Cross-cultural Experiences during a Visiting Scholar Program: “…A Start[ing] not a Finishing Point”

Aim To describe the Visiting Scholar Program as a context for cross-cultural learning experiences and the development of intercultural competencies. Background In 2004, a Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) was developed between the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta (UA), Canada, and the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing (USP-EERP), Brazil, with the goal to promote capacity building among nurse researchers. During a cross-cultural exchange program, participants are immersed in a foreign culture and language over an extended period of time, which offers them a potential opportunity to develop intercultural competence. Methods A qualitative design was utilized and data were collected in June 2011 through semi-structured in-depth interviews with scholars, supervisors and staff members from both institutions. Following data collection, an inductive process was used to analyze the data, following Morse’s (1994) taxonomy. Results At USP-EERP participants included 12 former scholars, two staff members from the International Office, one graduate student, and one former Dean. At the UA, 12 supervisors and 5 staff, affiliated with the VSP participated in an interview and two provided feedback by email. The central theme in the findings was the ‘Cross-Cultural Learning Process’, with three main sub-themes: challenges; benefits; and lessons learned. Conclusion Cross-cultural learning was a circular process that involved dealing with challenges, experiencing stress in a strange environment and building intercultural competencies. The VSP program enhanced scholars and supervisors’ awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity and their openness to new cross-cultural experiences. Résumé Objectif Présenter le programme de chercheur invité comme une occasion de vivre des expériences d’apprentissage et de développer des compétences interculturelles. Contexte En 2004, un programme de chercheur invité (PCI) a été élaboré entre la Faculté des sciences infirmières de l’Université de l’Alberta (UA), au Canada, et l’École de sciences infirmières de Ribeirão Preto de l’Université de São Paulo (EERP-USP), au Brésil, dans le but d’encourager le renforcement des capacités parmi les chercheurs en sciences infirmières. Au cours de ce programme d’échange interculturel, les participants sont en immersion dans une culture et une langue étrangères pendant une longue période, ce qui leur donne la possibilité de développer des compétences interculturelles. Méthodes Une approche qualitative de recherche a été adoptée et des données ont été recueillies en juin 2011 au moyen d’entretiens en profondeur semi-dirigés avec les chercheurs, les superviseurs et les membres du personnel des deux institutions. Un processus inductif a ensuite été utilisé pour analyser les données, d’après la taxonomie de Morse (1994). Résultats À l’EERP-USP, les participants comprenaient douze anciens chercheurs, deux membres du personnel du Bureau international, une étudiante diplômée et un ancien doyen. À l’UA, douze superviseurs et cinq membres du personnel liés au PCI ont participé à un entretien et deux ont envoyé des commentaires par courriel. Le thème central des constatations était « le processus d’apprentissage interculturel », qui se divisait en trois sous-thèmes principaux : les défis, les avantages et les leçons apprises. Conclusion L’apprentissage interculturel dans ce cas particulier était un processus circulaire qui exigeait de relever des défis, de subir du stress dans un environnement étranger et de développer des compétences interculturelles. Le PCI a amélioré la sensibilisation et la sensibilité des chercheurs et des superviseurs à la diversité culturelle ainsi que leur ouverture à vivre de nouvelles expériences interculturelles

GOVERNANÇA DEMOCRÁTICA E TERCEIRO SETOR: possibilidades e dificuldades em duas ONGs na cidade de Porto Alegre

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar em que medida as ONGs estão contribuindo para instaurar um regime de governança democrática, particularmente nas ações desenvolvidas por duas ONGs situadas na cidade de Porto Alegre/RS. Para tanto, no referencial teórico, discute, inicialmente, o conceito de democracia – na concepção habermasiana – e de governança – na visão de Kazancigil. Sendo assim, a pesquisa foi desenvolvida com os diversos atores que fazem parte do cotidiano das ONGs: membros da comunidade, funcionários e diretoria. A parte dos resultados e discussão foi dividida em três etapas. A primeira de apresentação das ONGs. E as duas últimas vinculadas aos dois pressupostos da governança democrática: a democracia local e a participação nas instâncias de decisões.Verificou, por fim, as possibilidades e dificuldades na ampla constatação da governança democrática na promoção da transparência pública e na inclusão social das ações das ONGs. Palavras-chave: Governança democrática, Terceiro Setor, ONG’s, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND THE THIRD SECTOR: possibilities and difficulties in two NGOs in the city of Porto AlegreAbstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which NGOs are helping to establish a system of democratic governance, particularly in actions developed by two NGOs located in Porto Alegre-RS. To this end, the theoretical framework, it was necessary to discuss, first, the concept of democracy - in Habermasian conception – and of governance - in the vision of Kazancigil. Thus, the research was developed with the various actors who are part of everyday NGOs: community members, staff and board. The part of the results and discussion was divided into three steps. The first, a presentation of NGOs and the last two linked to two assumptions related to democratic governance: local democracy and participation in decision instances. Thus, it was determinated the possibilities and difficulties in broad statement of democratic governance in the promotion of public transparency and social inclusion of the actions of NGOs.Key words: Democratic governance, Third Sector, NGO’s

