Regional Growth in Europe: The Role of European and National Policies

We conduct a systematic study of the impact of European Union (EU) regional policies on regional economic growth that controls for national policies and geographic characteristics. Special care is taken in distinguishing between the impact of EU policies and of national policies on economic growth. Our empirical study tries to answer two different questions. First, is there convergence across EU regions, and if so, do regions converge to a common European steady-state or to a national one? Second, how do European and national policies affect regional growth? We find evidence of regional convergence at the national level but not at the European level. In addition we find that trade openness at the national level is associated with regional convergence while European regional policies contribute, though weakly, to regional convergence. Our results suggest that policies that foster market integration – and convergence to a common steady-state - such as the promotion of labour and capital movements across countries and common regulatory policies are as important for European-wide regional convergence as regional structural funds. JEL codes: D30, R11National Policies, European Union Policies, regional growth

Parkinson's disease : experimental in vitro model validation and the potential role of cofilin-1 in the pathophysiological mechanisms

The dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) is responsible for the marked motor impairment observed in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this are not completely understood. Since by the time of diagnosis, 50-70% of the dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway have already been degenerated, it is difficult to investigate the early-stage events of disease pathogenesis. Due to inaccessibility of the human brain to study initial pathogenic mechanisms of the disease, experimental models have been developed in an attempt to elucidate PD etiology and its progression. Nevertheless, PD models are a controversial issue in neuroscience research since it is challenging to mimic human neuronal complexity. Therefore, the lack of optimal models that recreate disease pathology is one of the causes of failure of clinical trials that have attempted to find new/better PD therapies. Taking this in consideration, the development of more suitable models is necessary to improve our knowledge regarding PD etiological mechanisms. Additionally, the understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of models already established would also be beneficial for PD research, which our group addressed by reviewing this subject. Considering this, we chose SH-SY5Y cells as a PD model for our studies. To investigate the initial stages of PD-induced neurodegeneration, our work focused in the role of cofilin-1, a protein involved in mitochondrial dysfunction caused by oxidant-induced-apoptosis, which are two pathogenic processes strongly related to PD. Hence, in the thesis, we aimed to validate the use of retinoic-acid-(RA)-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells as an in vitro model and use it to investigate the potential role of cofilin-1 in the initial molecular and cellular mechanisms of PD. Although SH-SY5Y cells are widely used in PD research, their major drawback is their lack of important neuronal features, such as low levels of proliferation and stellate morphology. On the other hand, SH-SY5Y cells can acquire a neuronal phenotype when treated with differentiation agents such as RA. Since several protocols have been described, the consequence of which may be the discrepancies observed among studies regarding neuronal and dopaminergic features. In Chapter I, we aimed to validate a RA-differentiation protocol for SH-SY5Y cells previously established by our research group, focusing upon characterization of neuronal features and its subsequent response to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a toxin widely used to induce dopaminergic degeneration. RA-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells have low proliferative rates, a pronounced neuronal morphology and high expression of genes related to synapse vesicle cycle, dopamine synthesis/degradation, and dopamine transporter (DAT). After exploring phenotypic differences between these two models, we verified that RA-differentiated cells were more sensitive to 6-OHDA toxicity than undifferentiated cells, which could be related to an increase of DAT immunocontent. Many lines of evidence have showed that DAT is responsible for 6-OHDA uptake in vivo. Once inside the neuron, 6-OHDA underwent auto-oxidation causing a significant increase in oxidative stress. However, toxin uptake is not an essential step in undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells, as auto-oxidation occurs extracellularly. We showed here, for the first time, that RA-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells can mimic, at least in part, an important mechanism of the 6-OHDA-induced cell death found in previous in vivo studies. Hence, the cellular model established by our research group presents essential neuronal features, being a suitable model for PD research. In Chapter II, RA-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were used as cellular model to investigate disease molecular mechanisms, focusing upon cofilin-1. Our previous data have shown that oxidation of non-phosphorylate (activated) cofilin-1 leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death induced by apoptosis in tumour cells. Here we found that cofilin-1 played a role in early stages of neuronal apoptosis induced by 6-OHDA in our cellular model since cofilin-1 mitochondrial translocation precedes organelle dysfunction. Overexpression of wild type CFL1 resulted in increased sensitivity of SH-SY5Y cells to 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death. Furthermore, overexpression of non-oxidizable CFL1 containing Cys-to-Ala mutations (positions 39, 80 and 139) increased neuronal resistance to this toxin, suggesting that oxidation is an important step in 6-OHDA toxicity. Follow-up experiments were performed in order to evaluate clinically whether cofilin-1 pathway proteins content is altered in PD post mortem human brain. Our findings showed a significant decrease in p-cofilin-1/cofilin-1 ratio in PD patients, which indicates an increase in the amount of activated cofilin-1 available for oxidation. Moreover, through principal component analysis, the immunodetection of cofilin-1 pathway proteins were able to discriminate controls and PD individuals during the early-stage of neuropathological changings. Hence, we demonstrated, for the first time, a possible role for cofilin-1 in PD pathogenesis and its potential use as biomarker. Taken together, our data showed that RA-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells present terminally-differentiated dopaminergic neuron features, that are essential to mimic dopaminergic neurons. By using this cellular model and post mortem brain tissue, we also demonstrated a possible role for cofilin-1 in early steps of the neurodegeneration process found in PD, which it could impact drug and biomarker discovery researches

