Leadership development curriculum for family and consumer sciences undergraduates

The objectives of this study were to design a leadership curriculum for family and consumer sciences female undergraduate students to be implemented as a course or infused into existing courses, and to conduct a formative evaluation of the curriculum. Curriculum content was based on recommendations of theorists of transformational leadership Bennis and Nanus (1985), Kouzes & Posner(1987), and Tichy and Devanna, (1986); leadership experts, and students. A draft curriculum was developed and pilot tested with seven undergraduate and two graduate students. The curriculum was revised and again pilot tested using a pretest-posttest, experimental-standard treatment design. Fifty-nine female students enrolled in a required one-credit, 15 contact-hour senior seminar constituted the experimental group for curriculum implementation; 48 female students enrolled in another section of the seminar served as the standard group and received the traditional curriculum for the seminar. The Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI), a self-report measure of perceived leadership practices developed by Kouzes and Posner (1993), and a questionnaire developed by the researcher containing structured and open-ended questions were used to assess curriculum impact;No significant posttest differences were found for any of the five LPI scale scores or total LPI scores between the experimental and standard groups beyond those explained by the covariates; i.e., pretest scores for each of the five scales and the total instrument respectively. However, a total of 12 (25.53%) students in the experimental group compared to only 3 (7.14%) in the standard group declared that they had changed their career plans and would now consider leadership positions, suggesting that the leadership curriculum may have successfully motivated female students in the experimental group to more actively seek to be leaders. Narrative data from students in the experimental group also suggested that the leadership curriculum helped students learn leadership concepts and increase their confidence and motivation to seek leadership positions. The leadership curriculum can now be further tested and adapted in courses for both female and male family and consumer sciences students

Towards determining the structure of human KIFC1, a potential target for drug development in cancer therapy

Normal cell division is initiated upon centrosome duplication and the two centrosomes move towards the cell periphery to form the poles of a bipolar mitotic spindle, a function that is essential for accurate chromosome segregation. Aberrant centrosomes duplication leading to more than two centrosomes is referred to as centrosome amplification. Centrosome amplification causes genetic instability and is a hallmark in cancer cells. Cancer cells survive the multiple mitotic spindle formation by clustering Microtubules Organizing Centres (MTOCs) to form two supernumerary centrosomes and a single pseudo-bipolar spindle during metaphase. KIFC1, a kinesin essential for this process, is particularly interesting as a potential therapeutic target. This is due to its non-essential role in cell division in normal cells but crucial centrosome clustering function in cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes. The overall goal of this project was to determine the structure of the catalytic domain, also known as motor domain, of KIFC1 to aid future structure-based drug-design. In this project, I have established the expression and purification protocol for the KIFC1 motor domain. The protocol enables to obtain large amounts of protein at highest purity. Although I obtained crystals initially, their reproduction was difficult and therefore high-resolution crystals of the KIFC1 motor domain proved difficult to obtain. As such, the search for crystallisation conditions that allow the formation of high-resolution and reproducible crystals of the KIFC1 motor domain continues. Once this bottleneck is surpassed, it will be possible to use the structure for future structure-based drug-design

Estudio molecular y evolutivo del gen de la glucoproteína G del virus sincicial respiratorio y su relación con la circulación local y global en un período de seis años

Objetivos generales - Ampliar el conocimiento sobre la epidemiología general y molecular del HRSV en la Argentina. - Profundizar los conocimientos sobre la evolución molecular del HRSV subtipos A y B y su relación con la circulación local y global (Filogeografía). - Describir la naturaleza de cuasiespecies para el HRSV, sus implicancias en la evolución del HRSV en relación a la persistencia en diferentes huéspedes y la generación de variabilidad viral. Objetivos particulares - Describir la incidencia de los Virus Respiratorios comunes como productores de IRAB en pacientes pediátricos en la Argentina durante el período de seis años comprendidos entre 1999 y 2004. - Correlacionar factores meteorológicos con la incidencia del HRSV durante los distintos meses del año durante el período en estudio. - Analizar la incidencia de los subtipos de HRSV durante el período analizado. - Analizar a nivel de secuencia nucleotídica el gen de la glucoproteína G del HRSV subtipos A y B. - Definir filogenéticamente genotipos a partir de la aplicación de modelos evolutivos y compararlos con los que circulan en el resto del mundo. - Describir filodinámicamente la circulación de los genotipos a nivel local y global. - Analizar la presencia de cuasiespecies en infecciones por HRSV. - Describir la composición de las cuasiespecies si es que éstas son encontradas.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

