Learning mathematics and competences: Bringing together three theoretical perspectives

The symposium aims to bring into analysis and discussion a possibility of articulating and integrating theoretical concepts from Activity Theory, Situated Learning and Critical Mathematics Education in order to contribute to understanding learning in practices where mathematics and technology seem to be relevant

Os padrões repetitivos como actividade de investigação matemática, na sala de 4 anos do pré-escolar

Dissertação de Mestrado em Estudos da Criança - Especialização em Ensino e Aprendizagem da MatemáticaA incidência deste estudo está focada na introdução de actividades de investigação matemática num contexto de padrões repetitivos junto de crianças com quatro anos. Começa-se por caracterizar o que são actividades de investigação no Pré– Escolar, e quais os exemplos justificativos no desenvolvimento do trabalho com padrões. Segue-se a especificação de como se desenvolve o processo de actividade de investigação, focando a atenção na curiosidade, no sentido crítico e no relacionamento das crianças durante as actividades realizadas, conteúdos e competências, envolvimento nas actividades e interacções, e qual o papel da educadora neste contexto. Finalizando, procura-se dar um contributo para ajudar outros profissionais a aumentarem os seus conhecimentos na área de padrões, e a conhecerem a forma como as crianças enfrentam e exploram as tarefas e as potencialidades desta experiência ao nível da aprendizagem da matemática. Não se limitando à aplicação de conhecimentos ou procedimentos pré-definidos, as actividades de investigação estimulam uma abordagem globalizante, relacionando diferentes temas, e permitindo um tipo de trabalho de carácter transversal. No início da intervenção entendeu-se propor às crianças um conjunto de tarefas consistentes com o seu nível de conhecimento, de compreensão ou competência. Assim numa primeira fase as crianças desenvolveram actividades “desafiadoras” a partir dos seus interesses, de cunho progressivamente mais aberto, referentes a contextos variados tais como: rotinas e formação de conjuntos utilizando material manipulativo, reconhecimento das propriedades e formulação de hipóteses sobre a figura geométrica “o quadrado”, numa perspectiva de envolvimento futuro com actividades de investigação. Numa segunda fase temporal, pretendeu-se implementar uma actividade de investigação matemática num contexto de padrões repetitivos, já que é um conceito que é pouco explorado com crianças de 4 anos. O estudo segue uma abordagem de investigação qualitativa baseada no estudo de caso, configurando trajectórias hipotéticas de aprendizagem. O investigador assumiu um papel de observador participante, dirigindo e testemunhando presencialmente as sessões de trabalho das crianças. Foi privilegiada a recolha de dados de ordem qualitativa, durante oito meses, incluindo-se nestes os dados recolhidos durante os três meses em que decorreram as investigações com padrões. A análise dos dados recaiu sobre os processos desenvolvidos durante as actividades investigativas, mais do que sobre os resultados ou produtos obtidos. A finalidade foi a de perceber as questões de relevo, os processos utilizados pelas crianças, as conjecturas, generalizações e argumentações, tendo por base o processo de interacção e de comunicação, na tentativa de perceber as tomadas de decisões e as aprendizagens conseguidas. Neste contexto, pudemos certificar-nos de que as crianças de quatro anos conseguem envolver-se em actividades de investigação matemática.The present study focuses on the introduction of mathematical investigation activities in a context of repetitive patterns among four year old children. First, we have characterized preschool investigation activities, and given justifying examples for the development of the work with patterns. Following, we have specified how to develop the investigation activity process, focusing our attention on the curiosity, critical sense, and relationship of the children during the activities, as well as on the contents, competences, involvement in the activities, interactions, and the role of the educator concerning this matter. Finally, we tried to make a contribution to help other professionals both to increase their knowledge in the area of patterns, as well as to realise the way that children face and explore the tasks and the potentialities of this experiment considering mathematics learning. Investigation activities are not limited to the application of knowledge or pre-defined procedures, also stimulating a global approach, relating different subjects, and allowing a transversal kind of work. At the beginning of the intervention, we have decided to propose to the children some tasks consistent with their level of knowledge, understanding or competence. Thus, the children have first developed challenging activities, according to their own interests, which became more and more open, referring to varied contexts, such as routines, formation of sets using manipulative material, recognition of properties and formulation of hypothesis on the geometrical figure “the square”, into a perspective of future involvement in investigation activities. Then, we attempted to implement a mathematical investigation activity in a context of repetitive patterns, since it is a concept which is usually not explored with four year olds. Our study follows a qualitative investigation approach, based on a case-study, configuring hypothetical learning trajectories. The investigator took the role of participant observer, both directing and witnessing the children’s work sessions. It was given priority to the collecting of qualitative data, for a period of eight months, including the data which have been collected during the three months in which the investigations with patterns took place. The analysis of the data focused more on the investigation process than on its results or obtained products. The main objective of this study was to understand important issues, the procedures used by the children, their conjectures, generalisations and argumentations, emphasising the interaction and communication process, in an attempt to understand their decision making and learning achievements. In this context, we could conclude that that four year old children can, actually, involve themselves into mathematical investigation activities

