Contributo exploratório para uma abordagem digital inclusiva: o caso das universidades de ensino a distância

Congresso realizado na Universidade de Lisboa, de 17-19 de Abril de 2013Novos contextos de sala de aula ao nível dos cenários de ensino superior têm vindo a metamorfosear-se, conduzindo-nos a novas realidades onde se promove uma aprendizagem cada vez mais aberta em termos de acessibilidade e de inclusão digital. É neste contexto que o ensino a distância surge como potenciador e proporcionador de novos caminhos e experiências pedagógicas diversificadas. O contexto de sala de aula virtual assume um novo design de espaço e tempo onde emergem ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem aptos a acolher qualquer estudante com e sem necessidades educativas especiais (NEE) e/ou dificuldades de aprendizagem (DA), motivando-o para uma aprendizagem autónoma e flexível considerando a gestão de espaço, de tempo respeitando os seus ritmos e estilos de aprendizagem pessoais. É certo que as inovações/adaptações tecnológicas assumem um papel central no processo. Contudo é também urgente criar, harmonizar e padronizar novas alternativas pedagógicas para que estas estejam verdadeiramente ao alcance de todos e em especial em universidades em regime totalmente online

Acute mania induced by hypothyroidism in a male patient after thyroidectomy

Hypothyroidism is a common hormone deficiency, associated with multiple causes and presenting with diverse clinical manifestations including neuropsychiatric disease. Hypothyroidism is commonly associated with depressive symptoms, and thyroid hormone screening is indicated in patients with a history of depression. Although other neuropsychiatric disorders could be induced by hypothyroidism, only 14 reports present clinical cases of mania related with this hormone deficiency.1,2 Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most frequent reported cause of hypothyroidism associated with acute mania. Here we present a clinical case of acute mania in a 36-year-old man with hypothyroidism resulting from thyroidectomy in the context of papillary thyroid carcinoma.(undefined)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An authoring and peer reviewing activity in the Master’s Program of eLearning Pedagogy: the teacher and students’ perspectives

Conferência realizada em Lisboa, de 27 de junho a 1 de julho de 2011This article describes an activity that was developed in the curriculum unit of Models of Distance Education, as part of the Master program of eLearning Pedagogy, at Universidade Aberta, Portugal. The students were asked to assume the roles of author of a theme and reviewer of another. Several existing and emerging models and theories relevant to Distance Online Learning were researched and worked on, namely: Blended Learning, Connectivism, Mobile Learning, Personal Learning Environments (PLEs), Virtual Worlds and Total Online Learning. The activity was considered simultaneously complex, challenging and motivating as it gave students the opportunity to acquire knowledge on different themes, to develop the necessary skills for the collaborative and cooperative work, as well as to prepare themselves for the art of writing a scientific article

CLIL training guide: creating a CLIL learning community in higher education

The ReCLes.pt CLIL Training Guide presents the theoretical and practical basis for the creation of a CLIL Learning Community of foreign language teachers and subject teachers with the topics organized across four chapters. In Chapter 1, the objectives and structuring of the ten hours of sessions and the learning outcomes are presented with an introduction to CLIL design in higher education (HE), forms of interdisciplinary cooperation/collaboration, and a number of models for classroom management. Chapter 2 provides enriching material to help teachers bett er understand the principles of a CLIL Learning Community and CLIL itself, including interactive and student-centered methodologies, a focus on oral interaction and critical dialogue, suggested activities, and the key points for organizing a successful CLIL module. In Chapter 3, on CLIL materials and resources, sections cover the defi nition and examples of scaff olding and activating prior knowledge as well as the selection and adaptation of scaff olding materials, including the use of electronic media and a terminology-based approach. The proposed terminology-based approach focuses on the collection, description, processing, and systematic representation of concepts and their designations. As such, the use of terminology can become a key construct in CLIL teaching, involving the search, production, use, and dissemination of information. International organizations, networks, and multinational professional communities are involved in these steps within the global communication process, providing real motivation for students participating in the CLIL learning process. The final chapter …Livro Financiado por FCT no âmbito do programa ‘Partilha e Divulgação de Experiências em Inovação Didática no Ensino Superior Português’info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Funding and service organization to achieve universal health coverage for medicines : an economic evaluation of the best investment and services organization for the Brazilian scenario

