To integrate or not to integrate? A matter of choice for universities

What is the right location for a university campus? Universities have a preponderant role in today’s societal models. They have been in the core of development — economic, social, sustainable, inter alia — and their role within urban context has changed in order to respond to the university mission — that nowadays includes of civic engagement as well as a stronger participation in economies, through the development of startups and innovation ecosystems. This paper relies on the premise that, even in a post-pandemic world, the Campus is still a window to the world, it can shape the perception people have of the University, can be used as a branding asset and, most of all, impacts the lives of everyone living, learning, and working there. The Campus is a very powerful tool, one that universities worldwide have been using as a way of positioning themselves, of attracting students and faculty, and also creating synergies and relationships with companies. It shapes the relationships created inside and outside of it. As such, this research argues that universities can be key elements in generating and enabling dynamic synergies, promoting the presence of students, academics, and learning spaces in urban contexts. To accomplish this, universities should preserve their spatial identity and uniqueness, while guaranteeing the existence of adequate places for all learning related activities and embodying inclusion and sustainable development, promoting encounters and interaction. These two needs, for inclusion and livelihood while safeguarding some privacy coexist creating some tension for all campus users. With this issue in mind, this paper explores an analytical framework for university campuses within urban fabrics, understanding the different types of urban insertion and connections established with local and regional players, and exploring the dichotomy between closeness centrality and betweenness centrality, as variables than can be used to balance the tension between integration and privacy that affects university campuses and academic communities worldwide. Four compact university campuses that host similar functions are used to test the methodology: Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada; Aalto University in Espoo, Finland; MIT in Cambridge, MA, USA; and Yale University, in New Haven, USA. This paper relies on syntactic analysis to provide deeper information and some clarification on the university location and accessibility within the urban fabrics

Pediatric obesity in a health centre file of Minho

Introdução: Portugal é um dos cinco países da Europa com maior prevalência de excesso de peso (EP) e obesidade (OB) em idade pediátrica. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência de EP e OB nas crianças/adolescentes dum ficheiro de utentes dos cuidados primários. Material e métodos: Estudo observacional e transversal. A população incluia as crianças, dum ficheiro do ACES do Cávado III, que completassem 3 a 17 anos no ano 2010. Recolha de dados por convocação/agendamento. Parametrizados: peso, estatura e perímetro de cintura. Calculado o índice de massa corporal (IMC), percentil de IMC e percentil de perímetro de cintura, utilizando as classificações do CDC e do NAHNES III, respetivamente. Preenchido um questionário para as crianças/adolescentes com EP ou OB. Resultados: Da população de 263 elementos compareceram 199 (amostra) para a parametrização. A prevalência de EP foi de 14% e de OB de 12%, total de 26% (n=52). Dos 52 elementos com EP/OB, 48 responderam a um questionário, quatro não (dois emigraram; dois não compareceram). Nestes verificou-se uma correlação entre o percentil de perímetro de cintura superior a 90 e a ocorrência de obesidade, p < 0,01; não praticavam uma hora diária ou mais de atividade física 77%, com predomínio no sexo feminino 89%, p = 0,01; despendiam mais de duas horas em atividades sedentárias 46%; verificou-se uma baixa ingestão de hortícolas e fruta e elevada em produtos açucarados e fritos; ingeriam quantidades de carne e peixe maiores que as porções recomendadas para a idade 60%; foram amamentados 88% e pelo menos durante seis meses 54%; iniciaram a diversificação alimentar entre os quatro e os seis meses 66%; a escolaridade parental foi de nove ou menos anos em 83%. Conclusões: Na população pediátrica estudada, verificou-se uma prevalência de EP e de OB próxima dos valores da literatura. A alimentação e atividade física nos com EP/OB foram maioritariamente desadequadas.Introduction: Portugal is the one out of five European countries with highest prevalence of overweight (OW) and childhood obesity (OB). Objectives: To asses and characterize children and adolescents with OW and OB from a health centre file in primary care. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study. All children, in a centre file of the ACES do Cávado III, completing 3-17 years of age in 2010, were included. Participant recruitment was actively undertaken. Data collected included weight, height and waist circumference. Body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile and waist perimeter percentile were then calculated, using CDC and NAHNES III classifications, respectively. A questionnaire was applied for children with OW or OB. Results: Within the population of 263 elements, 199 attended the study (sample). The prevalence of OW and OB was 14% and 12%, respectively, totalizing 26% (n=52). Within the 52 elements with OW / OB, 48 answered a questionnaire, and four did not (two emigrated; two unattended). In theses ones, a correlation between a percentile of waist circumference greater than 90 and the occurrence of obesity, was demonstrated, p < 0,01; practicing one hour or more of daily physical activity, wasn’t achieved by 77%, with predominance in girls 89%, p = 0,01; spending two or more hours daily in sedentary activities was verified in 46%; there was a low intake of fruit and vegetables and high in sugar and fried foods; quantities of meat and fish were larger than the recommended servings for age in 60%; breastfeeding was observed in 88% of which 54% during at least six months; food introduction started between four and six month in 66%; parents had nine or fewer years of schooling in 83% of cases. Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in this paediatric population was close to literature values. Diet and physical activity in those with OW/OB was mostly inadequate

