The Struggle for the Ordinary: Media Culture, Transgender Audiences and the Achievement of Everyday Life.

From the 1980s to the early years of the 21st century, media has increasingly incorporated the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. This dissertation, “The Struggle for the Ordinary: Media Culture, Transgender Audiences, and the Achievement of Everyday Life” presents a qualitative exploration into the complex relationship - a circuit of cultural influences - between media culture, transgender identity formation, and everyday life. It accounts for the social, cultural and political processes that have resulted in a swelling of transgender media visibility, and what is at stake in these representations for transgender individuals. It develops from and extends the scholarship on media audiences and audience reception, which seeks to understand how ‘real’ people in the ‘real’ world interact with media to establish meaning in their everyday lives. Informed by in-depth interviews and participant observation within the transgender community, this investigation considers how transgender audiences locate empowering messages and resources for identity work from within media culture. I illustrate how, in playing a primary role in study participants’ construction of a transgender self, media carries the potential to expedite the process of self-realization and/or frustrate and delay it. Media engagements have significant influence over study participants’ interpersonal relationships, feelings of belonging, and sense of personal security. Informed by de Certeau’s (1984) theory of everyday “tactics,” I argue study participants employ strategies of creative adaptation, methodologies of survival and “ways of making do” (de Certeau, 1984, p. 29) in navigating a conflicting and often hostile media environment. This dissertation also illuminates transgender individuals’ struggle for the ordinary, or the constant and deliberate work devoted to achieving the common and routine inclusions, rhythms, and affordances of everyday life. In accord with the doctrines of ethnomethodology, I argue “the ordinary” is an achievement, a social accomplishment that requires conscious effort and creative labor. My dissertation extends the ethnomethodological tradition by emphasizing the role of communications technologies in accomplishing the ordinary.PHDCommunicationUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/100102/1/amcaval_1.pd

Characterization of Vehicle Behavior with Information Theory

This work proposes the use of Information Theory for the characterization of vehicles behavior through their velocities. Three public data sets were used: i.Mobile Century data set collected on Highway I-880, near Union City, California; ii.Borl\"ange GPS data set collected in the Swedish city of Borl\"ange; and iii.Beijing taxicabs data set collected in Beijing, China, where each vehicle speed is stored as a time series. The Bandt-Pompe methodology combined with the Complexity-Entropy plane were used to identify different regimes and behaviors. The global velocity is compatible with a correlated noise with f^{-k} Power Spectrum with k >= 0. With this we identify traffic behaviors as, for instance, random velocities (k aprox. 0) when there is congestion, and more correlated velocities (k aprox. 3) in the presence of free traffic flow

Software Metrics for Package Remodularisation

There is a plethora of software metrics \cite{Lore94a, Fent96a, Hend96a, Han00a, Lanz06a} and a large amount of research articles. Still there is a lack for a serious and practically-oriented evaluation of metrics. Often metrics lack the property that the software reengineer or quality expert can easily understand the situation summarized by the metrics. In particular, since the exact notion of coupling and cohesion is complex, a particular focus on such point is important. In the first chapter of the present document, we present a list of software metrics, that are commonly used to measure object-oriented programs. In the second chapter we present our proposition for package metrics that capture package aspects such as information hiding and change impact limits

Precision non-implantable neuromodulation therapies : a perspective for the depressed brain

Current first-line treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) include pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, one-third of depressed patients do not achieve remission after multiple medication trials, and psychotherapy can be costly and time-consuming. Although nonimplantable neuromodulation (NIN) techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, and magnetic seizure therapy are gaining momentum for treating MDD, the efficacy of non-convulsive techniques is still modest, whereas use of convulsive modalities is limited by their cognitive side effects. In this context, we propose that NIN techniques could benefit from a precision-oriented approach. In this review, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing such a framework, focusing on enhancing NIN effects via a combination of individualized cognitive interventions, using closed-loop approaches, identifying multimodal biomarkers, using computer electric field modeling to guide targeting and quantify dosage, and using machine learning algorithms to integrate data collected at multiple biological levels and identify clinical responders. Though promising, this framework is currently limited, as previous studies have employed small samples and did not sufficiently explore pathophysiological mechanisms associated with NIN response and side effects. Moreover, cost-effectiveness analyses have not been performed. Nevertheless, further advancements in clinical trials of NIN could shift the field toward a more ‘‘precision-oriented’’ practice

MSE and FAMIX 3.0: an Interexchange Format and Source Code Model Family

Software systems exceeding a certain critical size easily become difficult to maintain and adapt. Requirements change, platforms change and if a system does not evolve properly, its usefulness will decay over time. This document presents MSE a robust, scalable, extensible interexchange format and FAMIX 3.0 a family of metamodels to represent source code

Predicting treatment response using EEG in major depressive disorder : a machine-learning meta-analysis