Molecular epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus in pediatric patients in a six-year period

El virus sincicial respiratorio humano (HRSV) es la principal causa de infección respiratoria aguda baja (IRAB) grave en niños pequeños, no existiendo una vacuna eficaz para prevenirlo. Se analizaron muestras de aspirados nasofaríngeos de pacientes hospitalizados por IRAB en un período de seis años (1999-2004). Por RT-PCR se subtipificaron 353 muestras positivas para HRSV por inmunofluorescencia directa. Entre éstas, 65,7% pertenecieron al subtipo A y 34,3% al subtipo B. Por amplificación, RFLP y secuenciación del gen de la glucoproteína G, principal antígeno neutralizante, se estudiaron las relaciones filogenéticas. Para el subtipo A, se encontraron dos patrones de restricción principales (PA1 y PA2) y dos genotipos, GA2 y GA5, que cocircularon durante el período analizado. El análisis filodinámico determinó alternancia en la circulación de clados genéticos en el tiempo entre Argentina y otros países, mientras que otros cocircularon globalmente. El análisis del subtipo B, permitió describir un evento genético inusual, la duplicación de un segmento de 60 nucleótidos. Filodinámicamente se demostró que estos virus, denominados BA, circularon en Argentina durante todo el período analizado, asociándose con cepas del resto del mundo y mostrando un ancestro en común que probablemente se haya generado en Argentina entre 1997 y 1999. Este trabajo contribuye a un mejor conocimiento evolutivo del virus, dándole un rol fundamental al laboratorio de virología en la vigilancia molecular activa.Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children. Despite considerable efforts there is as yet no satisfactory vaccine available. In this work, nasopharyngeal aspirates taken from hospitalized children with ALRI were analyzed over six consecutive epidemic seasons (1999-2004). By RT-PCR, 353 positive samples for HRSV by direct immunofluorescence were subtypified. Among them, 65.7% belonged to subtype A and 34.3% to subtype B. Therefore, a phylogenetic analysis was performed using RFLP and sequence analysis of the G-glycoprotein gene, the main neutralizing antigen. The results for A subtype, showed that there were two main restriction patterns (PA1 and PA2) and two genotypes (GA2 and GA5) cocirculating during the period studied. The phylodinamic analysis showed that there were some genetic clades which along this period of time alternated their circulation between Argentina and other countries and that other clades cocirculated worldwide. The subtype B analysis enabled the description of an unusual genetic event such us a 60 nucleotide duplication. The phylodinamic analysis showed that all of these viruses, designated BA, circulated in our country during the period studied and were associated with strains reported wordlwide, showing a common ancestor which had probably been generated in a single genetic event between 1997 and 1999 in Argentina. This work contributes to a better understandig of this virus evolution, giving a fundamental role to the virology laboratory in the active molecular surveillance.Fil: Viegas, Mariana. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez". Laboratorio de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Sixteen years of evolution of human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup A in Buenos Aires, Argentina: GA2 the prevalent genotype through the years

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the main viral cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children worldwide. In recent years, several preclinical trials with vaccine candidates have been reported. It is in this sense that molecular epidemiological studies become important. Understanding viral dispersion patterns before and after the implementation of a vaccine can provide insight into the effectiveness of the control strategies. In this work we analyzed the molecular epidemiology of HRSV-A over a period of sixteen years (1999-2014) in Buenos Aires. By bioinformatic tools we analyzed 169 sequences of the G glycoprotein gene from hospitalized pediatric patients with LRTI. We found that GA2 was the most prevalent genotype (73.35%). GA5 genotype co-circulated in our region until 2009 when it was no longer detected, except in 2011. The recently globally emerging ON1 lineage with a 72-nt duplication increased its frequency to become the only lineage detected in Buenos Aires in 2014. By discrete phylogeographic analysis of global ON1 strains we could determine that Panama could be the location of the MRCA dated June 20, 2010; and this lineage could be introduced in Argentina from Spain in April 2011. This analysis also showed temporary and geographical clustering of ON1 strains observed as phylogenetic clades with strains exclusively associated from a single country, nevertheless among our 44 ON1 strains from three outbreaks (2012-2014) we could also detect posterior reintroductions and circulation from United States, Cuba, South Korea, and Spain. The continuous phylogeographic analysis of one sublineage of Argentine ON1 strains allowed us to establish that there could be a local clustering of some strains even in neighborhoods. This work shows the potential of this type of bioinformatic tools in the context of a future vaccine surveillance network to trace the spread of new genetic lineages in human populations.Fil: Viegas, Mariana. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez". Laboratorio de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Goya, Stephanie. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez". Laboratorio de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Mistchenko, Alicia Susana. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez". Laboratorio de Virología; Argentin

Implementação e Validação da Análise de Cloretos por Potenciometria Indireta

Este trabalho, decorreu na unidade laboratorial do sotavento das Águas do Algarve, e teve como objetivo a implementação e validação do método de potenciometria indireta, para a quantificação de cloretos em águas naturais subterrâneas, superficiais e residuais. O cloreto, quando presente em elevadas concentrações, conduz ao aumento da taxa de corrosão das tubagens e equipamentos de metal, confere à água de consumo sabor e pode inibir o crescimento de vegetação, quando utilizada para rega. Os cloretos, são interferentes no método de quantificação da carência química de oxigénio bem como noutros métodos analíticos. Foi realizada o desenvolvimento dos parâmetros do método, nomeadamente a titulação dinâmica com a adição de incrementos de titulante, a resposta do elétrodo através da testagem do tempo mínimo e máximo de estabilização assim como, o critério de estabilidade após a adição do incremento, e a velocidade de agitação da amostra. Conclui-se, que as melhores condições de operação, seriam incrementos de 1mL antes de ser atingido do ponto de equivalência e 0,1mL na área do mesmo. O tempo mínimo e máximo de estabilização definidos foram de 5 e 20 segundos, respetivamente, e o critério de estabilidade implementado foi de 10mV/min. A velocidade de agitação, que melhor homogeneizava a amostra foi de 25%. A linearidade foi comprovada através dos testes de Mandel e Rikilt, assim como com testes aos resíduos; e onde foi obtido um coeficiente de determinação superior a 0,9990. Os limiares analíticos, obtidos foram 3,52 mg/L para o limite de deteção e 4,74mg/L para o limite de quantificação. Em relação, aos ensaios de precisão, foi testada a repetibilidade, onde o coeficiente de variação foi inferior a 0,4%, e a precisão intermédia, onde o coeficiente de variação foi inferior a 1%. Na exatidão, foram realizados ensaios de recuperação, com matrizes de águas residuais e naturais subterrâneas, e ensaios com um material de referência certificado, com matriz de água de consumo. Para estes, foram alcançadas recuperações médias entre 92% e 101,6%. Foi também avaliada a robustez do método, onde se concluiu que o método não é robusto para variações no volume de amostra. O método em questão, foi comparado com a cromatografia iónica, um método de referência do laboratório, mostrando que os resultados não apresentam diferenças significativas, para um nível de confiança de 99%. Em termos de incerteza, foram obtidos valores inferiores a 15% do valor paramétrico.This work took place in the laboratory unit of Águas do Algarve and the main goal was to implement and validate the method of indirect potentiometry, for the quantification of chlorides in natural underground water, surface water and wastewaters. Chloride, when present in high concentrations, leads to an increase in the corrosion rate of metal pipes and equipment, giving taste to drinking water and can inhibit the growth of vegetation when used for irrigation. Chlorides, interfere in the chemical oxygen demand quantification method, as well as in other analytical methods. The development of the method was performed by testing several parameters. Particularly the dynamic titration with the addition of titrant increments, the electrode response through the minimum and maximum stabilization time testing, as well as the stability criterion after the addition of the increment, and the speed of agitation of the sample. In conclusion, the optimal operating conditions would be increments of 1mL before reaching the equivalence point and 0.1mL in its area. The defined minimum and maximum stabilization time were 5 and 20 seconds, respectively, and the stability criterion implemented was 10mV/min. The stirring speed, which best homogenized the sample, was 25%. Linearity was proven through Mandel and Rikilt tests, as well as residual tests; where coefficients of determination greater than 0.9990 were obtained. The detection limits obtained were 3.52 mg/L and the quantification limits were 4,74 mg/L. Regarding precision tests, repeatability was tested, where the coefficient of variation was less than 0.4%, and intermediate precision, where the coefficient of variation was less than 1%. In terms of accuracy, recovery tests, were carried out, with matrices of wastewater and natural underground water, and tests with a certified reference material, with a matrix of drinking water. Average recoveries between 92% and 101.6% were achieved. The robustness of the method was also evaluated, where it was concluded that the method is not robust to variations in sample volume. The method in question was compared with ion chromatography, a laboratory reference method, showing that the results do not reveal significant differences, at a confidence level of 99%. In terms of uncertainty, values lower than 15% of the parametric value were obtained

New approach to study the real exposure to fungi in cork industry: nasal swabs mycobiota investigation coupled with screening on fungal resistance to azoles

The permanent contact with cork may lead to constant exposure to fungi, raising awareness as a potential occupational hazard in the cork industry.The presence of fungi belonging to the Penicillium glabrum complex has been associated with the development of respiratory diseases such as suberosis, one of the most prevalent diseases among workers from cork industries, besides occupational asthma. Azoles are used as pesticides but also the first line therapy in the treatment of Aspergillus infections; azole-resistance as been described as to have also an environmental source and is considered an emerging public health problem.The aim of this work was to characterize fungal distribution and to evaluate the presence of azole-resistant Aspergillus isolates in nose swab samples from the cork industry workers

Redução do nível de proteína bruta e inclusão de volumoso em dieta de alto grão na terminação de novilhas nelore

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the reduction in crude protein content and the inclusion of roughage in high-grain diets on intake, performance, digestibility, blood parameters, ingestion behavior and carcass and meat traits of feedlot heifers. Thirty-six Nellore heifers aged between 16 and 18 months and initial body weight of 268.1 kg ± 26.9 kg were used, in a 2 x 2 factorial design, two levels of CP 130 and 110 g.kg-1 of DM and the inclusion or not of 100 g.kg-1 of DM grass silage Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombasa. The feedlot lasted 89 days, 75 days of trail period. The animals were slaughtered in a commercial slaughterhouse located in the city of Araguaina, TO. The diets inclusion of roughage increased (P<0.05) the intake of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber. The reduction in the CP level reduced (P<0.05) the protein intake and increase (P<0.05) neutral detergent fiber intake, however, it allowed the maintenance of dry matter intake (P>0 .05). Final weight (361.9 kg) and average daily gain (1.27 kg.day-1 ) were not changed by treatments (P >0.05). The protein feed efficiency increased (P<0.05) in lower levels of protein, 1.62 vs. 1.88 kg of gain.kg-1 of CP ingested for treatments with 130 and 110 g of CP.kg-1 of DM, respectively. The inclusion of roughage reduced (P<0.05) the dry matter feed efficiency (0.24 vs. 0.18 kg of gain.kg-1 DM ingested), the protein feed efficiency (1.28 vs. 1.58 kg of gain.kg-1 of CP ingested) and the weight gain rate (0.41 vs. 0.36% BW.day-1 ). Reducing protein content of diet reduced plasma urea levels (P>0.05) and forage inclusion reduced glucose and increased triglycerides of plasm (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber were reduced (P<0.05) with the reduction of the crude protein level, while the inclusion of roughage reduced the ether extract digestibility coefficient (P<0.05). Longer rumination time was observed for diets roughage, as well as the number of mericic chews (P<0.05). The levels of crudeprotein and the inclusion of roughage in the diets did not influence the carcass characteristics (P>0.05), with an average of 193.98 kg of hot carcass weight; 53.68% of carcass yield and 6.38 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness. For the physical composition of the carcass and its relationships, the treatments did not differ (p>0.05). The was no influence (P>0.05) of the crude protein (P>0.05), withaverages of 7.21 kf.cm2 of shear force and 2.4 marbling points. The inclusion of forage in the diet increased the shear force (7.80 vs. 6.62 kf.cm2 ), the red index of color (12 vs. 9.80) and the chroma (18.35 vs. 16.96), also it reduced the fat hue (49.25 vs. 54.68). There was no influence of roughage use in the chemical meat composition. The reduction in the dietary protein level from 130 g to 110 g CP.kg 1 DM for Nellore heifers feedlot finished on whole grain diets allows the maintenance of dry matter, energy intakes and animal performance, and does not change the carcass and meat traits of heifers finished in feedlot with high grain diet, preserving the weight of hot carcass and subcutaneous fat thickness. The inclusion of 100 g.kg-1 of roughage DM in high-grain diets in feedlot provides longer rumination time and increased dry matter intake, but maintains the weight gain of the animals, which reduces the efficiency of use of dry matter, as well as the weight gain rate and did not change the carcass traits, however it changed the fat color and increased the meat shear force.Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da redução no teor de proteína da dieta e a inclusão de volumoso sobre o consumo, desempenho, digestibilidade, parâmetros sanguíneos, comportamento ingestivo e características da carcaça e carne de novilhas terminadas em confinamento com dietas de grão inteiro. Utilizou-se 36 novilhas Nelore distribuídas em esquema fatorial 2 x 2, dois níveis de PB; 130 e 110 g.kg-1 de MS, e a inclusão ou não de silagem de capim Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça, 100 g.kg 1 de MS, com total de 89 dias e 75 dias para as avaliações experimentais. A inclusão de volumoso às dietas o consumo de matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro elevou (P<0,05). A redução do nível de PB diminuiu o consumo de proteína e elevou o consumo de fibra em detergente neutro, contudo, permitiu a manutenção do consumo de matéria seca (P>0,05). O peso final, 361,9 kg, e ganho médio diário não foram alterados pelos tratamentos, 1,27 kg.dia-1 (P >0,05). A eficiência alimentar da proteína aumentou com a redução nos níveis de proteína (P<0,05), 1,62 vs. 1,88 kg de ganho.kg-1 de PB ingerida para os tratamentos com 130 e 110 g de PB.kg-1 de MS, respetivamente. A inclusão do volumoso reduziu a eficiência alimentar da matéria seca (0,24 vs. 0,18 kg de ganho.kg-1 de MS ingerida), a eficiência alimentar da proteína (1,28 vs. 1,58 kg de ganho.kg-1 de PB ingerida) e a taxa de ganho de peso (0,41 vs. 0,36% PC.dia-1 ), (P<0,05). Menor teor de proteína na dieta reduziu os níveis plasmáticos de ureia (P>0,05) e a inclusão de volumoso reduziu a concetração de glicose e aumentou a de triglicerídeos no plasma (P<0,05). O coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e fibra em detergente neutro foram reduzidos (P<0,05) com a redução do nível de proteína bruta, enquanto a inclusão do volumoso reduziu o coeficiente de digestibilidade do extrato etéreo (P<0,05). Maior tempo de ruminação foi observado para as dietas com a inclusão de volumoso, assim como número de mastigações merícicas por dia e o número de bolos ruminais (P<0,05). Os níveis de proteína bruta e a inclusão de volumoso nas dietas não influenciaram as características de carcaça (P>0,05), apresentando média de 193,98 kg para peso de carcaça quente; 53,68% para rendimento de carcaça e 6,38 mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea. Para a composição física da carcaça e suas relações não foram verificados efeitos dos níveis de proteína bruta da dieta e da inclusão de volumoso (p>0,05). Entre as características qualitativas da carne e a composição centesimal da carne não foi observada influência (P>0,05) do nível de proteína bruta da dieta (P>0,05), com médias de 7,21 kf.cm2 para força de cisalhamento e 2,4 pontos de marmoreio. A inclusão do volumoso nas dietas elevou a força de cisalhamento (7,80 vs. 6,62 kf.cm2 ), o índice de vermelho (12 vs. 9,80) e o croma (18,35 vs. 16,96) e reduziu a tonalidade da gordura (49,25 vs. 54,68), para os tratamentos com a inclusão ou não do volumoso respectivamente, sem influenciar (P>0,05) a composição centesimal da carne. A redução no nível de proteína dietética de 130 para 110 g de PB.kg-1 de MS para novilhas Nelore em confinamento permite a manutenção dos consumos de matéria seca e energia e no desempenho animal e não altera as características da carcaça e da carne de novilhas terminadas em confinamento com dieta de alto grão, mantendo-se o peso da carcaça quente e a espessura de gordura subcutânea, importantes características por influenciarem a remuneração do produtor. A inclusão de 100 g.kg-1 de MS devolumoso em dietas de alto grão para novilhas no confinamento com dietas de grão inteiro proporciona maior tempo de ruminação e aumento no consumo de matéria seca, contudo, mantêm o ganho de peso dos animais, o que reduz a eficiência do usoda matéria seca e energia, assim como a taxa de ganho de peso, não alterou as características da carcaça, porém alterou a coloração da gordura e aumentou a força de cisalhamento da carne

