Using conceptual maps in physics classes

Concept Maps: Theory, Methodology, Technology Proc. of the First Int. Conference on Concept Mapping A. J. Cañas, J. D. Novak, F. M. González, Eds. Pamplona, Spain 2004This Poster follows, on the one hand, from the long-term use of concept maps in classes by one of the authors, and her reflection upon this use; it follows, on the other hand, from the fact that the declared theme is an important subject in the research being carried out by the other two authors. We begin with a necessarily-brief introduction to meaningful learning and its mechanisms, following Ausubel’s and Novak’s meaningful learning theory; we then refer generically to the concept maps, showing how we have both introduced them to pupils and used them in classrooms, and we conclude by presenting two examples (from the many that we could present) to illustrate not only the use that we have made of them, but also their usefulness. Basically, we will present some ideas that we have elaborated and discussed, and which are applicable in what concerns concept maps, and consequently submit them to discussion with the teachers and researchers present in this meeting

Homelessness policies in 8 EU countries: An analysis on Policy formation and implementation

The transnational comparative analysis of social policies is a challenging endeavour for researchers, going beyond the description of the “letter of the law” or policy document regarding similarities and differences concerning content, also requiring the understanding of the dimensions associated with formation and implementation. The overall aim of HOME_EU homelessness policy study is to compare Homelessness Policies from 8 EU Countries on the reduction and reversion of this prevailing social phenomenon, with a particular concern related with the presence of Housing First programmatic measures. The study is composed of a qualitative phase with policy documental analysis and a quantitative phase with a survey sample survey for policy stakeholders on policy implementation. The chapter also offers a critical appraisal on limitations and discusses and recommendations for future research.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Can we improve outcomes in patients with previous coronary artery bypass surgery admitted for acute coronary syndrome?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Prognosis and in-hospital management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and a history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are still debated. The objective of this study was to characterize ACS patients with a CABG and to compare their in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes with those of patients without a CABG. METHODS: This ongoing prospective observational study included 1,495 consecutive patients admitted for ACS to a coronary care unit and followed up for a mean of 19 months. There were two groups: group A (n=73), with CABGs; and group B (n=1,223), without CABGs. RESULTS: Group A patients were more often male (86.3% versus 69.1%; P=.002), and more frequently had a history of diabetes, myocardial infarction and heart failure. Group B patients more frequently had ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and had a higher median ejection fraction (53% [interquartile range, 47%-60%] vs. 50% [42%-55%]; P< .01) and peak troponin-I concentration. There was no difference in the use of invasive techniques. Regarding medication, Group B patients were more likely to receive dual antiplatelet therapy at discharge. No significant difference was observed in in-hospital mortality (9.5% versus 5.9%; P=.2) or mortality at 1 month, 6 months or 1 year (9.8% versus 9.1%; log-rank test, P=.87) and the cumulative major adverse cardiac event rate was equally low in both groups. The presence of a CABG was associated with more readmissions for unstable angina (11.3% vs. 3.1%; P< .01). CONCLUSIONS: In our ACS patients, the presence of a CABG had no significant influence on short- or medium-term outcomes, such as all-cause mortality and adverse cardiac events

When gold stops glittering: corrosion mechanisms of René Lalique's Art Nouveau jewellery

ABSTRACT: Art Nouveau jewellery created by René Lalique is presently corroded. To identify the corrosion processes, Au-Ag-Cu alloys with compositions comparable to those used in the René Lalique’s jewellery were fabricated to be exposed to sulphide-containing environments. Using SEM-EDS, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy and ellipsometry, it was for the first time demon-strated that at the surface of tarnished Au alloys forms a corrosion film with a layer-by-layer structure. Considering the complex refractive indices of bulk Cu and Ag oxides and sulphides, a two-step corrosion mechanism was proposed. The formation of Cu-based compounds during the early corrosion stages is followed by the formation of Ag-based compounds. The thinness of the formed film, shown for one of the gold alloys to be of 80 nm, is due to a corrosion kinetics controlled by the presence of Au and by the formation of an Au-S self-assembled monolayer. The corrosion mechanism of gold alloys raises a new conservation challenge concerning the removal of nanometric layers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Variação do valor nutricional de caprinos Serranos ecótipo Jarmelista com diferentes graus de maturidade