Orientações curriculares para a Matemática no Ensino Médio: uma análise sob o Enfoque Ontosemiótico

Este artigo apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa que teve por objetivo investigar o desenvolvimento da Matemática no Ensino Médio de escolas públicas estaduais do Rio Grande do Sul, sob a perspectiva do Enfoque Ontosemiótico do Conhecimento e a Instrução Matemática (EOS), como possibilidade teórica e didática para análise e organização de currículos de Matemática para esse nível de ensino. Particularmente, são apresentados, aqui, resultados referentes a uma análise realizada no documento Orientações Curriculares Nacionais para o Ensino Médio (BRASIL, 2006), com base na dimensão epistêmica do EOS presente nos blocos de conteúdos Números e Operações, Geometria, Funções e Análise de Dados e Probabilidade. Resultados apontam, em todos os blocos de conteúdos, a presença dos componentes de idoneidade epistêmica. Destaca-se a presença de situações-problema, base para o desenvolvimento da atividade matemática dentro da perspectiva ontosemiótica, as quais devem ser apresentadas de forma contextualizada, utilizando questões práticas e cotidianas, possibilitando ao estudante refletir e argumentar sobre as escolhas matemáticas feitas em suas soluções. Sobre a linguagem matemática é enfatizada a leitura e interpretação das informações por meio de representações, sejam elas em linguagem natural, simbólica, gráfica, tabular ou figural. As regras são definidas a partir de orientações, tanto de caráter geral quanto específicas, referentes ao desenvolvimento dos conteúdos em sala de aula. A análise realizada permitiu perceber a presença de elementos que entram em consonância com os apontados pelo EOS no que se refere ao tratamento dado ao conhecimento matemático: como atividade de resolução de problemas, como linguagem simbólica e como sistema conceitual logicamente organizado

Development and evaluation of a two-step multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay for detection/quantification of different genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Nowadays, at least four clinically important B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) genospecies (B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) and B. lusitaniae) circulate in Portugal. Each genospecies has a different tropism that resuls in a diverse array of clinical manifestations. The standard diagnostic procedure used is normally simple, nevertheless, during the “window-period” phase, in which specific antibodies cannot yet be detected, diagnosis becomes difficult, and calls for reliable, sensitive and specific laboratory methods, such as molecular tests. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a multiplex TaqMan real-time PCR assay to infer the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies in clinical and vector-derived samples. The assay consists of two steps: (i) a first duplex real-time PCR targeting both flaB of B. burgdorferi s.l., and an internal control (18S rDNA for tick samples or the mammal β-actin gene for clinical samples); and (ii) a second tetraplex real-time PCR targeting the flaB gene of B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. lusitaniae. The first step revealed a high specificity and sensitivity, allowing the detection of as low as 20 genome equivalents (GE) of B. burgdorferi s.l. from isolated cultures, clinical samples and ticks. The second step revealed high specificity, but a slightly lower sensitivity (2×102 GE) for detection of B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. lusitaniae in purified DNA extracts, and particularly when testing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Nonetheless, both real-time PCR protocols were developed to be applied at the beginning of the infection, to improve early diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis (LB), where detection of Borrelia should not rely on the use of CSF samples. The assay here described is of special interest for the analysis of both environmental and clinical samples, being advantageous in the former phase screening of Lyme borreliosis, when the efficiency of serologically based diagnoses may be seriously compromised

