TOK : a tangible interface for storytelling

We present the design of the first prototype of TOK - a tangible interface for children to create their own stories. Based on data collected with two groups of five years old preschoolers we present our findings regarding the interaction design of the system. The picture cards have shown to generate ideas, acting as input for the creation of stories, promoting creativity while proposing a framework that supports and guides the construction of logical structures. This is a first step in an effort to build a toolkit of tangible interfaces allowing children and teachers to build their own digital enhanced learning activities.FCT-QREN-COMPETE-U

Familial combined pituitary hormone deficiency by a mutation in PROP1: 4 of 7 brothers affected

AbstractIntroductionPROP1 (Prophet of POUF1) mutations are the most frequent genetic cause of combined pituitary hormone deficiency, a condition associated with a deficiency or inadequate production of hormones of the anterior pituitary. The PROP1 gene encodes a transcription factor involved in the ontogeny, differentiation and function of somatotrophs, lactotrophs and thyrotrophs. These mutations are characterized by a remarkable clinical variability, including time of onset of hormonal deficiencies, hypophyseal dimensions and secretion of cortisol.Case reportWe describe a family of consanguineous parents (second-degree cousins), composed of 7 siblings, 4 with combined pituitary hormone deficiency. Two brothers, 41 and 45 years of age, had an initial diagnosis of dwarfism at ages 9 and 12 respectively. Subsequently, TSH, FSH/LH and prolactin deficiency was detected in both. The latter was also diagnosed with cortisol deficiency. The two sisters, aged 46 and 50-years-old, were diagnosed with combined pituitary hormone deficiency, namely of GH, TSH, FSH/LH, prolactin and ACTH, since the ages of 15 and 9, respectively. There was no previous family history of combined pituitary hormone deficiency. The genetic study was performed in the 4 brothers, detecting a homozygous mutation in the PROP1 gene (c.301–302delAG).ConclusionThis case reflects the variability of clinical expression and the progressive functional impairment, including pituitary secretion of ACTH, in patients with PROP1 gene mutations

Neuronal cytoskeletal dynamic modification induced by unconjugated bilirubin

Tese de mestrado, Biologia (Biologia Molecular Humana), 2009, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de CiênciasHyperbilirubinemia is frequently observed in the neonatal period due to the transient accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) in serum, which in certain circumstances it may trigger neurological deficits. We have recently shown that exposure of immature hippocampal neurons to UCB, in conditions mimicking moderate to severe neonatal jaundice, impairs neuronal development, with reduced neurogenesis, neurite arborization, and synaptogenesis. This project aimed to appraise the molecular mechanisms by which UCB may induce mild or severe alterations in the establishment of the normal neuronal architecture and inter-neurons communication that may ultimately elicit the appearance of neurological disabilities. As a first step to address this question we evaluated the effect of UCB at the neuronal cytoskeletal dynamics focusing on: (i) axonal elongation, (ii) microtubule polymerization and stabilization, and (iii) axonal transport. We first observed that UCB exposure lead to a higher percentage of neurons with decreased axonal length. Since microtubules polymerization and stability have crucial roles in axogenesis, we further investigated the polymerization rate of microtubules and found that it was also impaired after UCB exposure. In addition, hippocampal neurons treated with UCB revealed a more stable microtubules array, which may be related to a decreased axonal outgrowth. As our former results demonstrated that UCB increases microtubules stability, we decided to assess the UCB effects on microtubule associated proteins, MAP2 and Tau1. Curiously, we observed that UCB increases MAP2 axonal entry while it also enhances MAP2 and Tau1 expression along the axon, as well as their binding to microtubules. It is known that microtubule-bound Tau1 is able to interfere with the progress of motor proteins such as kinesin and dynein along the axon. Interestingly, in UCB-treated neurons we found a decreased expression of kinesin and a marked elevated expression of dynein, which may compromise the normal axonal transport. One of the cargoes transported via motor proteins are mitochondria. In this regard we demonstrated that UCB exposure induces mitochondria to aggregate and accumulate on the distal portion of the axon, suggesting a deficient axonal transport. These findings are new clues on the mechanisms of neurologic impairment induced by bilirubin in moderate to severe neonatal jaundice, showing cytoskeleton alterations similar to those often observed in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.Resumo alargado em português disponível no document

Is it a book…is it a game? No, it is TOK

The interface presented here aims at helping children to create their own stories and to reflect over their narratives, in a process whereby they learn how to build logical sequences, enhancing their vocabulary and literacy. At the same time we wanted to make it easier for young children to interact with digital content, through the tangibility of the interface.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - PTDC/CPECED/110417/2009, SFRH/BD/62531/200

Hidratação e exercício físico

Trabalho Complementar apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de licenciada em Ciências da NutriçãoA atualidade impulsiona-nos, quase diariamente para a prática de atividades desportivas. O apelo das marcas de vestuário desportivo, de bebidas energéticas, ou as competições que todos os dias são visíveis nos meios de comunicação, são muitas das vezes, a origem do início de exercício físico. Todavia, iniciar ou praticar desporto recreativo ou de competição, não é sinal de conhecimentos adequados sobre hidratação e reposição eletrólitica, tendo-se vindo a verificar que a avaliação dos praticantes nem sempre é a mais adequada, apresentado diversos distúrbios consequentes da desidratação. Trata-se de um trabalho de revisão de forma a informar sobre a hidratação e as consequências da desidratação na prática de exercício físico. Apresenta informações, baseadas em diversos autores e estudos científicos, visando o aumento de conhecimentos sobre hidratação, ingestão de líquidos e a respetiva adequação à prática de exercício, propondo a prevenção e promoção da saúde. Neste sentido, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica, com 77 textos científicos, publicados entre 1961 e 2013, no período temporal entre 1 de Julho e 29 de Novembro de 2013. Quem pratica exercício físico leve ou intenso esquece-se de se hidratar corretamente, e recorre a bebidas energéticas muitas das vezes inadequadas às necessidades do organismo. A hidratação voluntária e adequada durante os eventos desportivos para re-hidratar corretamente falha, originando reduções na água corporal, o que por conseguinte vai alterar vários processos fisiológicos e limitar a capacidade do exercício. Assim, é necessário manter níveis hidro-eletrolíticos adequados em função da modalidade desportiva para se evitar a desidratação e suas consequências. Nowadays, sport takes an important place in people’s daily lives. Sports brands, energy drinks or sports events seen every day in Mass Media are in the origin of our believes to practice sport. However, in sport practice there is a back of knowledge related to hydration or electrolytic balance. In fact the evaluation made by the athletes is not always the best, and so they present several dehydration symptoms. This is a revision project to inform about hydration and its consequences in athletic performance; it also presents information based in several scientific studies based on hydration, fluid intake and its adequacy to sports’ practice in order to prevent and promote athletes’ wellbeing. Therefore, a literature review was performed between 1st July and 29th November of 2013. Seventy-seven scientific articles dating between 1961 to 2013 were collected. In conclusion, athletes, who practice mild or intense physical exercise normally forget to hydrate properly, and an inadequacy of energy drinks are often observed. Voluntary and adequate hydration during sport events is necessary to avoid reductions in body water that can alter several physiological processes and limits the ability to exercise. This, it is necessary to maintain adequate levels of electrolytes according to the sport discipline and prevent the dehydration and its consequences

Hidratação e exercício físico

Trabalho Complementar apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de licenciada em Ciências da NutriçãoA atualidade impulsiona-nos, quase diariamente para a prática de atividades desportivas. O apelo das marcas de vestuário desportivo, de bebidas energéticas, ou as competições que todos os dias são visíveis nos meios de comunicação, são muitas das vezes, a origem do início de exercício físico. Todavia, iniciar ou praticar desporto recreativo ou de competição, não é sinal de conhecimentos adequados sobre hidratação e reposição eletrólitica, tendo-se vindo a verificar que a avaliação dos praticantes nem sempre é a mais adequada, apresentado diversos distúrbios consequentes da desidratação. Trata-se de um trabalho de revisão de forma a informar sobre a hidratação e as consequências da desidratação na prática de exercício físico. Apresenta informações, baseadas em diversos autores e estudos científicos, visando o aumento de conhecimentos sobre hidratação, ingestão de líquidos e a respetiva adequação à prática de exercício, propondo a prevenção e promoção da saúde. Neste sentido, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica, com 77 textos científicos, publicados entre 1961 e 2013, no período temporal entre 1 de Julho e 29 de Novembro de 2013. Quem pratica exercício físico leve ou intenso esquece-se de se hidratar corretamente, e recorre a bebidas energéticas muitas das vezes inadequadas às necessidades do organismo. A hidratação voluntária e adequada durante os eventos desportivos para re-hidratar corretamente falha, originando reduções na água corporal, o que por conseguinte vai alterar vários processos fisiológicos e limitar a capacidade do exercício. Assim, é necessário manter níveis hidro-eletrolíticos adequados em função da modalidade desportiva para se evitar a desidratação e suas consequências. Nowadays, sport takes an important place in people’s daily lives. Sports brands, energy drinks or sports events seen every day in Mass Media are in the origin of our believes to practice sport. However, in sport practice there is a back of knowledge related to hydration or electrolytic balance. In fact the evaluation made by the athletes is not always the best, and so they present several dehydration symptoms. This is a revision project to inform about hydration and its consequences in athletic performance; it also presents information based in several scientific studies based on hydration, fluid intake and its adequacy to sports’ practice in order to prevent and promote athletes’ wellbeing. Therefore, a literature review was performed between 1st July and 29th November of 2013. Seventy-seven scientific articles dating between 1961 to 2013 were collected. In conclusion, athletes, who practice mild or intense physical exercise normally forget to hydrate properly, and an inadequacy of energy drinks are often observed. Voluntary and adequate hydration during sport events is necessary to avoid reductions in body water that can alter several physiological processes and limits the ability to exercise. This, it is necessary to maintain adequate levels of electrolytes according to the sport discipline and prevent the dehydration and its consequences

Enhanced conversion of xylan into furfural using acidic deep eutectic solvents with dual solvent and catalyst behavior

An efficient process for the production of furfural from xylan by using acidic deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which act both as solvents and catalysts, is developed. DESs composed of cholinium chloride ([Ch]Cl) and malic acid or glycolic acid at different molar ratios, and the effects of water and γ-valerolactone (GVL) contents, solid/liquid (S/L) ratio, and microwave heating are investigated. The best furfural yields are obtained with the DES [Ch]Cl:malic acid (1:3 molar ratio)+5 wt % water, under microwave heating for 2.5 min at 150 °C, a S/L ratio of 0.050, and GVL at a weight ratio of 2:1. Under these conditions, a remarkable furfural yield (75 %) is obtained. Direct distillation of furfural from the DES/GVL solvent and distillation from 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) after a back-extraction step enable 89 % furfural recovery from 2-MeTHF. This strategy allows recycling of the DES/GVL for at least three times with only small losses in furfural yield (>69 %). This is the fastest and highest-yielding process reported for furfural production using bio-based DESs as solvents and catalysts, paving the way for scale-up of the process.publishe