O teor de gordura da carne dos caprinos é inferior em 47 e 54% relativamente à da carne dos bovinos e dos ovinos, respectivamente. A maior parte da gordura daqueles animais situa-se na cavidade abdominal, sendo retirada aquando da obtenção da carcaça, reduzindo desta forma o teor de gordura subcutânea o que, sob o ponto de vista de saúde, pode ter efeitos benéficos em relação à carne de bovinos e de suínos. Este estudo teve como objectivo caracterizar a carne de carcaças de caprinos machos e fêmeas desde os 10% até aos 40% de maturidade. Utilizaram-se 21 machos e 21 fêmeas, da raça caprina serrana ecótipo jarmelista, alimentados em prado de sequeiro natural. Quando os animais atingiram o grau de maturidade para abate, este foi efectuado após um jejum de 24 horas. As amostras de cada carcaça foram obtidas por dissecação, sendo o músculo e a gordura triturados e homogeneizados por forma a obter uma amostra de músculo e de gordura (gordura subcutânea com a gordura intermuscular). As amostras foram armazenadas a -18ºC até as análises serem efectuadas. A determinação da Humidade foi realizada pelo método II da NP– 1614 (1979). A determinação da proteína bruta foi efectuada pelo método de Kjeldhal, segundo a NP– 1612 . Para a determinação da gordura utilizou-se método de Soxhlet, segundo a NP– 1224 (1982). Com os resultados obtidos verifica-se que os caprinos são animais com baixo teor de tecido adiposo, apresentando os machos ligeiramente mais músculo, mais osso e menos gordura do que as fêmeas. Os teores de gordura na carcaça de caprino foram de 12,5% e 14,5% para os machos e as fêmeas respectivamente. Nas fêmeas, contrariamente aos machos, a distribuição da gordura, faz-se tanto no músculo como no tecido adiposo. Constatou-se também que as fêmeas apresentavam teores de proteína ligeiramente mais elevados (21,7%) do que os machos (20,9%) sem contudo haver diferença significativa entre os grupos. Quanto ao conteúdo mineral também não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas Verifica-se assim que a carne dos caprinos é uma fonte de carne magra e quando consumida como parte integrante de uma dieta variada, equilibrada e em associação com o exercício físico, esta carne é saudável e benéfica, podendo contribuir para a prevenção de algumas patologias, nomeadamente as doenças cardiovasculares

Impact of renal function on mortality and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events following acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND: Renal failure patients have a dismal prognosis in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Several studies have shown that this population is undertreated, benefiting less frequently from cardiovascular agents and interventions. The aim of our study was to evaluate patients hospitalized for ACS who also presented renal dysfunction, identifying baseline clinical characteristics, treatment options and prognosis. We also assessed whether renal failure was an independent predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events. METHODS: We performed an observational, longitudinal, prospective and continuous study, including 1039 consecutive patients hospitalized in a single center for ACS. Two groups were compared according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): eGFR > or = 60 ml/min (group A) and eGFR < 60 ml/min (group B). The mean follow-up was twelve months after discharge. Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in this population. RESULTS: Group B patients were older and more frequently female, and presented a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and previous cardiovascular disease, and more severe coronary artery disease. Group B also had more cases of non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction, as well as higher blood glucose, higher heart rate on admission, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients in group B were less frequently treated with the main cardiovascular drugs or by an invasive strategy; this group also presented higher in-hospital mortality (9.1 vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). During clinical follow-up, survival and MACE-free rates were significantly lower in group B patients (86.6 vs. 93.6%, p < 0.001, and 76.2 vs. 86.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that eGFR of < 30 ml/min was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 6.92; C statistic = 0.87) and that eGFR of < 60 ml/min was an independent predictor of MACE during follow-up (OR 2.19; C statistic = 0.71). CONCLUSION: We found that moderate to severe renal dysfunction is common in ACS patients, and this variable was an independent predictor of mortality and MACE. However, we also found that these patients are undertreated, which may contribute to their poor prognosis. Early identification of these high-risk patients is important so that the procedures recommended in the international guidelines can be more consistently implemented