Otherness

All partners in the “Otherness”, Erasmus + KA2 project, share the idea that every individual is unique, equally worthy and has the right to live according to his beliefs, customs, practices and established behavior rules. We live in a world in which globalization and migration have brought together people from different ethnic origins, religious backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and languages. But sharing a common space does not automatically result in opening yourself to Otherness, trying to understand differences, valuing diversity and building common grounds for dialogue. The target groups of the project are (1) Students aged 12/13 -15 (lower secondary school age) when they start consciously shaping attitudes and concepts; (2) Teachers and (3) Local communities. Project activities and outputs: 1. Researching; 2. Designing a training program; 3. Transnational training activity for teachers from selected schools; 4. Piloting the training program in the selected educational institutions during school year 2016-2017; 5. Feedback and recommendations from participating teachers and students in the pilot trainings; 6. Upgrading the training program to meet teachers' and students' recommendations; 7. 2nd transnational training activity for teachers; 8. Final implementation: teachers form 2nd transnational training run trainings in the institutions they teach in during school year 2017-2018; 9. Evaluation - survey on students' attitude to Otherness Project activities result in acquiring new knowledge and skills, and changing attitudes: students learn about Human Rights; believe and respect human rights to a greater extent; teachers get the knowledge of basics in Human Rights, Diversity and education for community well-being;In the long run, we expect the students who have participated in the project to grow up and become open-minded citizens, value diversity and build non-violent societies based on collaboration, assertiveness and integrity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Diversity of non-clinical Acinetobacter species in a sub-saharan Africa region: evidence of carbapenem-hydrolysing class D-β-lactamase producers

[Excerpt] Although Acinetobacter baumannii has been the main agent for healthcare infections, recent reports suggest that some Acinetobacter environmental species should be considered as a potential cause of disease. In Angola, there are no previous data on its environmental reservoirs and resistance features. We aimed to unveil the occurrence and diversity of Acinetobacter species and the presence of resistance mechanisms in different non-clinical settings in Angola

Environmental reservoirs of Acinetobacter-producing carbapenem-hydrolysing class D-beta-lactamases in Angolawith evidence of human exposure

Although Acinetobacter baumannii has been the main agent for healthcare infections, recent reports suggest that some Acinetobacter environmental species should be considered as a potential cause of disease. In Angola, an African country with an emerging economy, there are no previous data on Acinetobacter environmental reservoirs and resistance features. We aimed to investigate the occurrence and diversity of Acinetobacter species and the presence of resistance mechanisms in different non-clinical settings in Angola. Sixty-three samples collected from different sources in Benguela (2013) were included: faeces [healthy volunteers (n=8), wildlife (n=5) and healthy farm animals (n=10)]; water [rivers (n=3), wastewaters (n=5), treated (n=7) and untreated (n=5) drinking water for human/animal, water for farm (n=3) and wildlife (n=2) animals]; animal feed (n=3) and floor/walls farm samples (n=2). Identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS. Presumptive Acinetobacter isolates were confirmed by rpoB partial gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disc diffusion/E-test methods. Carbapenemase activity was search by Blue-CARBA. Carbapenemase genes (blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-58, blaOXA-24, blaKPC) and their genetic context were investigated by PCR and sequencing. Genetic location for carbapenemase genes was determined by I-CeuI and S1-hybridizations. Clonality was studied by ApaI-PFGE. Acinetobacter species were detected in 46% of samples and some harbored more than one species: faeces [healthy volunteers (n=8/63; A.baumannii, A.ursingii, A.junii, A.berezinae), healthy farm animals (n=7; A.genospecies 15TU, A.gerneri, A.baumannii, A.pittii, A.soli)], water [rivers (n=3; A.junii, A.towneri, A.johnsonii, A.baumannii, A.pittii, A.soli)], wastewater (n=4; A.junii, A.towneri, A.baumannii, A.pittii), treated drinking water for humans (n=1; A.johnsonii, A.baumannii, A.pittii) and untreated drinking water for humans/animals (n=6; A.junii, A.baumannii, A.pittii)]. Susceptibility to aminoglycosides and quinolones was variable. Eleven isolates had reduced susceptibility to carbapenems but only 4 presented carbapenemase activity: ANG 1-4. ANG1, identified as A.johnsonii, showed resistance to cefotaxime, cefepime and intermediate behaviour to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, imipenem (MIC=1.5mg/L) and meropenem (MIC=0.75mg/L), presenting blaOXA-58 followed by ISAba3 and associated with a~75 kb plasmid. ANG 2-4 were identified as A.towneri by MALDI-TOF MS but rpoB only confirmed the close relatedness to this species. ANG2-4 had MICs>ECOFF at least to one carbapenem and revealed blaOXA-23 preceded by ISAba1, being epidemiologically unrelated (ApaI-PFGE). The wide range of environments studied revealed a high diversity of Acinetobacter species. It is of note the frequent detection (36%) of A.baumannii, considered a hospital-adapted species. This work also describes the first environmental OXA-58-producing A.johnsonii isolate (domestic drinking water), and OXA-23-producing A.towneri (river and wastewater). These findings could suggest that human action might drive the spread of antibiotic resistance genes to geographic areas with low selection pressures (carbapenems are not approved in Angola), or that these regions might be at the origin of these genes. In any case, they could act as important reservoirs in the global epidemiological context. Keywords: Acinetobacter, Angola, Carbapenem-resistance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Production Process Analysis and Improvement of Corrugated Cardboard Industry

This work was developed into a corrugated cardboard industrial company. In this sector are produced plans resulting from the union between corrugated cardboard produced and the sheets printed in the previous sector. The PDCA cycle was the main methodology used in this work. Firstly, the initial state of the production was analyzed by data collection in both existent lines and it was concluded that a great variability of the parameters was being used in the process for similar works. The main problems in the process were identified and it was concluded that warp and detached plans were the main reasons for concern. It was implemented a set of measures to reduce these incidences. Control charts were implemented to the starch glue and through the analysis of these charts and cause-effect diagrams several changes to the starch glue circuit and to its own recipe were implemented. The steam pressure of the boiler was reduced from 12 bar to 8 bar and a table with temperatures regarding each paper weight was implemented. The results obtained show that the percentage of waste in the sector was reduced from values ranging between 9 and 12% to values around 4%. Regarding starch glue consumption, it dropped from 11 g/m2 to 8 g/m2. The energy consumption, namely gas, showed a saving of 9%. Thus, this work represents an important contribute to the sector, allowing energy savings and quality and competitiveness improvements.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Does the hyperglycemia impact on COVID-19 outcomes depend upon the presence of diabetes? An observational study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as a major risk factor for COVID-19 severity and SARS-CoV-2 infection can worsen glycemic control and may precipitate new-onset diabetes. At-admission hyperglycemia (AH) is a known predictor for worse outcomes in many diseases and seems to have a similar effect in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of AH regardless of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and new-onset diabetes diagnosis in the clinical severity of COVID-19 inpatients in the first months of the pandemic. A retrospective monocentric study on 374 COVID-19 inpatients (209 males) was developed to assess associations between AH (blood glucose levels in the Emergency Department or the first 24 h of hospitalization greater than 140 mg/dL) and severity outcomes (disease severity, respiratory support, admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and mortality) in patients with and without diabetes. Considering diabetic patients with AH (N = 68;18.1%) there was a correlation with COVID-19 severity (p = 0.03), invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.008), and ICU admission (p = 0.026). No correlation was present with any severity outcomes in diabetic patients without AH (N = 33; 8.8%). All of the New-onset Diabetes patients (N = 15; 4%) had AH, and 12 had severe COVID-19; additionally, five patients were admitted to the ICU and three patients died. However, severity outcomes did not reach statistical correlation significance in this group. In nondiabetic patients with AH (N = 51; 13.6%), there was a statistically significant association with the need for oxygen therapy (p = 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01), and ICU admission (p = 0.03). Our results support data regarding the impact of AH on severity outcomes. It also suggests an effect of AH on the prognosis of COVID-19 inpatients, regardless of the presence of pre-existing diabetes or new-onset diabetes. We reinforce the importance to assess at admission glycemia in all patients admitted with COVID-19.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio