it to mobility, employability and lifelong learning), language education does not seem to be a priority in the agenda of higher education institutions (Tudor 2006).In the context of curricular restructuring required by the Bologna Process, this article presents a case study of the University of Aveiro (UA), Portugal, which set out to describe institutional practices and discourses concerning the use and function of languages in undergraduate and postgraduate education in two academic years (2002–2003 and 2007–2008, before and after the restructuring). In order to identify practices, we analysed the programmes of all language courses.This allowed us to identify the languages and language courses offered, as well as the degree programmes into which they are integrated. In order to access institutional discourses, we interviewed seven actors responsible for training and management at the UA (Rectors, Vice-Rectors, the Head of the Department of Languages and Cultures, The Erasmus Programme Coordinator, and the President of the Students’ Union). The results show that the Bologna Process has had a limiting effect on language education: fewer language courses are offered and fewer degree programmes include them. This converges with the institutional actors’ discourses, since they do not recognize the institution’s responsibility to develop students’ plurilingual competences and tend to value only the instrumental role of English

As línguas na investigação científica: práticas e discursos na Universidade de Aveiro

Considerando que Instituições de Ensino Superior são espaços onde o conhecimento científico é produzido e disseminado, apresenta-se um estudo de caso da Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, que pretende descrever práticas e discursos institucionais relativamente à utilização das línguas na investigação científica. Para descrição das práticas, foram recolhidos e analisados Relatórios Anuais das Unidades de Investigação da Universidade de Aveiro. Para acesso aos discursos institucionais, foram entrevistados oito atores institucionais, responsáveis pela investigação científica e pelo governo e coordenação da instituição. Os resultados apontam para uma convergência entre as práticas investigativas e os discursos institucionais relativamente ao papel e estatuto que as diferentes línguas adquirem na investigação científica: a língua inglesa surge, tanto nas práticas como nos discursos, como primordial para o processo de internacionalização da ciência; por outro lado, as outras línguas são percecionadas enquanto barreiras a essa internacionalização e ao sucesso científico-profissional do investigador.Considering Higher Education Institutions as settings where scientific knowledge is produced and disseminated, a case study with the University of Aveiro, Portugal, will be presented which aimed at describing institutional practices and discourses concerning the use of languages in scientific research. In order to identify practices within scientific research, documentary analysis of the Annual Reports of the Research Units of the University of Aveiro was carried out. In order to access institutional discourses, eight actors responsible for scientific research and management at the University of Aveiro were interviewed. The results underline that there is a convergence between research practices and the institutional discourses concerning the role and status that different languages have in scientific research: English is, both in practices and discourses, a primordial asset in science internationalisation process; on the other hand, other languages are perceived as barriers to that internationalisation and to researchers’ scientific acknowledgement.Considérant les institutions d’enseignement supérieur comme des espaces où les connaissances scientifiques sont produites et diffusées, on présentera une étude de cas au sein de l’Université de Aveiro, Portugal, qui vise à décrire les discours et les pratiques institutionnels concernant l’utilisation des langues dans la recherche scientifique. Pour une description des pratiques nous avons recueilli et analysé des rapports annuels des unités de recherche de l’Université d’Aveiro. Pour accéder aux discours institutionnels nous avons interrogé huit acteurs institutionnels, responsables de la recherche scientifique et du gouvernement et de l’institution de coordination. Les résultats montrent une convergence entre les pratiques d’enquête et les discours institutionnels concernant le rôle et le statut qu’ acquièrent différentes langues dans la recherche scientifique: la langue anglaise se positionne, à la fois dans la pratique et dans le discours comme un élément central dans le processus d’internationalisation de la science; en revanche, les autres langues sont perçues comme des obstacles à cette internationalisation et au succès scientifique et professionnel du chercheur

As línguas na internacionalização da Universidade de Aveiro

Partindo da análise de documentos que revelam a missão, objectivos e vectores estratégicos da Universidade de Aveiro, apresentamos um estudo com o qual se pretende compreender o papel que as línguas desempenham nas estratégias de internacionalização definidas pela instituição