Selecting a course of treatment in psychiatry remains a trial-and-error process, and this long-standing clinical challenge has prompted an increased focus on predictive models of treatment response using machine learning techniques. Electroencephalography (EEG) represents a cost-effective and scalable potential measure to predict treatment response to major depressive disorder. We performed separate meta-analyses to determine the ability of models to distinguish between responders and non-responders using EEG across treatments, as well as a performed subgroup analysis of response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and antidepressants (Registration Number: CRD42021257477) in Major Depressive Disorder by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 1960 and February 2022. We included 15 studies that predicted treatment responses among patients with major depressive disorder using machine-learning techniques. Within a random-effects model with a restricted maximum likelihood estimator comprising 758 patients, the pooled accuracy across studies was 83.93% (95% CI: 78.90–89.29), with an Area-Under-the-Curve (AUC) of 0.850 (95% CI: 0.747–0.890), and partial AUC of 0.779. The average sensitivity and specificity across models were 77.96% (95% CI: 60.05–88.70), and 84.60% (95% CI: 67.89–92.39), respectively. In a subgroup analysis, greater performance was observed in predicting response to rTMS (Pooled accuracy: 85.70% (95% CI: 77.45–94.83), Area-Under-the-Curve (AUC): 0.928, partial AUC: 0.844), relative to antidepressants (Pooled accuracy: 81.41% (95% CI: 77.45–94.83, AUC: 0.895, pAUC: 0.821). Furthermore, across all meta-analyses, the specificity (true negatives) of EEG models was greater than the sensitivity (true positives), suggesting that EEG models thus far better identify non-responders than responders to treatment in MDD. Studies varied widely in important features across models, although relevant features included absolute and relative power in frontal and temporal electrodes, measures of connectivity, and asymmetry across hemispheres. Predictive models of treatment response using EEG hold promise in major depressive disorder, although there is a need for prospective model validation in independent datasets, and a greater emphasis on replicating physiological markers. Crucially, standardization in cut-off values and clinical scales for defining clinical response and non-response will aid in the reproducibility of findings and the clinical utility of predictive models. Furthermore, several models thus far have used data from open-label trials with small sample sizes and evaluated performance in the absence of training and testing sets, which increases the risk of statistical overfitting. Large consortium studies are required to establish predictive signatures of treatment response using EEG, and better elucidate the replicability of specific markers. Additionally, it is speculated that greater performance was observed in rTMS models, since EEG is assessing neural networks more likely to be directly targeted by rTMS, comprising electrical activity primarily near the surface of the cortex. Prospectively, there is a need for models that examine the comparative effectiveness of multiple treatments across the same patients. However, this will require a thoughtful consideration towards cumulative treatment effects, and whether washout periods between treatments should be utilised. Regardless, longitudinal cross-over trials comparing multiple treatments across the same group of patients will be an important prerequisite step to both facilitate precision psychiatry and identify generalizable physiological predictors of response between and across treatment options

Prevalência de uso de dispositivos eletrônicos para fumar e de uso de narguilé no Brasil: Para onde estamos caminhando?

Objective: To describe the prevalence of use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and waterpipe in Brazil, by population subgroups, and to evaluate the trend between 2013 and 2019. Methods: We used data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS) to estimate the prevalence of ever and current use of ENDS and current use of waterpipes by socio-behavioral characteristics. Differences in prevalence over time were calculated using data from the BHSU-III-2015 (III Brazilian Household Survey on Substance Use) and the PNS-2013. Results: For 2019, the prevalence of current use of ENDS was estimated at 0.64% (~ 1 million people), of which ~70% were 15-24 years old. The highest prevalence was observed in the Midwest region, but the Southeast concentrates half of these users. Almost 90% are non-smokers, and higher prevalence were found among those who also use waterpipe and abusive alcohol. There was an increase in ENDS use between 2015 and 2019, particularly among younger people. The prevalence of current waterpipe use in 2019 was estimated at 0.47% (~ 800,000 individuals), of which ~80% were 15-24 years old. There was an increase in the prevalence of current waterpipe use between 2013 and 2019, and among young people the increase was ~300%. Conclusions: In Brazil, ENDS have been used mostly by young people, and by never smokers of manufactured cigarettes. The use of DEF and waterpipe has been increasing, even with the country's regulatory restrictions, which may compromise the successful history of the tobacco control policy.Objetivo: Descrever as prevalências de uso de dispositivos eletrônicos para fumar (DEF) e de narguilé no Brasil, por subgrupos populacionais, e avaliar tendência entre 2013 e 2019. Métodos: Os dados principais analisados são da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) de 2019. Estimou-se prevalências de uso na vida e atual de DEF e de uso atual de narguilé segundo características sócio-comportamentais. Os dados da PNS-2019 sobre DEF foram comparados aos do III-LNUD-2015 (III Levantamento Nacional sobre Uso de Drogas pela População Brasileira) e os dados sobre narguilé comparados à PNS-2013. Resultados: Para 2019, estimou-se a prevalência de uso atual de DEF em 0,64% (~1 milhão de pessoas), dos quais ~70% tinham 15-24 anos. Maior prevalência está na região Centro-Oeste, mas o Sudeste concentra metade absoluta desses usuários. Quase 90% são não fumantes, e maiores prevalências foram encontradas entre quem usa também narguilé e álcool abusivo. Observou-se aumento nas estimativas de uso de DEF entre 2015 e 2019, especialmente entre os mais jovens. A prevalência de uso atual de narguilé em 2019 foi estimada em 0,47% (~800 mil indivíduos), dos quais ~80% tinham 15-24 anos. Houve aumento na prevalência de uso atual de narguilé entre 2013 e 2019, e entre jovens o aumento foi de ~300%. Conclusões: No Brasil os DEF têm sido utilizados majoritariamente por jovens, e por nunca fumantes de cigarros industrializados. O uso de DEF e de narguilé vêm aumentando, mesmo com as restrições regulatórias do país, podendo comprometer o exitoso histórico da política de controle do tabagismo