Avaliação de desempenho de recém-licenciados numa agência bancária

O objetivo deste relatório, consiste em descrever o percurso profissional da autora, e em simultâneo, mostrar a sua intervenção no processo de avaliação de desempenho de recém- licenciados. Trata-se de processo desenvolvido com base na experiência prática junto da agência bancária onde trabalha como gerente bancária, demonstrando a importância da interligação entre a formação académica e o cargo desempenhado na integração de novos colaboradores. A principal premissa assenta no envolvimento do colaborador em todas as atividades diárias, pois só a partir dai será possível efetuar uma avaliação mais justa e transparente sobre o seu desempenho. A avaliação deste último resultará: -Dos conhecimentos adquiridos sobre os produtos e serviços; -Da assimilação das “políticas” e orientações estratégicas da Instituição; -Características pessoais, forma de estar e atitude perante o objetivo de potenciar crescimento do negócio. Em síntese, e no caso particular da autora, a par dos conhecimentos académicos apreendidos, teve a oportunidade de os colocar em prática, tendo essas competências se traduzido no seu ingresso nos quadros da Caixa Geral de Depósitos, empresa onde continua a desempenhar funções. Todo o percurso profissional da autora, foi fundamental para o contributo “vivo” da formação e avaliação de conhecimentos da equipa que gere, em particular, no segmento de colaboradores recém-licenciados. Para finalizar, ao processo de avaliação de recém-contratados foi aplicado o procedimento de análise discriminante (AD), o que se baseou na identificação de um conjunto de variáveis com capacidade de discriminação relacionadas com a conclusão da avaliação: - Definir o futuro contratual do novo colaborador