Competence development for the educational integration of digital resources

In previous research work [1] where we studied the conceptions of teacher training defended in six references of digital competences for teachers, we recognized that the integration of digital technologies in the context of learning has been attempted since the last decades of the twentieth century. In fact, the central axis of the references was based on the development of digital skills for pedagogical integration. Moreover, we also know that the innovative potential of digital technologies can have a relevant role in transforming and enriching pedagogy and we are also aware that considerable effort in teacher training/education has been centred on the pedagogical exploitation of ICT in learning contexts. Aiming to ensure innovation in pedagogical practices, concerns with continuous transformation of technology-based learning seem necessary. In addition, research also points to the need to improve conditions for teacher educators’ development with digital technology and professional digital competence [2]. In this context, the digital skills of teachers play a fundamental role in the students' learning process, but also in the development of skills related to critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, problem solving and others that are emerging, related to a society increasingly supported by artificial intelligence applications and services [3]. Training and professional development is something that must be continuously monitored in order to be able to react with the urgency necessary to fill any gap that may condition the preparation of students for the digital society. That bearing in mind, we designed a survey with the following objectives: (i) to verify and analyse the digital skills of Basic Education teachers in Portugal (1st to 3rd Cycles); (ii) to categorize the levels of teachers' digital competence; (iii) to assess the level of influence of digital competence in innovative learning practices in educational contexts. The survey was finished by 242 teachers who completed an online questionnaire asking for an individual self-evaluation of DigCompEdu [4] area 2 (digital resources) competencies: (i) selection; (ii) creation and modification; (iii) management, protection and sharing of ICT. Subjects were asked about their level of experience in the daily and professional use of ICT. As a first study that will serve as a basis for other more extensive studies in order to regularly monitor the evolution of Basic Education teachers’ pedagogical integration skills with ICT, provisional findings show that teachers seem to feel able to: (i) use advanced strategies and resources comprehensively; (ii) adapt digital resources to the learning context; (iii) use interactive resources strategically. In this paper, we aim to fully present the collected data as well as to share the analysis we will be conducting, bearing in mind that teachers who participated in the survey have shown high awareness of the importance of their continuous professional development.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

El pensamiento computacional en los marcos de competencia digital docente

Several western countries have introduced educational policies to keep up with needs and demands of the digital society. Digital competence frameworks, particularly for the teaching profession, may fit into this context, which also includes the development of computational thinking, a competency construct that many consider necessary for the empowerment of citizens. The analysis of the approach to computational thinking in these references provides information on competences that need to be contextualised in the framing of the concept, to ensure conditions for its integration in the educational environment. This analysis is the aim of this study, focusing on four frameworks guiding teacher education policies: Standards of ICT competence for teachers (UNESCO), Common Framework for Teaching Digital Competence (INTEF, Spain), European framework for the digital competence of educators: DigCompEdu (EU) and ISTE Standards for Educators: A Guide for Teachers and Other Professionals (ISTE, USA). Content analysis was used as methodology. Results show that there is no consensus on the definition of computational thinking, although the frameworks, implicitly or explicitly, recognize the importance of integrating computational thinking in teaching practice. However, there is no evidence of methodological guidelines for the operationalization of digital teaching skills that can ensure the promotion of computational thinking.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Digital teaching competence: guidelines for referential

Este estudo analisa as conceções de competência digital docente defendidas em referenciais elaborados por Portugal (GEPE), Espanha (INTEF), França, União Europeia, UNESCO e ISTE. Esta análise tem como objetivos (i) caraterizar a estrutura de competências apresentada pelos diversos referencias, (ii) identificar especificidades dos referenciais e (iii) compreender as principais linhas de ação dos referenciais. A metodologia adotada foi a de análise de conteúdo de caráter indutivo, suportada por uma grelha de recolha de dados categorizada segundo o objetivo do estudo. Como resultados, apresentamos uma análise comparativa entre esses referenciais que categoriza, especifica e identifica as principais linhas de orientações das competências digitais docentes. A relevância do estudo funda-se no atual contexto da sociedade que coloca a educação e o professor no foco de uma agenda emergente que se traduz na necessidade de orientações para uma formação contínua do profissional docente que desenvolva as competências digitais geradoras de novas práticas pedagógicas. Da investigação poderá resultar conhecimento científico para projetos futuros de políticas públicas de países que desejam desenvolver referenciais educativos ou para instituições de formação inicial e contínua de professores.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pattern recognition of lipase-catalyzed or chemically interesterified fat blends containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Research PaperThe feasibility to discriminate among samples of different fat blends prior and after inorganic or lipasecatalyzed interesterification, via pattern recognition techniques [principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA)], was investigated. Blends I and II, consisting of mixtures of palm stearin, palm kernel oil and a concentrate of triacylglycerols (TAG) rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPAX 4510TG or EPAX 2050TG) were used. These blends, prior (64 samples) and after interesterification, catalyzed by an immobilized Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase (Lipozyme TL IM, 54 samples) or by sodium methoxide (10 samples), were characterized by their acylglycerol profiles (25 chromatographic peaks) and solid fat content (SFC) at 10, 20, 30 and 35 7C. PCA on the multivariate data (i) showed that the initial samples were characterized by higher SFC and higher contents of high-melting TAG and (ii) suggested two separate clusters of initial and interesterified samples. DA was performed on the multivariate data to determine which of the 29 variables have discriminative power. When the 124 samples, characterized by their acylglycerols, were grouped into (i) initial and interesterified samples of blends I or II (four groups) or (ii) also by the catalyst used (six groups), 98.4% of the samples were correctly classifie

Desafios colocados pelas estratégias neoliberais de precarização do trabalho para a pesquisa-intervenção voltada para a transformação das situações de trabalho

This article presents the theoretical and methodological references that support our studies, interventions and academic combats in work psychology in the face of neoliberal strategies articulated with reflections on research and intervention. The neoliberal policies adopted today have generated important effects of precariousness in life, and specifically in the work environment, generating some perverse subjective effects that function as challenges to be faced by workers in the continuous invention of their life and protection of their health. We discuss how the tools of work clinics assist in transforming life and work situations by expanding the workers’ power to act. We propose to continue in debates in the field of work and organizational psychology in Brazil—strategies that aim to transform, and not just know.Este artigo apresenta os referenciais teóricos e metodológicos que dão suporte a nossos trabalhos e combates acadêmicos em face das estratégias neoliberais, sendo aqueles articulados a uma reflexão sobre pesquisa e intervenção em psicologia do trabalho. As políticas neoliberais adotadas na atualidade têm gerado efeitos importantes de precarização da vida e em especial nos meios de trabalho, resultando em alguns efeitos subjetivos perversos que se apresentam como desafios a serem enfrentados pelos trabalhadores na contínua invenção de sua vida e proteção de sua saúde. Discutimos como as ferramentas das clínicas do trabalho auxiliam a transformação das situações de vida e trabalho por meio da ampliação do poder de agir dos trabalhadores. Propomos, por fim, seguir nos debates do campo da psicologia do trabalho e organizacional no Brasil – sobre essas estratégias que visam transformar, e não apenas conhecer