Development of a Digital Repository Prototype applied to Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon

University libraries have played a key role in scientific research as well as in the support of education-related activities. Their main goal is to provide their users with immediate access to relevant information through updated information sources. Science evolves rapidly and so the daily information needs on health matters are large and require rapid access to the sources. One of the problems that currently exist in university libraries is the access and processing of information in digital format. Digital objects are technologically diverse and there is not enough technical information regarding its proper handling. In this paper we present the tools and methodologies that should be used to provide, in an organized and validated way, the wide range of existing information in a digital format. This work was done in the context of a Master of Science thesis in Information Studies and Digital Libraries. The aim was to find practical solutions for the processing and offering of information in digital format in the context of pharmaceutical sciences. Finally, the paper presents reliable benchmarking of best practices to implement and evaluate a prototype applied to the Pharmaceutical Sciences, in order to satisfy the user’s needs

Heat flow and specific heat capacity in the dehydration stage of biomasses pyrolysis through thermal analyses

Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la influencia de la humedad de la caña energética y la fibra de coco sobre el flujo de calor y la capacidad calorífica específica en la etapa de deshidratación del proceso de pirólisis. Los experimentos se llevaron a cabo en un analizador simultáneo de termogravimetría y calorimetría diferencial de barrido utilizando una velocidad de calentamiento de 20 K/min en atmósfera inerte. Se identificaron tres etapas de descomposición: deshidratación (marcada por un pico endotérmico expresivo), pirólisis y carbonización. De los análisis de los aportes de agua se observó que el flujo de calor proveniente de la capacidad calorífica del agua remanente (Qwc) es despreciable en comparación con el flujo de calor proveniente de la evaporación del agua (Qwe), para ambas biomasas. Además, calculamos el flujo de calor a partir de la capacidad calorífica (Qb) y la capacidad calorífica específica experimental (cp,b) de las biomasas de 686-2371 J/kg K y 1076-2113 J/kg K, respectivamente. Así, para la etapa de deshidratación, se han propuesto ecuaciones polinómicas teóricas de tercer y cuarto orden para predecir el calor requerido para el calentamiento de las biomasas.This study aims to investigate the influence of the moisture of energy cane and coconut fiber on heat flow and specific heat capacity in the dehydration stage from the pyrolysis process. The experiments were carried out in a simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry analyzer using a heating rate of 20 K/min in an inert atmosphereThree decomposition stages were identified: dehydration (marked by an expressive endothermic peak), pyrolysis, and carbonization). From the analyses of the water contributions, it was observed that the heat flow from the heat capacity of remaining water (Qwc) is negligible compared to the heat flow from the water evaporation (Qwe), for both biomasses. Also, we calculated the heat flow from the heat capacity (Qb) and the experimental specific heat capacity (cp,b) of biomasses such as 686-2371 J/kg K and 1076-2113 J/kg K, respectively. Then, for the dehydration stage, third- and fourth-order theoretical polynomial equations have been proposed to predict the heat required for the biomass heating