C-reactive protein as an inflammatory marker of acute infections outside intensive care settings: case report and evidence-based literature review

We present the clinical case of a 76-year-old woman with delirium causedby multiple factors, including pneumonia. Although this type of case is quitecommon in clinical practice, it provides us with an opportunity to discusslaboratory testing in this context, with a special focus on the role of C-reactiveprotein (CRP). We present data regarding the requests for determination ofserum CRP levels at the University of São Paulo University Hospital overthe past few years. We also present a review of the medical literature on thetopic, as well as clinical epidemiology concepts related to the impact that CRPtesting has on the medical decision-making process

SECAGEM DA POLPA DE GRAVIOLA PELO PROCESSO FOAM-MAT E AVALIAÇÃO SENSORIAL DO PRODUTO OBTIDO

Foram realizados ensaios de secagem em camada de espuma da polpa de graviola com adição de 1% de emustab e 1% de liga neutra. Estudou-se os efeitos da temperatura (50°C, 60°C e 70°C) e espessura da camada (0,30 cm, 0,45 cm e 0,60 cm) na cinética de secagem, avaliando-se o comportamento das curvas de secagem e as características físico - químicas do produto em pó (umidade e atividade de água). Iogurtes saborizados com 7% de pó de graviola obtidos na secagem foram submetidas à análise sensorial que foi realizada mediante teste de avaliação utilizando 50 provadores não treinados. Cada provador emitiu notas para os atributos aparência, odor, sabor e textura. O produto apresentou índice de aceitabilidade superior a 70% e conforme a classificação qualitativa, as médias das notas ficaram compreendidas entre gostei ligeiramente e gostei regularmente (6,63 a 7,55 para os atributos odor e textura, respectivamente)

FISHING CHARACTERIZATION IN RESERVOIR AND ADJACENT AREAS OF UHE COARACY NUNES, FERREIRA GOMES, AMAPÁ-BRAZIL

O reservatório da UHE Coaracy Nunes, no Estado do Amapá, Brasil é o mais antigo da Amazônia e foi construído com fins de produção de energia elétrica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a pesca no reservatório de Coaracy Nunes e adjacências, descrevendo a produção pesqueira, as espécies de peixes de maior interesse e os aspectos sócio-econômicos dos pescadores. A metodologia utilizada foi fundamentada em questionamentos feitos diretamente a 53 pescadores utilizando formulários específicos que continham perguntas sobre os aspectos sócio-econômicos dos pescadores e sobre a pesca. Os resultados revelaram que a pesca na área de estudo é uma atividade de subsistência, mas com tendências à pesca artesanal. A principal arte de pesca empregada é a rede de espera, seguida de zagaia e arpão subaquático e anzol. A composição ictiofaunística da pesca estava composta de 13 espécies, com destaque, em termos de biomassa, para Cichla sp., Hoplias macrophthalmus, Tometes trilobatus e Leporinus sp., que juntos compuseram 47,55% da pesca total. A produção pesqueira foi considerada baixa comparada a de outros reservatórios mais recentes. Pescadores residentes há mais de 50 anos na região afirmam que no período pré-barramento do rio existia notável abundância de espécies de grande porte, o que sugere que o barramento do rio e a pesca foram os principais fatores na eliminação e redução dos estoques de algumas espécies na área do reservatório.Palavras-chave: rio Araguari, pesca de subsistência, produção pesqueira, recursos pesqueiros.The UHE Coaracy Nunes reservoir, in the State of Amapá, Brazil is the oldest of the Amazon and was built with the purpose of producing electricity. This study aimed to investigate the fishing reservoir Coaracy Nunes and vicinity, describing fish production, fish species of greatest interest and socio-economic aspects of fishing. The methodology used was based on inquiries directly to 53 fishermen using specific forms containing questions on socio-economic aspects of fishing and over fishing. Results showed that fishing in the study area is a subsistence activity, but with trends artisanal fishing. The main fishing gear used is gillnets, followed by spear and harpoon and hook underwater. The composition of the fish community was composed of 13 fish species, especially in terms of biomass for Cichla sp. Hoplias macrophthalmus, Tometes trilobatus and Leporinus sp., which together comprised 47.55% of the total fishing. Fish production was low compared to other reservoirs latest. Resident fishermen for over 50 years in the region claim that in the pre-bus the river existed remarkable abundance of large species, which suggests that the bus from the river and fishing were the main factors in the elimination and reduction of stocks of some species in the reservoir area main factors in the elimination and reduction of stocks of some species in the reservoir area.Keywords: Araguari; subsistence fishing; fish production; fish stocks