Experiência pedagógica de formação de professores do ensino superior: perceções dos participantes

As mudanças societais atuais, com reflexos evidentes no mercado de trabalho, implicam uma reconfiguração das profissões e, consequentemente, da formação dos futuros profissionais, com impacto na forma como os professores do ensino superior ensinam e na forma como os estudantes aprendem.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An update on wastewater multi-resistant bacteria : identification of clinical pathogens such as Escherichia coli O25b:H4-B2-ST131-producing CTX-M-15 ESBL and KPC-3 Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella oxytoca

© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant reservoirs of bacterial resistance. This work aims to identify the determinants of resistance produced by Gram-negative bacteria in the influent and effluent of two WWTPs in Portugal. A total of 96 wastewater samples were obtained between 2016 and 2019. The numbers of total aerobic and fecal contamination bacteria were evaluated, and genomic features were searched by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Enterobacteriaceae corresponded to 78.6% (n = 161) of the 205 isolates identified by 16sRNA. The most frequent isolates were Escherichia spp. (57.1%, n = 117), followed by Aeromonas spp. (16.1%, n = 33) and Klebsiella spp. (12.7%, n = 26). The remaining 29 isolates (14.1%) were distributed across 10 different genera. Among the 183 resistant genes detected, 54 isolates produced extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), of which blaCTX-M-15 was predominant (37 isolates; 68.5%). A KPC-3 carbapenemase-producing K. oxytoca was identified (n = 1), with blaKPC-3 included in a transposon Tn4401 isoform b. A higher number of virulence genes (VG) (19 genes) was found in the E. coli 5301 (O25b-ST131-B2) isolate compared with a commensal E. coli 5281 (O25b-ST410-A) (six genes). Both shared five VG [Enterobactin; Aerobactin, CFA/1 (clade α); Type1 (clade γ1); Type IV]. In conclusion, this work highlights the role of relevant clinical bacteria in WWTPs, such as KPC-3-producing K. oxytoca, and, for the first time, a CTX-M-15-producing Ochromobactrum intermedium, a human opportunistic pathogen, and a SED-1-producing Citrobacter farmeri, an uncommon CTX-M-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase.This work was supported by the European Union LIFE Programme under Grant Agreement LIFE14 ENV/PT/000739—LIFE Impetus (https://life-impetus.eu/), accessed on 1 February 2021.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Learning mathematics and competences: bringing together three theoretical perspectives

The symposium aims to bring into analysis and discussion a possibility of articulating and integrating theoretical concepts from Activity Theory, Situated Learning and Critical Mathematics Education in order to contribute to understanding learning in practices where mathematics and technology seem to be relevant.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Omental whirl associated with bilateral inguinal hernia: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Torsion of the omentum is a rare cause of abdominal pain. It is clinically similar to common causes of acute surgical abdomen and is often diagnosed during surgery. Inguinal hernia is a common condition but not frequently related with torsion of the omentum. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old Caucasian man came to our emergency department with abdominal pain of the left quadrant and abdominal distension for 2 days. His medical history included an untreated left inguinal hernia in the last year. Computed tomography revealed densification of mesocolon with left omentum "whirl" component and other signs of omental torsion. During an exploratory laparoscopy, a wide twist of his omentum with necrotic alterations that extended to the bilateral inguinal hernial content was observed. Omentectomy and surgical repair of bilateral inguinal hernia were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Torsion of the omentum is a rare entity and usually presents a diagnostic challenge. The use of abdominal computed tomography can help diagnosing torsion of the omentum preoperatively and, thus, prevents a surgical approach. Nonetheless, some cases of torsion of the omentum require surgical repair. Accordingly, a laparoscopic approach is minimally invasive and efficient in performing omentectomy.(undefined

PREDICT identifies precipitating events associated with the clinical course of acutely decompensated cirrhosis

Background & Aims: Acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis may present without acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) (ADNo ACLF), or with ACLF (AD-ACLF), defined by organ failure(s). Herein, we aimed to analyze and characterize the precipitants leading to both of these AD phenotypes. Methods: The multicenter, prospective, observational PREDICT study (NCT03056612) included 1,273 non-electively hospitalized patients with AD (No ACLF = 1,071; ACLF = 202). Medical history, clinical data and laboratory data were collected at enrolment and during 90-day follow-up, with particular attention given to the following characteristics of precipitants: induction of organ dysfunction or failure, systemic inflammation, chronology, intensity, and relationship to outcome. Results: Among various clinical events, 4 distinct events were precipitants consistently related to AD: proven bacterial infections, severe alcoholic hepatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding with shock and toxic encephalopathy. Among patients with precipitants in the AD-No ACLF cohort and the AD-ACLF cohort (38% and 71%, respectively), almost all (96% and 97%, respectively) showed proven bacterial infection and severe alcoholic hepatitis, either alone or in combination with other events. Survival was similar in patients with proven bacterial infections or severe alcoholic hepatitis in both AD phenotypes. The number of precipitants was associated with significantly increased 90day mortality and was paralleled by increasing levels of surrogates for systemic inflammation. Importantly, adequate first-line antibiotic treatment of proven bacterial infections was associated with a lower ACLF development rate and lower 90-day mortality. Conclusions: This study identified precipitants that are significantly associated with a distinct clinical course and prognosis in patients with AD. Specific preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting these events may improve outcomes in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Lay summary: Acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis is characterized by a rapid deterioration in patient health. Herein, we aimed to analyze the precipitating events that cause AD in patients with cirrhosis. Proven bacterial infections and severe alcoholic hepatitis, either alone or in combination, accounted for almost all (96-97%) cases of AD and acute-on-chronic liver failure. Whilst the type of precipitant was not associated with mortality, the number of precipitant(s) was. This study identified precipitants that are significantly associated with a distinct clinical course and prognosis of patients with AD. Specific preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting these events may improve patient outcomes. (c) 2020 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

COVID-19 symptoms at hospital admission vary with age and sex: results from the ISARIC prospective multinational observational study

Background: The ISARIC prospective multinational observational study is the largest cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We present relationships of age, sex, and nationality to presenting symptoms. Methods: International, prospective observational study of 60 109 hospitalized symptomatic patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 recruited from 43 countries between 30 January and 3 August 2020. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships of age and sex to published COVID-19 case definitions and the most commonly reported symptoms. Results: ‘Typical’ symptoms of fever (69%), cough (68%) and shortness of breath (66%) were the most commonly reported. 92% of patients experienced at least one of these. Prevalence of typical symptoms was greatest in 30- to 60-year-olds (respectively 80, 79, 69%; at least one 95%). They were reported less frequently in children (≤ 18 years: 69, 48, 23; 85%), older adults (≥ 70 years: 61, 62, 65; 90%), and women (66, 66, 64; 90%; vs. men 71, 70, 67; 93%, each P < 0.001). The most common atypical presentations under 60 years of age were nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain, and over 60 years was confusion. Regression models showed significant differences in symptoms with sex, age and country. Interpretation: This international collaboration has allowed us to report reliable symptom data from the largest cohort of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Adults over 60 and children admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common atypical presentations under 30 years. Confusion is a frequent atypical presentation of COVID-19 in adults over 60 years. Women are less likely to experience typical symptoms than men