Chicken feather keratin peptides for the control of keratinocyte migration

FAO estimates that in 2030 the poultry meat production could reach 120 million tons, which is a challenge in terms of waste management. Feathers are mainly composed of keratin, an important biomaterial. Using feathers as a source of keratin will minimize the waste generated, while contributing to supply an important material for several industries, such as pharmaceutical and biomedical. The peptides were extracted from the feathers by microbial degradation. In this study, we evaluated the peptides effect on keratinocyte metabolic activity and migration. The influence of these peptides on non-activated and activated macrophages was also assessed. It was demonstrated that depending on the keratin peptide fraction in contact with keratinocytes, it is possible to modulate the migration rate of the keratinocytes. Peptide fraction with low molecular weight increases migration, while peptides with a high range of molecular sizes decreases it. Some peptide fractions induce the secretion of TNF- in non-activated macrophages and not on activated macrophages, demonstrating that these peptides should only be placed in contact with cells, in the context of an ongoing inflammatory process. This work is a step forward on the understanding of keratin peptides influence on keratinocytes and immune cells system cells, macrophages.This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit. It was also was financed by the Portuguese Mass Spectrometry Network, integrated in the National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic Relevance (ROTEIRO/0028/2013; LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-022125) and the MAC 2014-2020-MAC/1.1b/042-INTERREG V A España-Portugal, “BIOTRANSFER 2: Transferencia de la investigación biotecnológica orientada a rentabilidad empresarial y movilización de flujos de negocio 2”.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Alta prevalência e associação do subtipo não-B do vírus HIV-1 com risco específico de transmissão sexual entre pacientes virgens de tratamento antirretroviral em Porto Alegre, Brasil

In South Brazil the circulation of two HIV-1 subtypes with different characteristics represents an important scenario for the study of the impact of HIV-1 diversity on the evolution of the HIV-1 epidemic and AIDS disease. HIV-1 B, the predominant variant in industrialized countries and HIV-1 C, the most prevalent subtype in areas with rapid epidemic growth, are implicated in most infections. We evaluated blood samples from 128 antiretroviral (ARV) naïve patients recruited at entry to the largest HIV outpatient service in Porto Alegre. Based on partial pol region sequencing, HIV-1 C was observed in 29%, HIV-1 B in 22.6% and, the recently identified CRF31_BC, in 23.4% of 128 volunteers. Other variants were HIV-1 F in 10% and other mosaics in 5.5%. In order to evaluate the association of socio-behavioral characteristics and HIV-1 subtypes, interviews and laboratory evaluation were performed at entry. Our data suggest an established epidemic of the three major variants, without any evidence of partitioning in either of the subgroups analyzed. However, anal sex practices were associated with subtype B, which could indicate a greater transmissibility of non-B variants by vaginal intercourse. This study provides baseline information for epidemiologic surveillance of the changes of the molecular characteristics of HIV-1 epidemics in this region.No sul do Brasil a circulação de dois subtipos de HIV-1 com características diferentes representa importante cenário para o estudo do impacto da diversidade do HIV-1 na evolução da epidemia e na AIDS. O HIV-1 B, variante predominante nos países industrializados e o HIV-1 C, o subtipo mais prevalente em áreas com maiores taxas de crescimento da epidemia, estão implicados na maioria das infecções. Avaliamos amostras de sangue de 128 pacientes sem exposição a antirretrovirais, recrutados ao ingressarem no maior serviço ambulatorial de HIV/AIDS de Porto Alegre. Com base no sequenciamento parcial da região pol, o HIV-1 C foi observado em 29%, HIV-1 B em 22,6% e uma forma recombinante recentemente descrita, CRF31_BC, foi observada em 23,4% entre 128 voluntários. Outras variantes encontradas foram HIV-1 F em 10% e outros mosaicos em 5,5%. Para avaliar associações entre características sócio-comportamentais e subtipos do HIV-1 foram realizadas entrevistas e exames laboratoriais na entrada do estudo. Nossos dados sugerem uma epidemia estabelecida dessas três variantes principais, sem evidência de compartilhamento em nenhum subgrupo analisado. Entretanto, prática sexual anal se mostrou associada à transmissão de subtipo B, o que pode indicar maior transmissibilidade das variantes não-B por intercurso vaginal. Este estudo permite delinear uma linha de base para o monitoramento epidemiológico das mudanças nas características moleculares da epidemia do HIV-1 nesta região

Prevalência e tendências temporais de transtornos mentais necessitando de tratamento de internação na cidade de Porto Alegre: Um estudo de toda a cidade incluindo todas as internações por motivo de saúde mental no sistema público de 2013-2017

Objectives: To investigate the 5-year prevalence of patients admitted to public inpatient care units due to a mental disorder, stratifying them by age group and diagnosis, and to assess trends of admissions over this time period in Porto Alegre. Methods: All admissions to the public mental health care system regulated by the city-owned electronic system Administração Geral dos Hospitais (AGHOS) were included in the analysis. The total population size was obtained by estimations of Fundação de Economia e Estatística (FEE). General information about 5-year prevalence of inpatient admissions, time-series trends e prevalence by age groups and diagnosis were presented. Results: There were 32,608 admissions over the 5-year period analyzed. The overall prevalence of patients was 1.62% among the total population, 0.01% among children, 1.12% among adolescents, 2.28% among adults and 0.93% among the elderly. The most common diagnosis was drug-related, followed by mood, alcohol-related and psychotic disorders. There was a linear trend showing an increase in the number of admissions from 2013 to the midst of 2014, which dropped in 2015. Conclusions: Admissions due to mental disorders are relatively common, mainly among adults and related to drug use and mood disorders. Time trends varied slightly over the 5 years. Prevalence rates in real-world settings might be useful for policymakers interested in planning the public mental health system in large Brazilian cities

Prognostic value of MGMT promoter methylation in glioblastoma patients treated with temozolomide-based chemoradiation : a Portuguese multicentre study

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. The identification of novel molecular prognostic markers of GBM has recently been an area of great interest in neuro-oncology. The methylation status of the MGMT gene promoter is currently a promising molecular prognostic marker, but some controversial data have precluded its clinical use. We analyzed MGMT methylation by methylation-specific PCR in 90 GBM patients from four Portuguese hospitals, uniformly treated with radiotherapy combined with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (Stupp protocol). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to construct survival curves, and the log-rank test and a Cox-regression model were used to analyze patient survival. The methylation status of MGMT was successfully determined in 89% (80/90) of the tumors. The frequency of tumoral MGMT promoter methylation was 47.5%. The median overall survivals (OSs) were 16 months (95% CI 12.2-19.8) and 13 months (95% CI 13.3-18.7) for patients whose tumors had a methylated or unmethylated MGMT, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses did not show any statistically significant association between MGMT methylation status and patient OS (P=0.583 by the log-rank test; P=0.617 by the Cox-regression test) or progression-free survival (P=0.775 by the log-rank test; P=0.691 by the Cox-regression test). None of the patient clinical features were significantly correlated with survival. This is the first study to report the frequency of MGMT methylation among Portuguese GBM patients. Our data did not show statistically significant associations between MGMT promoter methylation and the outcome of GBM patients treated with temozolomide. Additional robust prospective studies are warranted to clarify whether the MGMT status should be used in clinical decisions.This project was sponsored, in part, by Schering-Ploug Farma (Portugal). B.M.C. and O.M. are recipients of fellowships from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (SFRH/BPD/33612/2009 and SFRH/BD/36463/ 2007). The funding institutions had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, interpretation of the results, the preparation of the manuscript, or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication

Phagosomal removal of fungal melanin reprograms macrophage metabolism to promote antifungal immunity

Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Northern Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) (NORTE-01- 0145-FEDER-000013), the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) (SFRH/BD/136814/2018 to S.M.G., SFRH/BD/141127/2018 to C.D.O., PD/BD/137680/2018 to D.A., IF/00474/2014 to N.S.O., IF/01390/2014 to E.T., IF/00959/2014 to S.C., IF/00021/2014 to R.S., PTDC/SAU-SER/29635/2017 and CEECIND/04601/2017 to C.C., and CEECIND/03628/2017 to A.C.), the Institut Mérieux (Mérieux Research Grant 2017 to C.C.), and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID Research Grant 2017 to A.C.). M.G.N. was supported by a Spinoza grant of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research. A.A.B. was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Collaborative Research Center/Transregio TR124 FungiNet (project A1). G.D.B. was funded by the Wellcome Trust (102705), the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology and the University of Aberdeen (MR/N006364/1).Peer reviewedPublisher PD