Patrones alimenticios en el Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil): un análisis exploratorio

The food consumption of 15,071 public employees was analyzed in six Brazilian cities participating in the baseline for Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010) with the aim of identifying eating patterns and their relationship to socio-demographic variables. Multiple correspondence and cluster analysis were applied. Four patterns were identified, with their respective frequencies: “traditional” (48%); “fruits and vegetables” (25%); “pastry shop” (24%); and “diet/light” (5%) The “traditional” and “pastry shop” patterns were more frequent among men, younger individuals, and those with less schooling. “Fruits and vegetables” and “diet/light” were more frequent in women, older individuals, and those with more schooling. Our findings show the inclusion of new items in the “traditional” pattern and the appearance of the “low sugar/low fat” pattern among the eating habits of Brazilian workers, and signal socio-demographic and regional differences.Foi analisado o consumo alimentar de 15.071 servidores públicos de seis cidades brasileiras participantes da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010), com o objetivo de identificar os padrões alimentares e sua relação com variáveis sociodemográficas. Foram aplicadas análise de correspondência múltipla e cluster. Os quatro padrões identificados e suas respectivas frequências foram: “tradicional” (48%); “frutas e hortaliças” (25%); “pastelaria” (24%); e “diet/light” (5%) Os padrões “tradicional” e “pastelaria” foram mais frequentes entre homens, indivíduos mais jovens e de menor escolaridade. Por outro lado, os padrões “frutas e hortaliças” e “diet/light” foram mais frequente entre mulheres, indivíduos mais velhos e de maior escolaridade. Nossos achados mostram a inclusão de novos itens no padrão “tradicional” e o aparecimento do padrão “low sugar/ low fat” entre os hábitos alimentares de trabalhadores brasileiros, e sinalizam diferenças sociodemográficas e regionais.Se analizó el consumo alimenticio de 15.071 empleados públicos de seis ciudades brasileñas, participantes de la línea de base del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, 2008-2010), con el objetivo de identificar los patrones alimenticios y su relación con variables sociodemográficas. Se aplicó un análisis de correspondencia múltiple y clúster. Los cuatro patrones identificados y sus respectivas frecuencias fueron: “tradicional” (48%); “frutas y hortalizas” (25%); “pastelería” (24%); y “diet/light” (5%). Los patrones “tradicional” y “pastelería” fueron más frecuentes entre hombres, individuos más jóvenes y de menor escolaridad. Por otro lado, los patrones “frutas y hortalizas” y “diet/light” fueron más frecuentes entre mujeres, individuos más viejos y de mayor escolaridad. Nuestros hallazgos muestran la inclusión de nuevos ítems en el patrón “tradicional” y la aparición del padrón “low sugar/low fat” entre los hábitos alimenticios de trabajadores brasileños, y señalan diferencias sociodemográficas y regionales