Regional growth in Europe: The role of European and national policies

We conduct a systematic study of the impact of European Union (EU) regional policies on regional economic growth that controls for national policies and geographic characteristics. Special care is taken in distinguishing between the impact of EU policies and of national policies on economic growth. Our empirical study tries to answer two different questions. First, is there convergence across EU regions, and if so, do regions converge to a common European steady-state or to a national one? Second, how do European and national policies affect regional growth? We find evidence of regional convergence at the national level but not at the European level. In addition we find that trade openness at the national level is associated with regional convergence while European regional policies contribute, though weakly, to regional convergence. Our results suggest that policies that foster market integration – and convergence to a common steady-state - such as the promotion of labour and capital movements across countries and common regulatory policies are as important for European-wide regional convergence as regional structural funds.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologi

Breaking Bad News: Doctors’ Feelings and Behaviors

Los ginecólogos o los ultrasonógrafos son los profesionales que deben comunicar a los padres la noticia de la discapacidad de su hijo, en el período prenatal. A menudo, estos profesionales no están preparados para comunicar este suceso a los padres y tienen algunas limitaciones que les llevan a actuar de forma inapropiada. Por ello, los objetivos de esta investigación eran identificar y describir las emociones de los profesionales que afrontan esta situación y conocer sus comportamientos cuando tienen que informar a una pareja de la anomalía de su hijo. Se entrevistaron a 10 ginecólogos y 10 ultrasonógrafos: 5 trabajaban en los Servicios de la Salud Pública y 5 eran clínicos privados. Las entrevistas eran semi-estructuradas. Los resultados muestran que, según los participantes, no hay un momento específico, ni un comportamiento estándar que sea el más apropiado para semejante situación. Sin embargo, los datos muestran que todos los participantes se sintieron dolidos o frustrados cuando tuvieron que informar de este fenómeno, y se involucraron en el caso. Concluyendo, no ha hay ningún curso de la licenciatura que los haya preparado para afrontar esta deficiencia. Se hacen algunas sugerencias acerca del currículo de licenciatura para mejorar la preparación de los futuros médicos. Incluso se necesita un procesional de la salud mental en los equipos multidisciplinarios que se forman para afrontar el dolor que se produce en el momento de semejante noticia.The announcement about the handicap of a child is communicated to parents by gynecologists or ultrasonographists, in the prenatal period. Often, these professionals are not prepared to communicate this news to the parents, and they have some limitations that lead them to act inappropriately. Therefore, the aims of this research were to identify and to describe the feelings of professionals facing this situation, and to examine their behaviors when they have to inform a couple about the child’s anomaly. Ten gynecologists and ultrasonographists were interviewed: five were consultants in Public Health Services and five were private clinicians. Interviews were carried out with a semi-structured script. The results showed that, according to the participants, there is no specific moment, nor a standard behavior, that is most appropriate for making such an announcement. Yet the data show that all the participants feel hurt or frustrated when they must announce this phenomenon, becoming involved with the case. In conclusion, no graduate course has prepared them to deal with this deficiency. Suggestions are made concerning the graduate curriculum in order to improve the preparation of future doctors. A mental health professional is even necessary among the multidisciplinary team formed to deal with the pain produced in the moment of the announcement

Quality of life of people with mild intellectual disability

Não é prática comum dar voz a pessoas com deficiência, mesmo quando se trata da investigação de sua própria qualidade de vida. Assim, este estudo teve por objetivo conhecer a opinião de 15 adultos com deficiência mental leve em relação a sua qualidade de vida e a opinião de seus cuidadores também a esse respeito, por meio de um instrumento que avalia a qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-Bref). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente e comparados. Os resultados mostram que a diferença entre as avaliações foi pequena nas questões referentes à satisfação com os domínios físico, psicológico, das relações sociais e do meio ambiente. A avaliação feita pelas pessoas com deficiência foi apenas ligeiramente superior àquela feita por seus cuidadores. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as avaliações, do que se conclui que as pessoas com deficiência mental são capazes de falar de suas próprias vidas de maneira positiva e bastante realista.People with intellectual disability are often neglected even though it is a question of their own quality of life. Thus, this study aimed to know the opinion of 15 adults with mild intellectual disability related to their quality of life and the opinion of their caregivers about it with an instrument that evaluates quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref). The data were statistically analyzed and compared. The results show that the difference between the evaluations was small in the questions concerning satisfaction with the physical, psychological, social relation and environment welfares. People with disability' evaluation was few higher than their caregiver's evaluation. There weren't significant statistics difference between evaluations, so that we conclude that the people with intellectual disability are able to talk about their own lives with an optimistic view and a very realistic way