Environmental education in water resources management based on environmental licensing model

No Brasil, a concepção das bases teórico-metodológicas para implementação prática da educação ambiental na gestão de recursos hídricos encontra-se em estágio inicial. No entanto, no licenciamento ambiental, essas bases apresentam amadurecimento e possibilidade de contribuírem para a democratização da sociedade e superação das injustiças ambientais. O objetivo deste estudo, nesse sentido, consiste em discutir a educação ambiental no licenciamento e na gestão dos recursos hídricos, na perspectiva crítico-comparativa, com o propósito de subsidiar o avanço dessas práticas educativas. À semelhança do que ocorre no licenciamento, os impactos gerados pelo usuário de recursos hídricos podem ser mitigados ou compensados por meio de condicionantes de outorga, como programas de educação ambiental. Esta proposta preenche lacuna, no sentido de que usuários que não tiveram exigências no processo de licenciamento, ou não necessitaram de licença ambiental, ainda assim contribuiriam para a sustentabilidade dos recursos hídricos, capacitando a sociedade civil organizada para a gestão participativa das águas, por meio do desenvolvimento de Programas de Educação Ambiental.In Brazil, the theoretical-methodological basis for practical implementation of environmental education for water resources management is at its early stages. However, it presents for environmental licensing maturity and opportunity to contribute significantly to fulfill an agenda for democratization and to overcome environmental injustices. The aim of this paper was to link the environmental education in the licensing with it in the management of water resources. It involved a critical and comparative analysis in order to contribute to the advancement of these educational practices. Similar to what occurs in the licensing, the impacts generated by the use of water could be mitigated or even have some kind of compensation by imposing constraints on the water concession term towards the presentation of an environmental education program associated to the impacts arising from such activities. This proposal also fills in the gap as the users who do not have requirements in the licensing process or did not require an environmental license would still contribute towards water resources sustainability, empowering the civil society for participatory water management through the environmental education program developed

Myxovirus resistance, osteopontin and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 polymorphisms predict hepatitis C virus therapy response in an admixed patient population: comparison with IL28B

OBJECTIVES: Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, myxovirus resistance protein and osteopontin gene polymorphisms may influence the therapeutic response in patients with chronic hepatitis C, and an association with IL28 might increase the power to predict sustained virologic response. Our aims were to evaluate the association between myxovirus resistance protein, osteopontin and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 gene polymorphisms in combination with IL28B and to assess the therapy response in hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin. METHOD: Myxovirus resistance protein, osteopontin, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 and IL28B polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, direct sequencing and real-time PCR. Ancestry was determined using genetic markers. RESULTS: We analyzed 181 individuals, including 52 who were sustained virologic responders. The protective genotype frequencies among the sustained virologic response group were as follows: the G/G suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (rs4969170) (62.2%); T/T osteopontin (rs2853744) (60%); T/T osteopontin (rs11730582) (64.3%); and the G/T myxovirus resistance protein (rs2071430) genotype (54%). The patients who had ≥3 of the protective genotypes from the myxovirus resistance protein, the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 and osteopontin had a greater than 90% probability of achieving a sustained response (

Black jurema bark powder as new alternative material for treatment of water containing two toxic dyes / Emprego do pó da casca de jurema preta como uma nova alternativa para o tratamento de água contendo dois corantes tóxicos

Black jurema bark powder (BJBP) (Mimosa hostilis Benth) was studied for the removal of textile dyes Methylene Blue (MB) and Indigo Blue (IB) in water. The chemical and physical analysis of BJBP showed a heterogeneous surface with chemical groups capable to interact with MB and IB. The experiments were optimized for use of 1g of BJBP and stirring time of 3 minutes for IB, and 0.5g of BJBP and stirring time of 2 minutes for MB. The maximum adsorptive capacities for IB (115.21 mg/g) and MB (3.50 mg/g), obtained through the Langmuir Mathematical Model, were favorable for the use of BJBP as an adsorbent in water containing both dyes. The results obtained in this work suggest BJBP as a new alternative for the removal of IB and MB in aqueous medium. Besides, this work stimulates new studies to evaluate the BJBP adsorption capacity for other chemical pollutants