Left ventricular end diastolic pressure and acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND: Data is lacking in the literature regarding the prognostic impact of left ventricular-end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) across acute coronary syndromes (ACS). OBJECTIVE: To assess LVEDP and its prognostic implications in ACS patients. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal and continuous study of 1329 ACS patients from a single center between 2004 and 2006. Diastolic function was determined by LVEDP. Population was divided in two groups: A - LVEDP 26.5 mmHg (n = 226). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups with respect to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, medical history and medical therapy during admission. In group A, patients with non-ST elevation ACS were more frequent, as well as normal coronary angiograms. In-hospital mortality was similar between groups, but one-year survival was higher in group A patients (96.9 vs 91.2%, log rank p = 0.002). On a multivariate Cox regression model, a LVEDP > 26.5 mmHg (HR 2.45, 95%CI 1.05 - 5.74) remained an independent predictor for one-year mortality, when adjusted for age, LV systolic ejection fraction, ST elevation ACS, peak troponin, admission glycemia, and diuretics at 24 hours. Also, a LVEDP > 26.5 mmHg was an independent predictor for a future readmission due to congestive HF (HR 6.65 95%CI 1.74 - 25.5). CONCLUSION: In our selected population, LVEDP had a significant prognostic influence

Real-life comparison between diesel and electric car energy consumption

Vehicle electrification is one of the strategies with higher potential for increasing the efficiency of vehicle powertrains, reducing the dependency on dwindling fossil fuel sources and meeting stringent emissions targets set by policy makers. Despite all the theoretical assessments and manufacturer’s claimed efficiency and emissions records of current vehicles, there is a lack of data concerning real life comparisons of Electric Vehicles (EV) against Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars. A test program comparing the energy consumption of an EV and a diesel powered (ICE) car was carried out. Both short (at levelled ground and 6% up hill) and long distance tests were performed for several fixed vehicle speeds. Measurements enabling the assessment of average energy consumption, required power and energy suplied were performed for both vehicles. Results indicate that in terms of vehicle use (Tank to Wheel perspective) the electric powertrain is significantly more energy efficient than the Diesel powertrain, although the difference between the two is less pronounced for higher power events.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Project MOBI-MPP (MIT-Pt/EDAM-SMS/0030/2008), SFRH/BPD/51048/2010, SFRH/BPD/89553/2012MIT Portugal Program (EDAM), MOBI-MPP ProjectFEDER - Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade COMPET

Slurry preparation methods affect dental porcelain reliability

One-step and incremental mixing procedures are currently used to produce dental ceramic pastes. In the ceramic industry, high quality is obtained using one-step mixing, but in dentistry, the best method has not been yet determined. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of 2 mixing techniques on the biaxial flexural strength and microstructure of dental porcelain. Feldspathic porcelain discs (2 × 15 mm in diameter) were produced and divided according to the ceramic paste preparation method, powder-liquid incremental mixing group (n=50) or one-step mixing, as a control group (n=50). Specimens were tested for biaxial flexural strength and characterized using porosimetry, relative humidity, SEM/EDS, XRD, and FT-IR analyses. Statistical analysis was conducted using Weibull statistics. The Weibull modulus, characteristic strength and relative humidity were compared between groups, using Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test (a=.05). The powder-liquid incremental mixing group showed significantly higher values (SD) of Weibull modulus (6.74 (0.70), P<.001) and characteristic strength (79.87 (2.01) MPa, P<.001) when compared to the one-step mixing group (4.94 (0.94) and 75.95 (2.61) MPa). Significantly lower mean (SD) relative humidity values (P=.009) were found for powder-liquid incremental mixing group (20% (0.5%)) compared to one-step mixing group (22% (1%)). XRD spectra showed that the one-step mixing group produced higher amounts of the amorphous phase. Specimens produced by the incremental mixing technique showed higher biaxial flexural strength than one-step mixing

POPs’ effect on cardiometabolic and inflammatory profile in a sample of women with obesity and hypertension

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are man-made compounds with metabolic disruption impact. We investigated the effect of POP exposure in the cardiometabolic and inflammatory profile in a population of women with obesity and hypertension. In 43 premenopausal women (22 treated vs. 21 nontreated) undergoing bariatric surgery, blood and adipose tissue samples (visceral (vAT) and abdominal subcutaneous (scAT)) were collected. Median concentrations of ∑HCH and ∑POPs in vAT were significantly higher in treated women. VAT ∑HCH and scAT ∑HCH and ∑POPs concentrations were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure in the non-treated group. Our findings suggest that exposure to POPs and its accumulation in vAT and circulating in plasma may be associated to a higher cardiovascular risk in women with obesity and hypertension, with or without antihypertensive treatment.This work was supported by FCT (Fundo Social Europeu, Programa Operacional Potencial Humano da EU (POPH); PEst-OE/SAU/UI0038/2011; SFRH/BD/46640/2008, SFRH/BD/64691/2009), and Projetos de Investigação na Pré-graduação 2011, Universidade do Porto.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio