A relação entre a ajuda pública para o desenvolvimento voltada para o ensino e o índice de educação na Nigéria entre 2003 e 2022

Mestrado Bolonha em Desenvolvimento e Cooperação InternacionalEste trabalho analisa a importância do foco na melhoria da educação na Nigéria, tendo-se focado a análise na relação entre fluxos de APD para educação e o IE na Nigéria, para além dos objetivos específicos de analisar se a APD tem um impacto diferente na Nigéria e na restante região, analisar se a história da Nigéria afeta a relação entre a APD e o IE e analisar a relação dos indicadores sociais do país com a APD e o IE. Para esta análise adotou-se um método de pesquisa mista. O trabalho permitiu concluir que o valor investido na Nigéria tem um impacto maior do que em outros países da região, o IE subiu em média 0,00001254 pontos a cada milhão de dólares investido, 0,00001183 pontos a mais do que no restante da região da África Subsaariana. Também se verificou que com um menor gasto público em educação, a Nigéria obteve resultados melhores de IE, além de que quanto maior a ajuda relativamente ao PIB do país, mais positivo será o impacto. Sobre a história e indicadores, vemos claramente como a história do país afetou a sua organização política, estabilidade e desenvolvimento do sistema educacional, e como isso afeta a qualidade da educação do país. Os indicadores sociais são um exemplo disso, refletindo-se no nível de desenvolvimento do país e nalgumas das dificuldades que enfrenta.This work analyze the importance of focusing on improving education in Nigeria, focusing on the analysis of the relationship between ODA flows for education and EI in Nigeria, in addition to the specific objectives of analyzing whether ODA has a different impact on Nigeria and the rest of the region, analyze whether Nigeria's history affects the relationship between ODA and EI and analyze the relationship between the country's social indicators and ODA and EI. For this analysis, mixed research method was adopted. The work led to the conclusion that the amount invested in Nigeria has a greater impact than in other countries in the region, the EI rose on average 0.00001254 points for every million of dolars invested, 0.00001183 points more than in the rest of the African region Sub-Saharan. It was also found that with lower public spending on education, Nigeria obtained better EI results, in addition to the fact that the greater the aid in relation to the country's GDP, the more positive the impact will be. Regarding history and indicators, we clearly see how the country's history has affected its political organization, stability, and development of the educational system, and how this has affected the quality of education in the country. Social indicators are an example of this, reflecting on the country's level of development and some of the difficulties it faces.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Are we interconnected? A qualitative study on the role and perception of different actors on malaria social behaviour change interventions in rural Mozambique

Background: Interconnecting institutions (health and education sector) and community (through a network of community structures) in social and behaviour change (SBC) activities can add value in an effort for malaria prevention towards a long-term objective of elimination. This approach has been implemented since 2011 in some rural districts of Mozambique. The objective of this study is to describe the perceptions of community and institutional actors on malaria prevention interventions in rural Mozambique. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study with a constructivist research paradigm was conducted in October 2018 in two rural districts of Zambezia Province with high malaria burden in Mozambique. Key-informant sampling was used to select the study participants from different actors and layers: malaria community volunteers, health professionals, non-governmental actors, and education professionals. In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to explore the perceptions of these actors. Classic content analysis looking for themes and semantics was used, and saturation guided the sample size recruitment. Results: A total of 23 institutional actor IDIs took place, and 8 FGDs were held. Four themes emerged from the content analysis: (1) organizational and functional aspects; (2) knowledge about malaria; (3) perception of institutional actors on SBC and community involvement; and, (4) perception of institutional actors on the coordination and leadership on SBC malaria interventions. Community structures were well organized, linked to the health sector and operational, with good knowledge of malaria prevention. Education sector (school teachers) links with the health sector were in some cases good, and in other cases, non-existent. The importance of SBC interventions for malaria control was recognized by health actors, although the activities are delegated to non-governmental institutions. Domestic budgetary allocation constraints, quality of intervention and lack of SBC standard indicators were also identified by health actors as aspects for improvement. Conclusions: Community structures, volunteers and primary school teachers have good knowledge on malaria prevention and regularly sensitize community members and students. Institutional health actors and partners recognize their role on malaria prevention activities, however, more interconnection is needed at different levels.publishersversionpublishe

Is evolution faster at ecotones? A test using rates and tempo of diet transitions in Neotropical Sigmodontinae (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

We evaluated whether evolution is faster at ecotones as niche shifts may be needed to persist under unstable environment. We mapped diet evolution along the evolutionary history of 350 sigmodontine species. Mapping was used in three new tipbased metrics of trait evolution – Transition Rates, Stasis Time, and Last Transition Time – which were spatialized at the assemblage level (aTR, aST, aTL). Assemblages were obtained by superimposing range maps on points located at core and ecotone of the 93 South American ecoregions. Using Linear Mixed Models, we tested whether ecotones have species with more changes from the ancestral diet (higher aTR), have maintained the current diet for a shorter time (lower aST), and have more recent transitions to the current diet (lower aLT) than cores. We found lower aTR, and higher aST and aLT at ecotones than at cores. Although ecotones are more heterogeneous, both environmentally and in relation to selection pressures they exert on organisms, ecotone species change little from the ancestral diet as generalist habits are necessary toward feeding in ephemeral environments. The need to incorporate phylogenetic uncertainty in tip-based metrics was evident from large uncertainty detected. Our study integrates ecology and evolution by analyzing how fast trait evolution is across space

Movement and longitudinal distribution of a migratory fish (Salminus brasiliensis) in a small reservoir in southern Brazil

We investigated whether the movement and distribution of the migratory fish, Salminus brasiliensis, were affected by a small reservoir. We also examined how movement and distribution were related to water temperature, flow, and rainfall. In December 2011 and January 2012, 24 individuals were captured downstream from the dam, tagged with radio transmitters and released in the reservoir (5.46 km² total area). After being released in the reservoir, 18 of the 24 tagged fish travelled upstream, taking an average of 16.6 days to leave the reservoir, with daily movements varying from 24 km/day. However, only seven tagged specimens (29.16%) returned to the lower reservoir section, while the rest remained in the intermediate and upper reservoir sections. Longitudinal distributions and movements were positively related to both upstream flow into the reservoir and water temperature. We found evidence that S. brasiliensis can recognize the longitudinal gradient and is able to continue its upstream migration. On the other hand, the reservoir negatively affected downstream movements, possibly because disorientation prevented movement to the lower reservoir section. Based on these results, we suggest that the impact of small reservoirs on migratory fish species should be objectively addressed in environmental impact assessments and management programs.Neste estudo investigamos se o movimento e distribuição do peixe migrador, Salminus brasiliensis, são afetados por um pequeno reservatório. Também avaliamos como movimento e distribuição se relacionam com a temperatura da água, fluxo e pluviosidade. Em dezembro de 2011 e janeiro 2012, 24 indivíduos foram capturados a jusante da barragem, marcados com radiotransmissores e liberados no reservatório (5,46 km²). Depois de soltos, 18 dos 24 peixes marcados se deslocaram para montante, levando em média 16,6 dias para ultrapassar o reservatório com movimentos diários variando de 24km/dia. Entretanto, apenas sete (29,16%) dos peixes marcados retornaram para seção inferior do reservatório, a maior parte mantendo-se nas seções intermediárias e superiores do reservatório. Distribuição longitudinal e movimento dos peixes foram relacionados positivamente com o fluxo de montante dentro do reservatório e com a temperatura da água. Assim, encontramos evidências que S. brasiliensis pode reconhecer o gradiente longitudinal e continuar sua migração ascendente. Por outro lado, nossos resultados também indicam que o movimento para jusante foi afetado, possivelmente, devido à desorientação, o que impede que os indivíduos alcancem as seções inferiores do reservatório. Com base nos resultados, sugerimos que impactos sobre peixes migratórios devem ser objetivamente abordados em avaliações ambientais e gestão ambiental de pequenos reservatórios

Susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis to azole antifungal agents evaluated by a new broth microdilution method

Malassezia pachydermatis   is considered an opportunistic pathogen of the outer ear duct in dogs and cats. This yeast can also be found in the skin, rectum, anal sacks and vagina. Eighty-two samples of this yeast isolated from dogs with the symptoms of external otitis from the Porto Alegre region were tested for their susceptibility to antifungal agents using the Broth Microdilution Method. The testing antifungal agents were Ketoconazole, Fluconazole and Itraconazole. Experimental essays determined that Sabouraud dextrose broth supplemented with 1% Tween 80 was the most appropriate medium for culture, for a ten-fold dilutions for the inocula, and 48 hours as the interval of readings. The ranges of the Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for the 82 samples were (a) Ketoconazole, from 0.015 to 0.25 mg/mL (mean of 0.08 mg/mL), (b) Fluconazole, from 1 to 32 mg/mL (mean of 9.22 mg/mL), and (c) Itraconazole, from 0.007 to 0.125 mg/mL (mean of 0.05 mg/mL). The isolates of M. pachydermatis showed an excellent level of susceptibility to antifungal azole agents, with all strains being susceptible to Itraconazole, and with only 2.4 % and 3.7% being resistant to Fluconazole and Kketoconazole, respectively. The use of the broth microdilution method allows the assessment of the susceptibility of large numbers of samples from M. pachydermatis isolates to the most common antifungal agents. The proposed procedure is easy to perform and considerably inexpensive compared with other existing tests, which makes this a method of choice for laboratorial use. A standardization of procedures currently used in veterinary mycology laboratories is required. Consistent results among laboratories could greatly benefit the establishment of proper comparisons between studies on antifungal susceptibility and therapeutic trials

um ensaio meta-avaliativo com ênfase na utilidade e responsabilidade

Objetivo: sistematizar a metodologia da meta-avaliação em seus aspetos conceituais e operacionais para facilitar o seu uso nas práticas de gestão em saúde. Métodos: trata-se de um ensaio sobre a meta-avaliação. As bases teóricas foram pesquisadas em livros e artigos, publicados entre 1991 e 2018, que abordassem os aspetos conceituais, metodológicos e operacionais da meta-avaliação. Resultados: a meta-avaliação consiste em um processo de delineamento, obtenção e aplicação da informação descritiva e de julgamento sobre a utilidade, a viabilidade, adequação e precisão de uma avaliação em sua natureza sistemática, fundamentada em padrões e critérios propostos e validados. Existem diversas formas ou abordagens para realização da meta-avaliação. No entanto, as normas comumente seguem as diretrizes da Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation, que propõe 30 padrões agrupadas em cinco princípios: utilidade, viabilidade, propriedade, acurácia/precisão e responsabilidade, sendo esses essenciais determinantes para qualidade de um estudo avaliativo. Conclusão: a meta-avaliação contribui para o julgamento da qualidade dos processos avaliativos, na adequação e utilidade, podendo ser útil, em especial, quando se trata de temas e contextos que já foram avaliados previamente, e, por isso, também é descrita como “uma avaliação de uma avaliação”. Objective: to systematize the meta-evaluation methodology in its conceptual and operational aspects to facilitate its use in health management practices. Methods: this is an essay on meta-evaluation. The theoretical bases were searched in books and articles, published between 1991 and 2018, that approached the conceptual, methodological and operational aspects of the meta-evaluation. Results: the meta-evaluation consists of a process of delineating, obtaining and applying descriptive information and judgment about the usefulness, feasibility, adequacy and precision of an evaluation in its systematic nature, based on standards and criteria proposed and validated. There are several ways or approaches to the meta-evaluation. However, the standards commonly follow the guidelines of the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation, which proposes 30 standards grouped into five principles: utility, viability, ownership, accuracy/precision and accountability, being these essential and determinants for the quality of an evaluative study. Conclusion: the meta-evaluation contributes to the judgment of the quality of the evaluation processes, in the adequacy and usefulness, and can be useful, especially when it comes to themes and contexts that have already been evaluated and therefore is also described as "an evaluation of an evaluation".publishe

Contribuição dos estudos avaliativos de pós-graduação

There are many challenges in minimizing the gaps between scientific evidence and better health outcomes. The translation of knowledge (TC) is the movement that knowledge makes in an organizational context in favor of its effective application. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of CT in the Executive Secretariat of Health Surveillance of Pernambuco (SEVS / PE), focusing on 10 evaluative surveys on Health Surveillance programs, produced in the Master's Degree in Health Evaluation of the Institute of Comprehensive Medicine Prof. Fernando Figueira, from 2011 to 2015. For this purpose, a semi-structured interview script was used, addressing 7 managers and 10 SEVS-PE technicians. In the analysis of this qualitative case study, a CT model was used, and overlapping it, a theoretical structure of use-influence of the evaluation. In eight studies analyzed, evidence was categorized into five phases of CT. Only the evaluation stage of the use of knowledge was not evidenced. Different types of use, dimensions and influence levels of the evaluations were reported. Among the changes occurred, the following were reported: creation of new agendas, elaboration of protocols, change of work process, creation of new flows, hiring of new professionals.publishersversionpublishe

Evaluation of the achievement of the goals of the strategic action plan for coping with chronic diseases in Brazil, 2011-2022

Objetivo: avaliar o alcance das metas nas taxas de mortalidade e prevalência de exposição a fatores de risco e proteção definidas no plano de ações estratégicas para o enfrentamento das Doenças Crónicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT) no Brasil, 2011-2022. Métodos: estudo avaliativo, sendo analisadas as tendências de mortalidade e de fatores de risco para as DCNT de acordo com dados do Global Burden of Disease e do inquérito Vigitel. Utilizou-se a regressão linear e considerou-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: a variação na taxa de mortalidade prematura para todas as DCNT no período de 2011 a 2014 foi superior a meta de redução de 2% ao ano. Em 2015, o declínio foi menor e a partir de 2016 ocorreu aumento da mortalidade. Quanto aos fatores de risco, tendências favoráveis no período de 2010 a 2014, foram revertidas em 2015 a 2018. A partir das projeções, verificou-se que as metas de redução da obesidade, consumo abusivo de álcool, hipertensão e diabetes e o aumento da cobertura do exame papanicolau não deverão ser atingidas até 2022. Conclusão: algumas metas estabelecidas no plano para redução das DCNT e fatores de riscos poderão não ser atingidas. Assim, novos esforços governamentais e a retomada desta prioridade se tornam essenciais, considerando a carga de doenças do país. Objective: to evaluate the achievement of targets for mortality rates and prevalence of exposure to risk and protection factors defined in the Strategic Action Plan for Coping with Noncommunicable Diseases in Brazil, 2011-2022. Methods:evaluative study, analyzing trends in mortality and risk factors for NCD according to data from the Global Burden of Disease and the Vigitel survey. Linear regression and it was considered the significance level of 5% were used. Results: the premature mortality rate for all NCDs in the period of 2011 to 2014 was higher than the reduction target of 2% per year. In 2015, the decline was lower and as of 2016 there was an increase in mortality. Regarding the risk factors, favorable trends in the period from 2010 to 2014 were reversed in 2015 to 2018. It was verified from the data trends that the goals of reducing obesity, alcohol consumption, hypertension and diabetes as well as increased of the Papanicolau exam should not be met by 2022. Conclusion: some goals set in the plan to reduce NCD and risk factors may not be met. Thus, new government efforts and the resumption of this priority become essential, given the burden of disease in the countrypublishersversionpublishe

Determination of the uptake and translocation of nitrogen applied at different growth stages of a melon crop (Cucumis melo L.) using 15N isotope.

In order to establish a rational nitrogen (N) fertilisation and reduce groundwater contamination, a clearer understanding of the N distribution through the growing season and its dynamics inside the plant is crucial. In two successive years, a melon crop (Cucumis melo L. cv. Sancho) was grown under field conditions to determine the uptake of N fertiliser, applied by means of fertigation at different stages of plant growth, and to follow the translocation of N in the plant using 15N-labelled N. In 2006, two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, labelled 15N fertiliser was supplied at the female-bloom stage and in the second, at the end of fruit ripening. Labelled 15N fertiliser was made from 15NH415NO3 (10 at.% 15N) and 9.6 kg N ha−1 were applied in each experiment over 6 days (1.6 kg N ha−1 d−1). In 2007, the 15N treatment consisted of applying 20.4 kg N ha−1 as 15NH415NO3 (10 at.% 15N) in the middle of fruit growth, over 6 days (3.4 kg N ha−1 d−1). In addition, 93 and 95 kg N ha−1 were supplied daily by fertigation as ammonium nitrate in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The results obtained in 2006 suggest that the uptake of N derived from labelled fertiliser by the above-ground parts of the plants was not affected by the time of fertiliser application. At the female-flowering and fruit-ripening stages, the N content derived from 15N-labelled fertiliser was close to 0.435 g m−2 (about 45% of the N applied), while in the middle of fruit growth it was 1.45 g m−2 (71% of the N applied). The N application time affected the amount of N derived from labelled fertiliser that was translocated to the fruits. When the N was supplied later, the N translocation was lower, ranging between 54% at female flowering and 32% at the end of fruit ripening. Approximately 85% of the N translocated came from the leaf when the N was applied at female flowering or in the middle of fruit growth. This value decreased to 72% when the 15N application was at the end of fruit ripening. The ammonium nitrate became available to the plant between 2 and 2.5 weeks after its application. Although the leaf N uptake varied during the crop cycle, the N absorption rate in the whole plant was linear, suggesting that the melon crop could be fertilised with constant daily N amounts until 2–3 weeks before the last harvest