Reformism and Evaluation in the Field of Social and Political Sciences. Consequences for the Academic Community, Projects, People

After the introduction of the most recent University evaluation reforms, this article aims at presenting the first findings of a research project on these reforms and the evaluation processes carried out so far in the field of social and political sciences. In particular, the research wishes to investigate the relational dynamics, the behaviors and the values of the academic profession with special attention to the scientific activity, but without putting aside the implications for the teaching, management and the “third mission” activities. Inserted in the line of studies on higher education and evaluation well consolidated in Italy, the research is characterized by the added value  of  connecting the criticaltheoretical level to the empirical one

4-D quantitative GPR analyses to study the summer mass balance of a glacier: A case history

In order to assess the seasonal changes of the topography, the inner structure and the physical properties of a small glacier in the Eastern Alps, we performed a 4-D multi frequency GPR survey by repeating the same data acquisition in four different periods of the year 2013. The usual glacier mass balance estimation encompasses only topographic variations, but the real evolution is much more complex and includes surface melting and refreezing, snow metamorphism, and basal melting. We analyzed changes in both the imaged geometrical-morphological structures and the densities, estimated from GPR data inversion. The inversion algorithm uses reflection amplitudes and traveltimes to extract the electromagnetic velocity in the interpreted layers and the densities of the frozen materials through empirical relations. The obtained results have been compared and validated with direct measures like snow thickness surveys, density logs within snow pits and ablation stakes. This study demonstrates that GPR techniques are a fast and effective tool not only for glacial qualitative studies, but also for detailed glacier monitoring and accurate quantitative analyses of crucial glaciological parameters like density distribution and water runoff

A construção do patrimônio cultural na realidade das interações via internet com base no paradigma intersubjetivo de Habermas

As relações sociais no mundo atual são definidas não somente peloaprisionamento delas na objetividade do mundo, como também pelas interações, que recebem configuração de transmissão de informação ao acontecerem via internet. Essa dimensão da comunicação não caracteriza a interação necessária à formação da coletividade determinante para a construção do patrimônio cultural. Desse modo, objetivou-se estudar como o paradigma intersubjetivo de Habermas contribui para a construção do patrimônio cultural. Este é resultado da construção coletiva e tem sua expressão nas relações pensadas pelo autor, pois é formado pelas relações de alteridade entre sujeitos livres e que reconhecem a cultura e o contexto em que estão e a que pertencem suas experiências do cotidiano

The Histidine Biosynthetic Genes in the Superphylum Bacteroidota-Rhodothermota-Balneolota-Chlorobiota: Insights into the Evolution of Gene Structure and Organization

One of the most studied metabolic routes is the biosynthesis of histidine, especially in enterobacteria where a single compact operon composed of eight adjacent genes encodes the complete set of biosynthetic enzymes. It is still not clear how his genes were organized in the genome of the last universal common ancestor community. The aim of this work was to analyze the structure, organization, phylogenetic distribution, and degree of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of his genes in the Bacteroidota-Rhodothermota-Balneolota-Chlorobiota superphylum, a group of phylogenetically close bacteria with different surviving strategies. The analysis of the large variety of his gene structures and organizations revealed different scenarios with genes organized in more or less compact—heterogeneous or homogeneous—operons, in suboperons, or in regulons. The organization of his genes in the extant members of the superphylum suggests that in the common ancestor of this group, genes were scattered throughout the chromosome and that different forces have driven the assembly of his genes in compact operons. Gene fusion events and/or paralog formation, HGT of single genes or entire operons between strains of the same or different taxonomic groups, and other molecular rearrangements shaped the his gene structure in this superphylum

Bacterial Communities in the Midgut of Ponerine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae)

Symbiotic microorganisms are directly related to the ecological success of host insects, influencing many aspects of their biology. The present study is the first to investigate the microbiota associated with ants of the subfamily Ponerinae and aims to identify the bacterial midgut communities of Dinoponera lucida, Pachycondyla curvinodis, Pachycondyla striata, Odontomachus brunneus and Odontomachus bauri. After dissecting the midguts of these ants, DNA was extracted, and the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified via PCR using the universal primers pair 27F/1492R. The obtained PCR products were cloned and sequenced using an ABI 3500 automated sequencer. The sequences were grouped into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on a 97% similarity criterion using MOTHUR. The greatest species richness was observed in O. bauri, with 15 OTUs, followed by D. lucida with five OTUs, O. brunneus, with four OTUs, and P. curvinodis and P. striata, both with three OTUs. There were representatives of the phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes and Firmicutes, including the genera Bartonella, Mesoplasma, Mesorhizobium, Spiroplasma, Wolbachia and Serratia in the guts of the studied Ponerine ants. The low microbial diversity observed given the predatory trophic habits of the species studied suggests that there is selection for these microorganisms, predominantly preserving symbionts with functional roles that are able to colonize this environment. It is also valid to infer that the identified bacteria are predominant in the gut and exhibit mutualistic functions that are important for immunity, reproduction and nutrition; moreover, a subset may be parasites that have considerable impacts on the studied ants

Perfil de atendimentos realizados em um serviço escola

Clinical practice during psychology training is often performed in school clinics, with the identification of the characteristics of the clientele served being fundamental for improving the care. The aim of this study was to identify the profile of patients attended, in the modalities of children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, in a school clinic of psychology located in Rio Grande do Sul. An investigation of the profile of 667 medical records of children, adolescents, adults and couple and family patients treated between 2011 and 2017, was carried out, investigating sociodemographic data, type of initial assessment conducted, number of sessions, theory used, source of the referral, reason for seeking care, diagnostic hypothesis and reason for termination of the care. Specific characteristics of these variables were identified according to age and type of care. There was a significant number of medical records with incomplete data, making the data analysis difficult. Better control of medical record information would provide more detailed knowledge of the profile attended in school clinics.La práctica clínica durante la capacitación en psicología a menudo se realiza en clínicas escolares, y conocer las características de la clientela atendida es fundamental para mejorar la atención. El objetivo de este estudio fue elevar el perfil de los pacientes tratados e una clínica escolar, en las modalidades de niños, adolescentes, adultos, parejas y familiares de una clínica escolar de psicología ubicada en Rio Grande do Sul. Se realizó una encuesta de perfil de 667 registros médicos niños, adolescentes, adultos y parejas y pacientes familiares, de 2011 a 2017, investigando datos sociodemográficos, tipos de evaluación inicial realizada, número de sesiones, teoría utilizada, derivación, motivo de búsqueda, hipótesis diagnóstica y motivo de fin de la atención. Las características específicas de estas variables se identificaron según la edad y el tipo de atención. Hubo un número significativo de registros médicos con datos incompletos, lo que dificulta el análisis de datos. Un mejor control de la información de los registros médicos permite un conocimiento más detallado del perfil atendido en las clínicas escolares.A prática clínica durante a formação em psicologia é realizada muitas vezes em clínicas-escola, e conhecer características da clientela atendida é fundamental para o aprimoramento do atendimento. Objetivou-se levantar o perfil de pacientes atendidos numa clínica-escola, nas modalidades infantil, adolescente, adulto, casal e família de uma clínica-escola de psicologia localizada no Rio Grande do Sul.  Realizou-se um levantamento de perfil de 667 prontuários de pacientes infantis, adolescentes, adultos e de casal e família atendidos, entre os anos de 2011 a 2017, investigando dados sociodemográficos, tipo de avaliação inicial conduzida, número de sessões, teoria utilizada, quem encaminhou, motivo da busca, hipótese diagnóstica e razão do término do atendimento. Identificou-se características específicas destas variáveis conforme a faixa de idade e tipo de atendimento. Houve um expressivo número de prontuários com dados incompletos, dificultando a análise dos dados. Um melhor controle das informações dos prontuários permite um conhecimento mais detalhado do perfil atendido em clínicas-escola

Molecular and biological evidence for a severe seedling yellows strain of Citrus tristeza virus spreading in southern Italy

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) outbreaks have been reported in the main citrus-growing regions of Italy in the past 10 years. In some areas where eradication efforts failed to suppress spread, high CTV incidence is now observed. Recently, potentially severe CTV strains were detected in Calabria (southern Italy), one of the major citrus-growing area. As a result, investigations of the virulence and molecular features of CTV populations spreading in this region were undertaken. Virus was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a broad spectrum polyclonal antiserum, and was differentiated into potential virulent categories with the severe-strain discriminating monoclonal antibody MCA13. Isolate genotyping was conducted using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with multiple molecular markers (MMM), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the amplicons from the genes coding for the coat protein (CP) p25 and the non-structural p20 protein as well as sequence analysis. Based on the serological reactivity, the isolates were differentiated in two distinct serogroups: MCA13-reactive and MCA13 non-reactive. Similarly, based on the molecular profile, the isolates were grouped in two genetically distinct phylogenetic clusters, and associated either with a T30-like or with a T3-like genotype. These data were related to the results of biological indexing on standard indicator plants, which distinguished isolates causing mild or severe seedling yellow reactions. The study has demonstrated the presence of MCA13-reactive isolates associated with a T3-like genotype and causing severe seedling yellows in sour orange, grapefruit and lemon seedlings, and stem pitting in Mexican lime

Evaluation of antimicrobial and antitumoral activity of Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) grown in Southeast Brazil

PURPOSE:To characterize the anatomy of the fruit and leaf and the presence of phytocompounds. To evaluate the antitumor and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) cultivated in southeastern Brazil.METHODS:Anatomical characterization and histochemical reactions were performed for structural identification and the presence of phytocompounds. Preparation of ethanolic extract of the fruit, leaf and resin of mangosteen. Culture B16-F10 melanoma cells for treatment with mangosteen ethanolic extract to determine cell viability by MTT and genotoxic effect by comet assay. Evaluation by antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by agar diffusion test and by determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).RESULTS:Our results showed many secretory canals in resin fruit and leaf; identifying lipids, starch, lignin and phenolic compounds. The leaf extract induced genotoxicity and apoptosis in B16-F10 cells, since the fragmentation of DNA in the comet assay. The ethanolic extract of mangosteen obtained in the resin, leaf and fruit showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with a MIC at 0.1 mg/mL.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we have demonstrated both antimicrobial and antitumor activity of ethanol extract of mangosteen emphasizing its therapeutic potential in infectious diseases and in cancer, such as melanoma.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Bahia Research Foundation (FAPESB)Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz Department of Biological SciencesUniversidade Estadual de Santa Cruz Departament of Agricultural and Environmental SciencesUNIFESPUNIFESPSciEL

Manejo de controle de patógenos durante o desenvolvimento e na pós-colheita de frutos de pessegueiro

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a aplicação de produtos naturais e químicos no controle de patógenos durante o desenvolvimento e na pós-colheita de frutos de pessegueiro, cultivar Precocinho, no ano de 2014. Para o primeiro experimento, avaliou-se em DBC 6x5 a eficiência de seis tratamentos [T1 extrato de inflorescências de cravo da índia (CR); T2 - extrato de canela em casca (CA); T3 - extrato de folhas de boldo (BO); T4 - fosfito de potássio (FP) /2,0 ml L-1; T5 fungicida tebuconazole (FT) /1,0 ml L-1e T6 Controle (sem aplicação) (CO)] durante cinco épocas de desenvolvimento dos frutos, através da incidência de patógenos e sua correlação. No segundo experimento avaliou-se em DIC 6x3 o efeito das aplicações pré-colheita dos tratamentos acima citados, na pós-colheita dos frutos, quando submetidos a três períodos de armazenamento [0 dias (período 1); 7 dias de câmara fria (período 2); 7 dias de câmara fria a 2 ºC + 5 dias de bancada a 23 ºC (período 3)], avaliou-se as características físicas, físico-químicas e fitossanitárias dos frutos. Os produtos naturais (extratos vegetais de canela, cravo e boldo) não apresentam influência positiva sobre fungos patogênicos durante a pré e pós-colheita do pessegueiro. Os aspectos qualitativos de frutos de pessegueiro cv. Precocinho, não são afetados pelos tratamentos naturais e químicos, na pós-colheita. As aplicações de fosfito de potássio nas plantas de pessegueiro não apresentaram resultados significativos para o controle de Monilinia fructicola na pré e na pós-colheita. O tratamento químico com tebuconazole apresenta controle eficiente da podridão parda. Os tratamentos naturais devem ser analisados a longo prazo, sugerindo-se novos estudos