Ionic size effects on the Poisson-Boltzmann theory

In this paper, we develop a simple theory to study the effects of ionic size on ionic distributions around a charged spherical particle. We include a correction to the regular Poisson-Boltzmann equation in order to take into account the size of ions in a mean-field regime. The results are compared with Monte Carlo simulations and a density functional theory based on the fundamental measure approach and a second-order bulk expansion which accounts for electrostatic correlations. The agreement is very good even for multivalent ions. Our results show that the theory can be applied with very good accuracy in the description of ions with highly effective ionic radii and low concentration, interacting with a colloid or a nanoparticle in an electrolyte solution

Prospecção Tecnológica: Levantamento de Patentes, Atuação da Academia e Potenciais Inovações em Ambientes de Aprendizagem no Brasil de 2000 a 2015

Prospecção tecnológica é um processo formal para identificar, avaliar e interpretar uma inovação (ou uma proposta) disponı́vel sobre um determinado tema. Este trabalho mostra um estudo baseado em prospecção tecnológica para verificar as propostas de inovações de ambientes virtuais e tecnologias utilizadas para apoiar a educação. Como resultado, foi constatado que o principal assunto discutido na comunidade acadêmica de informática na educação é alvo de poucas, mas existentes, tentativas de inovação por pessoas não necessariamente ligadas às universidades

A percepção de servidores universitários sobre as políticas, ações e discursos institucionais sobre o assédio moral no trabalho

O artigo objetiva descrever a percepção dos servidores docentes e técnico-administrativos de uma universidade federal, localizada na região sul brasileira, em relação as práticas e discursos organizacionais sobre o assédio moral no trabalho. A pesquisa classificou-se como qualitativa e descritiva. A coleta dos dados ocorreu pela aplicação de um questionário online, divulgado por e-mail, respondido por 214 servidores, e realizado 12 entrevistas. Na análise de dados foi utilizado a análise de conteúdo. Constatou-se que a universidade não demonstra claramente suas políticas e ações em relação ao assédio, o que influência na sua prática ou denúncia interna. Além disto, como forma de prevenir e combater a violência, os participantes sugerem tanto aspectos individuais, que tem relação com o comportamento e ações no trabalho (a prática do código de ética, respeitar e valorizar o outro), quanto institucionais, que trazem elementos presentes na cultura e práticas organizacionais (formação das chefias, aplicação e controle do código de ética profissional do servidor público, mudança cultural, criação de comissões, maior divulgação sobre o assédio, gestão mais técnica). Portanto, trazem elementos de prevenção que vão além de estratégias exclusivas sobre o assédio, mas de práticas saudáveis e éticas no ambiente laboral e nas relações interpessoaisThe article aims to describe the perception of professors and technical-administrative employees of a federal university, located in the southern region of Brazil, in relation to organizational practices and discourses about workplace bullying. The research was classified as qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data collection ocurred by the application of an online questionnaire, disseminated by e-mail, answered by 214 employees, and was conducted 12 interviews. Data was analyzed through content analysis approach. It was found that the university doesn't clearly demonstrates its policies and actions in relation to workplace bullying, which influence on their practice or internal complaint. In addition, to prevent and combat the bullying, the participants suggest individual aspects, which are related to behavior and actions at work (the practice of the code of ethics, respect and value the other), and institutional aspects, which bring elements presents in the culture and organizational practices (management training, application and control of the code of professional ethics of public servants, cultural change, creation of commissions, greater dissemination on harassment, more technical management). Therefore, they bring prevention elements that go beyond exclusive strategies on bullying, but rather healthy and ethical practices in the workplace and in interpersonal relationship

Assédio moral no trabalho : a compreensão dos trabalhadores sobre a violência

O assédio moral no trabalho é uma situação já recorrente há muito tempo. Porém, foi somente nas últimas décadas que foi identificado como um fenômeno destruidor do ambiente laboral, não apenas provocando a diminuição da produtividade, mas também favorecendo o absenteísmo devido aos efeitos/consequências que provoca. Por sua vez, uma das grandes dificuldades de combater e coibir a violência é a informação sobre ele, seu conceito e características. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo teve por objetivo descrever a definição de assédio moral no trabalho a partir do relato dos participantes sobre o tema em um termo/palavra. Para tanto foram utilizadas três pesquisas que ocorreram em 2008, 2010, e 2014-2015, tendo como público-alvo trabalhadores de diversos setores, como por exemplo, bancário, docentes e técnico-administrativos, saúde, justiça, e demais. Como conclusões, os participantes definiram o assédio moral prioritariamente por aspectos da prática hostil, como humilhação, desrespeito, abuso; e, em sequência, como uma consequência/efeito, como vergonha, medo, raiva. Verificou-se ainda que existe similaridade dos termos utilizados pelos participantes das pesquisas de 2008 até 2015Workplace bullying is an old situation. However, in the last few decades it was actually identified as a destructive work environment, not only causing a decrease in productivity, but also favoring the absenteeism due to the effects/consequences that it causes (Hirigoyen, 2008). One of the major difficulties to fight against and prevent violence is information about it, the concept and its characteristics. The purpose of this article was to describe the definition of workplace bullying from participants' answers about the topic in a term/word. In order to do so, three surveys that occurred in 2008, 2010 and 2014-2015 were used, with participants from many sectors, such as banking, health system, justice, education, technical and administrative roles, and others. As a conclusion, the participants primarily defined workplace bullying as hostile practice aspects, such as humiliation, disrespect, abuse; and in sequence as a consequence/effect such as shame, fear, anger. It was also verified that there is similarity of the terms used by the research participants from 2008 to 201

Percepções sobre a natureza humana e das relações profissionais no trabalho de servidores universitários

As organizações definem, de forma explícita ou implícita, o "modelo" de comportamento e de relacionamento interpessoal no âmbito laboral, o qual é influenciado pela própria cultura organizacional e nacional. Por sua vez, identificar a concepção a natureza humana e a dos relacionamentos interpessoais são importantes aspectos para desvendar elementos visíveis e invisíveis presentes no cotidiano organizacional. Desta forma, esta pesquisa teve por objetivo descrever a percepção dos servidores docentes e técnico-administrativos da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina em relação a aspectos culturais como concepções sobre a natureza humana e relacionamento profissional no âmbito laboral. A pesquisa foi classificada como descritiva, quanti-quali, e estudo de caso. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário online (214 respostas) e entrevistas (12 entrevistados), e foram tratados estatisticamente e também por meio de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados enfatizam que os servidores docentes apresentam uma imagem "positiva" em relação a concepção de trabalhadores, ao contrário dos técnico-administrativos, que tiveram um perfil mais "negativo". Os mesmos são vistos como preguiçosos e descomprometidos com o trabalho, características estas atribuída aos servidores públicos conforme a cultura do serviço público. Por sua vez, os relacionamentos profissionais tendem a ser mais amigáveis nos setores, ao contrário do que ocorre na UFSC como um todo, que tendem para conflituosos. Além disto, ficou evidenciado o conflito entre categorias, que persiste há muito tempo na UniversidadeOrganizations define, explicitly or implicitly, the model of behavior and interpersonal relationships in the workplace, which is influenced by the organizational and national culture. In turn, identifying the conception of human nature and interpersonal relationships is important to reveal noticeable and unnoticeable elements present in the organizational routine. Bearing this in mind, this research aimed to describe the perception of professors and technical-administrative employees from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in relation to the cultural aspects as conceptions about the human nature and workplace relationships. The research was classified as descriptive, quantitative and qualitative, and case study. The data was collected through an online survey, with 214 responses, and then 12 interviews were conducted. After that, the results were analyzed statistically and through content analysis. Finally, it was possible to infer that professors have a positive image regarding the conception of workers, whereas technical-administrative employees have a more negative profile, since they are seen as lazy and uncommitted to work. These characteristics are attributed to public employees according to public service culture. On the other hand, the professional relationships are inclined to be friendlier in the sectors, differently from what usually happen at UFSC as a whole, which tend to be conflictive. Moreover, it was possible to notice that there is a conflict between the categories, which have persisted for a long time in the universit

Glutamine/Glutamate Metabolism Studied with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging for the Characterization of Adrenal Nodules and Masses

