Perceptions of the self and most people’s reactions towards innocent and noninnocent victims

Research has shown that: individuals positively distinguish themselves from most other people; being consistent is positively valued; injunctive and descriptive norms are perceived to protect victims. Joining these findings, we argue that individuals present themselves as following injunctive and descriptive norms towards victims to a higher extent and more consistently than most people. In an experimental study 273 university students of both sexes indicated what they and most other people would approve of (injunctive norm) or typically do (descriptive norm) regarding various reactions towards either an innocent or a noninnocent victim. The reactions involved secondary victimization (devaluation/derogation, avoidance, suffering minimization, blaming the victim) and non secondary victimization (valuation, contact, suffering acknowledgment, not blaming the victim). Participants perceived themselves and most people as approving of more non secondary than secondary victimization reactions, except for blaming the noninnocent victim. Participants indicated they approved of most of the normative reactions to a higher extent than most people, which is interpreted as a new instance of the Primus Inter Pares effect. Participants also indicated they would show more consistency between their injunctive and descriptive norms, especially towards the innocent victim. Results suggest that individuals perceive themselves as more immune to perverse norms than most people.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Integrated strategies for the production, maturation and storage of functional cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells

The production of cardiomyocytes (CM) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) holds great promise for cardiotoxicity drug testing, disease modeling and cardiac regeneration [1]. However, the complex nets of signalling pathways involved in cardiomyogenesis compromises the effectiveness of the existing differentiation protocols to reproducibly produce high-quality CM from hPSC (hPSC-CM). Produced hPSC-CM are immature compared with adult CMs, express typical fetal cardiac genes, have immature electrophysiological properties and use glucose as major energy source [2]. The applicability of hPSC-CM in the clinic/industry is also dependent on the development of efficient methods for worldwide shipment of these cells. In this study we aim to overcome these hurdles by devising an integrated strategy for scalable production, maturation and storage of functional hPSC-CM. hPSC (hiPSC and hESC lines) were cultured as aggregates in environmentally controlled bioreactors, where the necessary conditions to control stem cell fate are tightly tuned [3]. Dissolved oxygen and hydrodynamic forces were manipulated in order to improve CM differentiation yields [4]. CM differentiation was monitored using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. Novel feeding strategies were tested aiming at improving hPSC-CM enrichment and maturation. We also evaluated the feasibility to cold store monolayers and aggregates of hPSC-CM using a clinical compatible preservation formulation. After storage the ultrastructure and functionality of the hPSC-CM were assessed by TEM and electrophysiology analyses. Our results showed that hypoxia and hydrodynamic forces affect cell differentiation towards functional CM. The bioreactor protocol herein described (i.e. the controlled hypoxic and specific hydrodynamic environment) improved PSC differentiation by enhancing culture homogeneity, process reproducibility, and CM productivities. Moreover, enhanced CM maturation was attained when hPSC-CM were cultured in glucose depleted media supplemented with fatty acids; hPSC-CM showed a more elongated structure with organized sarcomeric pattern and displayed higher expression of genes responsible for contraction, calcium handling and electrophysiology. Noteworthy, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and 13C labeled subtracts we showed that hPSC-CM use fatty acid β-oxidation as energy source, a typical feature of adult CMs. At the end, we showed that monolayers of hPSC-CM and cardiospheres can be stored up to 7 days at hypothermic conditions without compromising cell viability, morphology and electrophysiological properties. This work describes significant advances towards mass production of mature hPSC-CM and their short-term storage, meeting some of the needs of the cardiac regenerative medicine market and industrial field

The buffering-boosting hypothesis of the expression of general and personal belief in a just world

WOS:000327736700004Although past research on the expression of belief in a just world (BJW) identified such statements as judgment norms, it has not ascertained whether their social value holds when individuals refer to good and bad outcomes. We investigated whether this is the case - a more stringent test of the "BJW as judgment norms" view. Participants judged the targets on two dimensions of social value: social desirability and social utility. We hypothesized, and found, that high versus low BJW buffered the negativity of the associated negative dimension(s) of discourses and boosted the positivity of the associated positive dimension(s) of discourses. This buffering-boosting pattern is discussed as revealing the system justification functions of the expression of BJW.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

A formação pedagógica dos professores do ensino superior e as suas implicações no modo de ensinar

The present study seeks to address the pedagogical training of higher education teachers and the implications for the ways of teaching. The study was conducted at a faculty of a Mozambican university, hereinafter referred to by the pseudonym João Luís Cabral University. Thus, our research seeks to understand how the pedagogical training practices of higher education teachers are characterized and what implications are recognized and can be observed in the way they teach. In order to answer our starting question, we chose to conduct our research by means of a case study, since the phenomenon occurs in a context of its own specificity. We also chose to approach the study in light of the interpretative paradigm. This option is due to the fact that it fits in with our concern of seeking to understand the pedagogical training practices of teachers. Given the nature of our study, we selected the following data collection techniques, namely: semi-structured interviews, focus group and classroom observation. Next, in order to answer our questions, we selected not only a number of subjects directly involved in pedagogical training, but also some direct beneficiaries of this training, ie students, teachers, trainers and the director of the University. Pedagogical training was perceived by our interviewees as an essential and indispensable tool to be able to properly guide the teaching-learning process, although their practices express a contrary tendency, as there was a poor application of the feedback method and an excessive predominance of the expository method, making evident the use of a transmissive didactic model more focused on the fulfillment of the teaching program than on learning.O presente estudo procura debruçar-se sobre a formação pedagógica dos professores do ensino superior as implicações nos modos de ensinar. O estudo foi efetuado numa Faculdade de uma Universidade Moçambicana, avante designada sob o pseudónimo Universidade João Luís Cabral. Assim, o objecto da nossa investigação procura compreender como se caracterizam as práticas de formação pedagógica dos professores do ensino superior e que implicações são reconhecidas e podem ser observadas no modo como eles ensinam. Para responder à nossa questão de partida optámos por inserir a investigação num estudo de caso, uma vez que, o fenómeno ocorre num contexto de especificidade própria. Optámos também por abordar o estudo a luz do paradigma interpretativo. Esta opção deve-se ao facto de este se enquadrar na nossa preocupação, em procurar compreender as práticas de formação pedagógica de professores. Tendo em conta a natureza do nosso estudo, selecionámos algumas técnicas de recolha de dados, a saber: entrevistas semi-estruturadas, focus group e a observação em contexto de aulas. Na sequência, de forma a responder às nossas questões, selecionámos quer alguns sujeitos envolvidos directamente na formação pedagógica, bem como alguns beneficiários directos desta formação, ou seja, alunos, professores, formador e director da Universidade. A formação pedagógica foi percecionada pelos nossos entrevistados como uma ferramenta essencial e imprescindível para poder orientar adequadamente o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, muito embora, as suas práticas expressem uma tendência contrária, na medida em que, verificou-se deficiente aplicação do método feedback e uma predominância excessiva do método expositivo, tornando evidente o uso de um modelo didático transmissivo mais focado no cumprimento do programa do que nas aprendizagens.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Structural and optical properties of Zn0.9 Mn0.1 O/ZnO core-shell nanowires designed by pulsed laser deposition

Partilhar documento na coleção da comunidade Laboratório Associado I3NCore-shell ZnO/ZnMnO nanowires on a-Al2O3 and GaN (buffer layer)/Si (111) substrates were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition using a Au catalyst. Two ZnO targets with a Mn content of 10% were sintered at 1150 and 550 °C in order to achieve the domination in them of paramagnetic MnO2 and ferromagnetic Mn2O3 phases, respectively. Cluster mechanism of laser ablation as a source of possible incorporation of secondary phases to the wire shell is discussed. Raman spectroscopy under excitation by an Ar+ laser revealed a broad peak related to the Mn-induced disorder and a redshift in the A1-LO phonon. Resonant Raman measurements revealed an increase in the multiphonon scattering caused by disorder in ZnO upon doping by Mn. Besides the UV emission, a vibronic green emission band assisted by a ∼ 71 meV LO phonon is also observed in the photoluminescence spectra. Core-shell structures with smooth shells show a high exciton to green band intensity ratio ( ∼ 10) even at room temperature. © 2009 American Institute of PhysicsSANDiE Network of Excellence of the EUFCT-PTDC/FIS/72843/200