Background: There are many health benefits since 31 years after the foundation of the National Health Service (NHS) in Brazil, especially the increase in life expectancy. However, family-income inequalities, insufficient funding, and suboptimal private sector–public sector collaboration are still areas for improvement. The efforts of Brazil to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) for medicines have resulted in increased public financing of medicines and their availability, reducing avoidable hospitalization and mortality. However, lack of access to medicines still remains. Due to historical reasons, pharmaceutical service organization in developing countries may have important differences from high-income countries. In some cases, developing countries finance and promote medicine access by using the public infrastructure of health care/medical units as dispensing sites and cover all costs of medicines dispensed. In contrast, many high-income countries use private community pharmacies and cover the costs of medicines dispensed plus a fee, which includes all logistic costs. In this study, we will undertake an economic evaluation to understand the funding needs of the Brazilian NHS to reduce inequalities in access to medicines through adopting a pharmaceutical service organization similar to that seen in many high-income countries with hiring/accrediting private pharmacies. Methods: We performed an economic evaluation of a model to provide access to medicines within public funds based on a decision tree model with two alternative scenarios public pharmacies (NHS, state-owned facilities) versus private pharmacies (NHS, agreements). The analysis assumed the perspective of the NHS. We identified the types of resources consumed, the amount, and costs in both scenarios. We also performed a budget impact forecast to estimate the incremental funding required to reduce inequalities in access to essential medicines in Brazil. Findings: The model without rebates for medicines estimated an incremental cost of US$3.1 billion in purchasing power parity (PPP) but with an increase in the average availability of medicines from 65$1.3 billion per year (30%). The impact of incremental funding is related to medicine access improvement of 25% in the second year when paying by dispensing fee. The estimate of the incremental budget in five years would be US$4.8 billion PPP. We have yet to explore the potential reduction in hospital and outpatient costs, as well as in lawsuits, with increased availability with the yearly expenses for these at US$9 billion and US$1.4 billion PPP respectively in 2017. Interpretation: The results of the economic evaluation demonstrate potential savings for the NHS and society. Achieving UHC for medicines reduces household expenses with health costs, health litigation, outpatient care, hospitalization, and mortality. An optimal private sector–public sector collaboration model with private community pharmacy accreditation is economically dominant with a feasible medicine price negotiation. The results show the potential to improve access to medicines by 25% for all income classes. This is most beneficial to the poorest families, whose medicines account for 76% of their total health expenses, with potential savings of lives and public resources

Intestinal parasites in dogs from the Center-west of Portugal

Environmental contamination by dog faeces in public areas is considered a risk factor to Public Health. Therefore, during a period of five years (2000-2005) a parasitological study on dog faeces was performed in Center-West region of Portugal. Coprological exams were performed. Out of 2806 samples analysed, 792 (28,23%) showed eggs/oocysts of intestinal parasites, with higher prevalences in rural areas (53,35%). Specimen eggs belonging to the families Taeniidae, Dipylidiidae, Ancylostomatidae, Ascarididae, Trichuridae and Spirocercidae and oocysts from Eimeriidae and Sarcocystidae, were identified. The results obtained pointed out to the continuity of prophylactic measures which has already been implemented in the studies areas