Purpose. To assess glutamine/glutamate (Glx) and lactate (Lac) metabolism using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H-MRS) in order to differentiate between adrenal gland nodules and masses (adenomas, pheochromocytomas, carcinomas, and metastases). Materials and Methods. Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. A total of 130 patients (47 men) with 132 adrenal nodules/masses were prospectively assessed (54 +/- 14.8 years). A multivoxel system was used with a two-dimensional point-resolved spectroscopy/chemical-shift imaging sequence. Spectroscopic data were interpreted by visual inspection and peak amplitudes of lipids (Lip), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), Lac, and Glx. Lac/Cr and Glx/Cr were calculated. Glx/Cr was assessed in relation to lesion size. Results. Statistically significant differences were observed in Glx/Cr results between adenomas and pheochromocytomas (P < 0.05), however, with a low positive predictive value (PPV). Glx levels were directly proportional to lesion size in carcinomas. A cutoff point of 1.44 was established for the differentiation between carcinomas larger versus smaller than 4 cm, with 75% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, and 80% accuracy. Lac/Cr results showed no differences across lesions. A cutoff point of -6.5 for Lac/Cr was established for carcinoma diagnosis. Conclusion. Glx levels are directly proportional to lesion size in carcinomas. A cutoff point of -6.5 Lac/Cr differentiates carcinomas from noncarcinomas.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Diagnost Imaging, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Endocrinol, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Urol, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Diagnost Imaging, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Endocrinol, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Urol, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Sentidos e significados do trabalho para servidores públicos da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Os sentidos e significados do trabalho são a forma como os indivíduos, a partir de suas experiências e percepções, compreendem a sua atividade laboral. Nesse artigo objetiva-se identificar os sentidos e significados do trabalho para servidores docentes e técnico-administrativos da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva. Utilizou-se um questionário online, em que participaram 151 servidores da UFSC. Através da análise de conteúdo os dados foram sistematizados em três categorias de análise, que representam os sentidos e significados atribuídos ao trabalho pelos participantes. De um lado, no polo positivo o trabalho mostrou-se relacionado, principalmente, a uma função social, ao orgulho da instituição, ao gostar do que se faz e a possibilidade de crescimento profissional e/ou pessoal. Enquanto sentido instrumental destacou-se os que relacionam o trabalho a salário e a estabilidade. Por fim, no polo negativo o trabalho é compreendido como decepção, adoecimento, desmotivação e fardo. Estes significados podem influenciar no comprometimento, adesão e o trabalho do servidor. Portanto, cabe à gestão observar e desenvolver estratégias para minimizar os sentidos instrumentais e negativosThe senses and meanings of work are the way individuals, from their experiences and perceptions, understand their work activity. This article aims to identify the senses and meanings of work for professors and technical-administrative employees of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). This research is a qualitative and descriptive. Was used an online questionnaire, involving 151 public employees from the UFSC. Through content analysis the data were systematized into three categories of analysis, which represent the senses and meanings attributed to the work by the participants. At the positive pole, the work was mainly related to a social function, to the pride of the institution, to liking what is done and the possibility of professional and/or personal growth. While the instrumental sense was highlighted those, who relate the work to salary and stability. Finally, in the negative pole the work is understood as disappointment, sickness, demotivation and burden. These meanings can influence the commitment, adherence and the work of the worker. Therefore, it's up to the management to observe and develop strategies to minimize instrumental and negative senses and meaning

An efficient method to sample Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) using coloured pan-traps in a cage poultry facility

 When houseflies find optimal conditions to develop, they rapidly increase their population size negatively impacting both humans and animals through nuisance and the transmission of pathogens. Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) shows a preference for animal faeces and for this reason it is a serious pest in animal breeding facilities. To prevent proliferation of houseflies and to evaluate the efficiency of the control methods, it is important to routinely monitor the activity of this dipteran in such facilities. There are several types of traps for sampling houseflies in breeding sites, here we used colored pan-traps to evaluate the efficiency of the trap and its color in sampling M. domestica in a cage poultry facility located in the city of Nepomuceno, Minas Gerais, Brazil. To do so, we set up yellow, white, blue and red pan-traps next to the cages of poultries and collected flies once a week for a period of a year. Although the density of M. domestica was high during the entire period of sampling, more flies were collected in white (monthly average of 470.83 flies) than in yellow (327.55), blue (267.14) and red traps (199.63). Hence, we argue that this poultry farm needs to improve its housefly monitoring program and we suggest a continuous use of white pan-traps to monitor the efficiency of the pest control methods implemented in the facility

Speckle tracking echocardiographic deformation indices in Chagas and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy : incremental prognostic value of longitudinal strain

Background Chagas cardiomyopathy (CDC) is associated with a poor prognosis compared to other car-diomyopathies. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), which provides direct assessment of myocardial fiber deformation, may be useful in predicting prognosis. Objective This study assessed STE in CDC and compared with idiopathic cardiomyopathy (IDC), and also examined the incremental prognostic information of STE over left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in these patients. Methods We enrolled 112 patients, age of 56.7 ± 11.8 years, 81 with CDC and 31 with IDC. STE indices were obtained at baseline in all patients. The endpoint was a composite of death, hospitalization for heart failure, or need for heart transplantation. Results Patients with IDC had worse LV systolic function compared to CDC, with LVEF of 34.5% vs 41.3%, p = 0.004, respectively. After adjustment for LVEF, there were no differences in STE values between CDC and IDC. During a median follow-up of 18.2 months (range, 11 to 22), 26 patients met the composite end point (24%). LV longitudinal strain was a strong predictor of adverse events, incremental to LVEF and E/e’ ratio (HR 1.463, 95% CI 1.130–1.894; p = 0.004). The risk of cardiac events increased significantly in patients with GLS > - 12% (log-rank p = 0.035). Conclusions STE indices were abnormal in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, without differences between CDC and IDC. LV longitudinal strain was a powerful predictor of outcome, adding prognostic information beyond that provided by LVEF and E/e’ ratio