On the Globalization of Political Power and the Added Relevance of Institutions in Contexts of Multifaceted Populism. Illustrated with Recourse to a Case Study of the Portuguese Justice System

This paper is an essay on the problematic of the globalization of political power and on the increased relevance of institutions in contexts of multifaceted populism. A case study of the Portuguese justice system was used to illustrate the arguments presented. First, the Troika intervention in Portugal is offered as an instance of globalization of political power. Secondly, a model of argumentation analysis of political parties is used to contend that the media coverage of the discourse about austerity during the period of external intervention constituted what can be called multifaceted populism. Finally, the Directorate-General for Justice Policy is presented as an example of the decisive and increased role that institutions can play in times of crisis by presenting a factual and dispassionate vision of the results obtained at the level of public policies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ultrafine Particle Levels Monitored at Different Transport Modes in Lisbon

Ultrafine particles (UFP) are defined as particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 0.1 μm. Because of their reduced size and consequently very low mass, they are usually expressed in particle number concentration (PNC), in particles per cubic centimetre (pt.cm-3). There have been growing evidences that long-term exposure to UFP may induce or aggravate pulmonary and cardio-respiratory health conditions and are linked to increased hospitalization and mortality rates. More recently, they have also been linked to neurological diseases and to children cognitive development issues. Airports, road traffic and maritime transport have been identified as significant sources of ultrafine particulate matter. There is lack of information regarding PNC in the vicinity of airports. In the case of Lisbon Airport (LA), located within the city and surrounded by housing areas, offices, schools, hospitals and sport and recreational complexes, knowing their levels assumes vital relevance. In-land passenger ferries are also a source of UFP, far less addressed. A significant fraction of a person's total daily exposure to fine and ultrafine particles occurs during home-work commuting periods. Therefore, microenvironments influenced by different transport modes are particularly relevant. Thus, to associate their contribution with to UFP concentrations is important and allows the estimation of their contribution to air quality degradation within the city and the degree of population exposure. This work aims to assess the effect on UFP concentrations from road, air and river traffic modes, in Lisbon. UFP monitoring campaigns were carried out between July 2017 and December 2018, for a 36 nonconsecutive days period, complying approximately 160 hours of suitable measurements. Concerning road traffic, three sites were chosen with different traffic patterns, vehicle circulation, legal restrictions and different flow intensity of pedestrians close-by. Regarding air traffic, the monitoring network was designed to include several sampling sites in the vicinity of LA and a set of sites further away, under the landing and take-off path. Finally, to assess the in-land ferries-related UFP levels, the sampling sites were chosen in order to maximize measurements under downwind conditions and allow the association between ferry operations and PNC response. Based on the information collected, the obtained levels were analysed and several statistical analysis were performed, particularly searching for correlations between UFP concentrations and the three different traffic activity modes. Concerning road traffic, in Av. da Liberdade, results show high peak values of 1-minute PNC mean (up to 75 x 103 pt.cm-3). This avenue (downtown, in the most striker Low Emission Zone (LEZ1)) presents the higher PNC levels and dispersion (18.2 ± 13.2 x 103 pt.cm-3) followed by a highspeed road (2nd Circular, 15.0 ± 12.2 x 103 pt.cm-3). The lowest values were found at an interception close to LEZ2 boundary (Entrecampos, 10.3 ± 5.1 x 103 pt.cm-3). Moreover, the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) show that PNC levels are statistically different among the sampled locations. Results suggest that PNC are strongly dependent on the type and age of vehicles: light-duty vehicles, taxis and buses. PNC peak values were mainly associated with vehicles prior to the Euro 3/III Standard. Finally, results show a strong positive correlation, statistically significant, between hourly mean values of PNC and PM10 (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) and a moderate positive correlation between PNC and nitrogen oxides (r coefficients of 0.55, 0.51 and 0.59, with all p-values lower than 0.01, for NO, NO2: and NOx, respectively). Regarding air traffic, results show the occurrence of high UFP concentrations in LA vicinity. Considering 10-minutes means, the particle counting increases by 18 to 26-fold at downwind locations near the airport, and by 4-fold at locations up to 1 km distance to LA. Results show that particle number increases with the number of flights and decreases with the distance to LA. Finally, concerning ferries, data show that UFP emitted contributes to PNC increase in the surrounding area. Results show an increase in PNC, ranging from 25 to 197% during the third minute before an arrival or departure of a ship, with moderate to positive correlations, statistically significant, between PNC values and the number of ferry operations (r = 0.79 to r = 0.94). Moreover, negative correlations (r = -0.85 to r = -0.93) between PNC and wind intensity were also found. This work, based on Lisbon study-case, show that people working, living or spending a considerable amount of time close to intense traffic roads, nearby the airport or close to ferries’ stations or downwind to their cruising path are exposed to high UFP concentrations with a magnitude which may lead to considerable health risks

Multiresponsive supramolecular systems for information processing at the molecular level

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Doutor em Química SustentávelInformation processing at the molecular level requires systems able to move between several states under control of specific inputs. Flavylium salts (2-phenyl-1-benzopyrylium salts)analogues of naturally occurring anthocyanin dyes, are a versatile family of molecules that illustrates the multistate/multiresponsive concept. On the basis of the pH and light dependent network of chemical reactions of the flavylium network, different forms can be obtained by external stimuli exhibiting different properties. The research work developed in the framework of this PhD thesis aimed the synthesis and study of multiresponsive covalently linked supramolecular systems, based on a flavylium unit coupled redox-active and/or metal-complexing moieties. It is intended to increase the number of stimuli in the complex network of flavylium, including electrons and metal ions besides protons and photons (flavylium). In an initial study, two new benzopyrylium salts with directly attached metalcomplexing groups were synthesized and characterized (Chapter 2). The electrical stimulus was introduced with a viologen (Chapter 3) and finally redox- and photoactive units such as Ru(II)polypyridyl complexes (Chapter 4) are discussed. Regarding their possible applications as model compounds to optical memories, it is expected to achieve with these new systems a larger number of states, which allow increased functionality and versatility

Recent hominim cranial form and function

This thesis aims to assess if biting mechanics drives craniofacial morphology in recent hominins. To that end, a virtual functional morphology toolkit, that includes Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Geometric Morphometrics (GM), is used to simulate biting, measure bite force and quantify deformations arising due to simulated biting in Homo sapiens and its proposed ancestral species, Homo heidelbergensis. Moreover, the mechanical significance of the frontal sinus and of the brow-ridge is also assessed in Kabwe 1 (a Homo heidelbergensis specimen). The frontal sinus is examined by comparing the mechanical performance in three FE models with varying sinus morphology. A similar approach is applied to the brow-ridge study. This approach relies on the assumption that FEA approximates reality. Thus, a validation study compares the deformations experienced by a real cranium under experimental loading with those experienced by an FE model under equivalent virtual loading to verify this assumption. A sensitivity analysis examines how simplifications in segmentation impact on FEA results. Lastly, the virtual reconstruction of Kabwe 1 is described.Results show that prediction of absolute strain magnitudes is not precise, but the distribution of regions of larger and smaller (i.e. pattern of) deformations experienced by the real cranium is reasonably approximated by FEA, despite discrepancies in the alveolus. Simplification of segmentation stiffens the model but has no impact on the pattern of deformations, with the exception of the alveolus. Comparison of the biting performance of Kabwe 1 and H. sapiens suggests that morphological differences between the two species are likely not driven by selection of the masticatory system. Frontal sinus morphogenesis and morphology are possibly impacted by biting mechanics in the sense that very low strains are experienced by this region. Because bone adapts to strains, the frontal sinus is possibly impacted by this mechanism. Lastly, biting mechanics has limited impact on brow-ridge morphology and does not explain fully the enormous brow-ridge of Kabwe 1. Hence, other explanations are necessary to explain this prominent feature