Câncer de mama e a sexualidade da paciente oncológica

Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases among women worldwide, with a significant physical and emotional impact. From diagnosis to treatment, patients undergo various procedures such as surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy that directly and indirectly affect their sex life, causing side effects such as decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, pain during intercourse and anorgasmia. In addition, feelings of fear, shame and low self-esteem can also negatively affect patients' intimate lives. Another important factor addressed was the influence of society and culture on female sexuality, which often impose aesthetic and behavioral standards that can increase the impact of the disease on patients' sexual lives. The lack of information and dialogue about sexuality during treatment is also a factor that harms the intimate lives of women with breast cancer. This study aimed to understand the concerns about sexuality that permeate the lives of cancer patients and to provide guidance on their doubts and stigmas, improving their quality of life. An integrative literature review was conducted covering scientific articles published in the last five years in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The studies indicated that the treatment of a malignant breast neoplasm can have devastating effects on a woman's quality of life, both biologically and psychologically, due to several factors, such as changes in body image, fear of rejection by a partner and decreased libido. These problems can generate insecurity and discomfort in intimacy, which can harm sexual life. In view of this, it is important that health professionals address women's sexuality during treatment, promoting a multidisciplinary and holistic approach from diagnosis until the healing process is achieved, which includes psychological support and information, and that society is more inclusive and welcoming, reducing taboos and thus promoting a positive view of female sexuality.O câncer de mama é uma das doenças mais comuns entre as mulheres do mundo todo, com grande impacto físico e emocional. Desde o diagnostico até o tratamento a paciente é submetida a diversos procedimentos como cirurgias, quimioterapia, radioterapia e hormonioterapia que afetam diretamente e indiretamente a sua vida sexual causando efeitos colaterais como diminuição da libido, disfunção sexual, dor durante o ato, e anorgasmia. Além disso, sentimentos de medo, vergonha e baixa autoestima podem interferir também negativamente na vida intima das pacientes. Outro fator importante abordado foi a influência da sociedade e da cultura na sexualidade feminina, que muitas vezes impõem padrões estéticos e comportamentais que podem aumentar o impacto da doença na vida sexual das pacientes. A carência de informação e diálogo sobre a sexualidade durante o tratamento também é um fator que prejudica a vida íntima das mulheres com câncer de mama. Esse estudo teve como objetivo entender os anseios sobre a sexualidade que permeiam a vida da paciente oncológica e orientar sobre suas dúvidas e estigmas, melhorando a qualidade de vida das mesmas. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura abrangendo artigos científicos publicados nos últimos cinco anos nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Os estudos indicaram que o tratamento de uma neoplasia maligna mamária pode trazer resultados devastadores na qualidade de vida da mulher biologicamente e psicologicamente devido a diversos fatores, como a mudança na imagem corporal, o medo da rejeição do parceiro e a diminuição da libido. Esses problemas podem gerar insegurança e desconforto na intimidade, prejudicando a vida sexual. Diante disso, é importante que os profissionais de saúde abordem a sexualidade das mulheres durante o tratamento, promovendo uma abordagem multidisciplinar e holística desde o diagnostico até que o processo de cura seja alcançado, que contemple o acompanhamento psicológico e a informação, e que a sociedade seja mais inclusiva e acolhedora reduzindo os tabus e assim promovendo uma visão positiva sobre a sexualidade feminina

Body Composition and Basal Metabolic Rate in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine which of the seven selected equations used to predict basal metabolic rate most accurately estimated the measured basal metabolic rate. Methods. Twenty-eight adult women with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were measured as well as body composition (by absorptiometry dual X-ray emission) and basal metabolic rate (by indirect calorimetry); basal metabolic rate was also estimated by prediction equations. Results. There was a significant difference between the measured and the estimated basal metabolic rate determined by the FAO/WHO/UNU (Pvalue<0.021) and Huang et al. (Pvalue≤0.005) equations. Conclusion. The calculations using Owen et al’s. equation were the closest to the measured basal metabolic rate

Ticks on dogs and its role as vectors: intermediate hosts in the Center-West of Portugal

Dogs are one of the most important hosts in the maintenance of tick population. In order to identify the species and their role on the transmission of hemoparasites and rickettsiae, ticks were collected on 466 dogs of Center- West region of Portugal. Taxonomical studies were done and appositional hemolymph smears were also performed in order to search for rickettsia infections. Some ticks were processed for DNA extraction and screened by PCR for detection of rickettsiae DNA. Specimens of Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. pusillus, Ixodes spp. and Hyalomma marginatum were identified. Only the first two species were found infected with a rickettsial strain Bar29 and with R. massiliae. These results reinforce the important role of dogs and its ticks on epidemiology of tick-borne rickettsiae agents in Portugal