AVALIAÇÕES GENÉTICAS PARA ALTURA DE CERNELHA E FUNCIONALIDADE DA MARCHA EM EQUINOS DA RAÇA CAMPOLINA

Genetic evaluations allow to describe the genetic evolution of a breed and to understand the importance of the genetic variability on the phenotypic variance of a production interesting trait. This study aimed to estimate genetic tendency, heritability and genetic correlation for withers height and gait functionality traits in Brazilian Campolina horses. The Brazilian Association of Campolina Horse Breeders provided 107,630 records from registered animals born from 1951 until July 2016. Genetic evaluations were obtained by uni-trait animal model, for withers height using data from 11,765 individuals, and bi-trait models for attributes of gait quality: comfort, reach, dissociation, style and regularity, belonging to 2,148, 2,148, 2,145, 2,125 and 2,148 horses, respectively. A genetic increase of 3.88cm was observed for withers height over the years, suggesting the efficiency of selection for high height in Campolina. There was no genetic evolution in the gait attributes, which may indicate the need for improvement in the evaluation and selection processes of the animals for greater comfort and range of their gait. Heritability equal to 0.37 and 0.77 was observed for withers height and dissociation. Comfort, reach, style and regularity showed heritabilities of 0.15; 0.23; 0.22 and 0.28, respectively. The results indicate that these characteristics can be used as selection criteria for better gait quality. The genetic correlations observed between the linear measurement and all gait attributes were low varying between -0.01 and 0.05. Therefore, the selection for withers height would have little influence on the genetic gains in gait attributes.As avaliações genéticas permitem compreender a evolução da raça e a importância dos componentes genéticos sobre a variação fenotípica das características de interesse de produção em animais. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, estimar a tendência genética, a herdabilidade e acorrelação genética para altura de cernelha e funcionalidade da marcha em equinos brasileiros da raça Campolina. A Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Cavalo Campolina disponibilizou 107.630 dados de animais registrados desde 1951 até julho de 2016. As avaliações genéticas foram obtidas por modelo animal uni-característico, para altura de cernelha, com dados de 11.765 indivíduos, e bi-característico, para os atributos de qualidade de marcha, que são: comodidade, desenvolvimento, dissociação, estilo e regularidade, pertencentes a 2.148, 2.148, 2.145, 2.125 e 2.148 equinos, respectivamente. Incremento genético de 3,88cm foi observado para altura de cernelha ao longo dos anos, sugerindo a eficiência de seleção para porte elevado no Campolina. Não foi verificada evolução genética nos atributos de marcha, podendo indicar necessidade de melhoria nos processos de avaliação e seleção dos animais para maior comodidade e desenvoltura desse andamento. Verificou-se herdabilidade igual a 0,37 para altura de cernelha e 0,77 para dissociação, além de herdabilidades de comodidade, desenvolvimento, estilo e regularidade iguais a 0,15, 0,23, 0,22 e 0,28. Os resultados indicam que essas características podem ser utilizadas como critério de seleção para melhor qualidade de marcha. As correlações genéticas verificadas entre a medida linear e todos os atributos de marcha foram de baixa magnitude, variando entre -0,01 e 0,05. Desta forma, é sugerido que a seleção para altura na cernelha exerce baixa influência sobre os ganhos genéticos em atributos de marcha

Prime Focus Spectrograph (PFS) for the Subaru Telescope: Overview, recent progress, and future perspectives

PFS (Prime Focus Spectrograph), a next generation facility instrument on the 8.2-meter Subaru Telescope, is a very wide-field, massively multiplexed, optical and near-infrared spectrograph. Exploiting the Subaru prime focus, 2394 reconfigurable fibers will be distributed over the 1.3 deg field of view. The spectrograph has been designed with 3 arms of blue, red, and near-infrared cameras to simultaneously observe spectra from 380nm to 1260nm in one exposure at a resolution of ~1.6-2.7A. An international collaboration is developing this instrument under the initiative of Kavli IPMU. The project is now going into the construction phase aiming at undertaking system integration in 2017-2018 and subsequently carrying out engineering operations in 2018-2019. This article gives an overview of the instrument, current project status and future paths forward.Comment: 17 pages, 10 figures. Proceeding of SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation 201

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in Brazil : baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dyslipidemia is a pivotal risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study was to identify the profile of dyslipidemia in a Brazilian population, according to high low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels. We used the classification of the 2004 update of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III). METHODS: Of the 15,105 men and women aged 35 to 74 years enrolled in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), we included 14,648 subjects (97%). They had data to categorize them according to the NCEP-ATP-III criteria. We compared 4 categories: ‘‘0–1’’ risk factors, ‘‘2 or more risk factors’’, ‘‘CHD or CHD risk equivalent’’, and ‘‘CHD at very high risk’’. The sociodemographic determinants used were sex, age, ethnicity, income, education, and health insurance. Poisson regression was used to estimate the prevalence ratios for cholesterol (LDL-C), frequency, awareness, treatment, and control of high LDL-C

Phylogenetic diversity and the structure of host-epiphyte interactions across the Neotropics

Understanding the mechanisms driving community assembly has been a major focus of ecological research for nearly a century, yet little is known about these mechanisms in commensal communities, particularly with respect to their historical/evolutionary components. Here, we use a large-scale dataset of 4,440 vascular plant species to explore the relationship between the evolutionary distinctiveness (ED) (as measured by the 'species evolutionary history' (SEH)) of host species and the phylogenetic diversity (PD) of their associated epiphyte species. Although there was considerable variation across hosts and their associated epiphyte species, they were largely unrelated to host SEH. Our results mostly support the idea that the determinants of epiphyte colonization success might involve host characteristics that are unrelated to host SEH (e.g., architectural differences between hosts). While determinants of PD of epiphyte assemblages are poorly known, they do not appear to be related to the evolutionary history of host species. Instead, they might be better explained by neutral processes of colonization and extinction. However, the high level of phylogenetic signal in epiphyte PD (independent of SEH) suggests it might still be influenced by yet unrecognized evolutionary determinants. This study highlights how little is still known about the phylogenetic determinants of epiphyte communities