Métricas de valoración ambiental : una percepción de la gestión pública en el municipio de Cavalcante - Goiás

A pesquisa objetivou analisar a percepção dos agentes públicos da cidade de Cavalcante do estado de Goiás, quanto à utilização da métrica de valoração dos bens ambientais para a tomada de decisão na contabilidade, nas políticas públicas do município e na sociedade, relacionada à preservação e conservação do meio ambiente. Foi utilizado o Método do Custo de Viagem (MCV) para calcular o valor econômico dos ativos ambientais, tais como as cachoeiras do município, com base nos dados de pesquisa sobre o perfil do turista da cidade, realizada pelo Centro de Excelência em Turismo (CET-UnB), no período de novembro de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012. O resultado do trabalho foi apresentado a três agentes na elaboração da contabilidade e na promoção de políticas públicas do município, sendo eles o contador, o secretário de turismo e um representante da sociedade. Observou-se que para os agentes o uso da técnica do MCV está condicionado a pré-disposição dos gestores em utilizar a ferramenta para auxiliar no desenvolvimento de suas atividades; podendo contribuir apenas para sensibilizar o governante na realização de políticas públicas; pois os gestores não apresentam interesse e nem preparação para utilizar os dados. Isto pode ser em decorrência do turismo não ser considerado como a principal fonte de desenvolvimento municipal, o que reduz os postos de trabalho fixo nesta área, uma vez que a prefeitura é a principal fonte pagadora.The research aims to analyze the perception of public officials in the city of Cavalcante of the state of Goiás, in the use of the metric of valuation of environmental assets for decision-making in accounting, public policy of the municipality and in society, related to preservation and conservation environment. The Travel Cost Method (TCM) was used to calculate the economic value of environmental assets such as the waterfalls of the municipality, based on research data on the profile of the city's tourist, conducted by the Center for Excellence in Tourism at the University Brasilia, between November 2011 and February 2012. The outcome of the work was presented to three officers in the preparation of accounting and promoting public policies of the city, namely the counter, the tourism secretary and a representative of the city. It was observed that the use of TCM technique is conditioning to pre-provision of the development of the activities of the manager; may contribute only to sensitize the ruler in carrying out public policies; because managers have no interest nor preparation to use the data. This may be due to the tourism sector not be considered as the main source of municipal development, which reduces the fixed jobs in this area. The municipality is the main payer in the area

Oficina de karate do colégio de aplicação da UFRGS: experiências em saúde integral

Trabalho apresentado no 31º SEURS - Seminário de Extensão Universitária da Região Sul, realizado em Florianópolis, SC, no período de 04 a 07 de agosto de 2013 - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.A presente oficina de Karate-dō tem como objetivo divulgar o trabalho promovido no projeto de extensão em Karate-dō do Colégio de Aplicação da UFRGS, difundindo as práticas que envolvem essa modalidade através de vivências nas técnicas, exercícios de meditação e conhecimentos históricos, filosóficos e espirituais. Suas atividades terão caráter teórico-prático e serão divididas em dois momentos: (1) prática tradicional; (2) trabalho com saúde integral. Tal configuração é inovadora na pedagogia do Karate-dō, sendo uma proposta de atividade física que busca o desenvolvimento integral

Cuidados paliativos pediátricos domiciliários centrados na família: Contributos para uma Orientação salutogénica.

O presente artigo tem como objetivo abordar os cuidados paliativos pediátricos domiciliários centrados na família numa perspetiva salutogénica. A pesquisa efetuada em plataformas de bases de dados e em revistas científicas revelou um número limitado de estudos centrados no paradigma salutogénico em cuidados paliativos. Os cuidados paliativos pediátricos têm como principal objetivo a prestação de cuidados domiciliários centrados na família, indo ao encontro das necessidades das famílias, com impacte positivo na qualidade de vida da criança. A Associação Europeia de Cuidados Paliativos reconhece a importância de centrar os cuidados nas competências e nos recursos da criança e da família e não exclusivamente nas suas dificuldades, ou seja, da orientação salutogénica nos cuidados paliativos. Esta nova orientação nos cuidados de saúde tem vindo a emergir progressivamente como resultado do desenvolvimento de diversos constructos, nomeadamente do sentido interno de coerência e da resiliência. Conclui-se que esta mudança de paradigma é fundamental para a melhoria da qualidade de vida da criança e da família ao longo do curso da doença