Learn for Yourself: The Self-Learning Tools for Qualitative Analysis Software Packages

Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) are tools that help researchers to develop qualitative research projects. These software packages help the users with tasks such as transcription analysis, coding and text interpretation, writing and annotation, content search and analysis, recursive abstraction, grounded theory methodology, discourse analysis, data mapping, among several other types of analysis. This paper analyses the new paradigm of self-learning that presents itself increasingly as a competence to support learning in a proactive way. It further analyses education and CAQDAS with emphasis on the use of CAQDAS in educational research and the self-learning of CAQDAS. The study conducted had two main goals: analyse the self-learning tools of CAQDAS and identify CAQDAS's users profile regarding learning. Six software packages were selected: NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, webQDA, MAXQDA, and QDA Miner. They were then reviewed, taking into account their transversality, language, (self-learning) tools, among several other factors. The results show that there is a considerable demand for information from users regarding the execution of processes in CAQDAS, and that the packages analysed do not guide the user towards the self-learning tools that best fit their learning style

Online recruitment in Portugal: theories and candidate profiles

Online Recruitment (OR) is a growing trend. It takes place online, using tools that enable the receipt of applications, the search for professionals, a quick triage and provision of feedback to applicants. This exploratory research aims to describe perceptions of this tool, gathering data from potential job candidates and personnel stakeholders. Data was gathered using a survey and interviews. Results show that 46% of participants had already used OR and that for 42% of the applicants it took less than a week to receive feedback from the recruiting organization. Qualitative data suggests a dominant positive appraisal of this type of recruitment. It is considered a fast method and is able to reach a wide audience. However, it is impersonal and there are doubts regarding the control over the process and the veracity of the job ads. Organizations should consider the perceptions of different stakeholders in order to optimize the process of OR

Properties of metal complexes of a new dioxadiaza macrocycle containing a dibenzofuran unit and acetate pendant arms

A new dioxadiaza macrocycle containing a rigid dibenzofuran group (DBF) and bearing two acetate pendant arms, ac2[17](DBF)N2O2, has been synthesized in good yield by condensation of the parent macrocycle with potassium bromoacetate in basic aqueous solution. The protonation constants of ac2[17](DBF)N2O2 and the stability constants of its complexes with Mn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions were determined at 298.2 K in aqueous solutions and at ionic strength 0.10 mol dm-3 in NMe4NO3. The stability constants revealed that ac2[17](DBF)N2O2 has a higher affinity for larger metal ions, Cd2+ and Pb2+, showing a clear preference for cadmium. Spectroscopic data in solution and X-ray crystal structure determinations revealed that the higher affinity for Cd 2+ and Pb2+ is due to the better fit of these metal ions into the macrocyclic cavity, derived from its ring size and rigidity and the involvement of all the donor atoms of the ligand in the coordination to these metal centres. Considering the negative effect of these heavy metal ions on human health and the environment, this study represents an important step in the development of selective chelators for these two pollutants. A new diaza crown ether containing a dibenzofuran group and two acetate pendant arms has been prepared. Our results revealed that this compound has a higher affinity for larger metal ions, Cd2+ and Pb2+,with a clear preference for cadmium. It was shown that this unusual selectivity pattern is governed by the ring size and rigidity of the macrocycle. Note: Some of the scientific symbols cannot be represented correctly in the abstract. Please read with caution and refer to the original publication

Learn for Yourself: The Self-Learning Tools for Qualitative Analysis Software Packages

Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) are tools that help researchers to develop qualitative research projects. These software packages help the users with tasks such as transcription analysis, coding and text interpretation, writing and annotation, content search and analysis, recursive abstraction, grounded theory methodology, discourse analysis, data mapping, among several other types of analysis. This paper analyses the new paradigm of self-learning that presents itself increasingly as a competence to support learning in a proactive way. It further analyses education and CAQDAS with emphasis on the use of CAQDAS in educational research and the self-learning of CAQDAS. The study conducted had two main goals: analyse the self-learning tools of CAQDAS and identify CAQDAS's users profile regarding learning. Six software packages were selected: NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, webQDA, MAXQDA, and QDA Miner. They were then reviewed, taking into account their transversality, language, (self-learning) tools, among several other factors. The results show that there is a considerable demand for information from users regarding the execution of processes in CAQDAS, and that the packages analysed do not guide the user towards the self-learning tools that best fit their learning style

Cyclen derivatives with two trans-methylnitrophenolic pendant arms: a structural study of their copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes

Two new cyclen derivatives, H(2)do2nph and H(2)cb-do2nph, containing two trans-2-methyl-4-nitrophenol pendant arms and the latter including also an ethylene cross-bridge, were prepared in good yields using the bisaminal synthetic route. The two ligands were studied comparatively regarding their metal complexation behaviour. The copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of H(2)do2nph and H(2)cb-do2nph were studied in dimethylsulfoxide-water (9 : 1 v/v) solution by a range of spectroscopic techniques. Copper(II) complexes were also studied in solid state by X-ray single crystal diffraction. These studies showed that the copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of H(2)do2nph exhibited a distorted square pyramidal coordination environment with the four nitrogen atoms of the cyclen ring defining the basal plane, and that one of the nitrophenolate arms did not coordinate to the metal, independently of its protonation state. On the other hand, depending on the protonation state of one of the nitrophenolic arms, the cross-bridged derivative forms copper(II) complexes with distorted square pyramidal or octahedral geometries with one or two arms coordinated to the metal centre, respectively. In the complex with distorted octahedral geometry, the two phenolic oxygen atoms are coordinated to the metal centre in a cis-fashion. Acid-assisted dissociation assays in 1 mol dm(-3) HCl DMSO-H2O (9 : 1 v/v) solution at 298.2 K allowed one to determine the half-life of both copper(II) complexes, which is lower for the derivative without a cross-bridge as expected, while for the other one it is quite high and in line with similar cross-bridged cyclen derivatives from the literature

Cuttlefish capsule: an effective shield against contaminants in the wild

Increasing anthropogenic pressures in estuaries are responsible for the rise of contaminants in several compartments of these ecosystems. Species that benefit from the nursery services provided by estuaries are exposed to such contaminants (e.g. metals and metalloids). It is therefore relevant to understand if marine invertebrates that use these areas as spawning grounds accumulate contaminants in their tissues throughout embryogenesis. This study aimed to quantify As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, Pb, V and Zn concentrations in both capsule and embryos of the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) in Sado Estuary (Portugal). Moreover, embryos at their initial, intermediate and final stage of development were collected in sites subjected to different anthropogenic pressures. In general, the capsule accumulated higher element concentration throughout embryogenesis which indicates that the capsule acts as an effective barrier against contaminants uptake by the embryo. Although the capsule becomes thinner throughout embryogenesis, embryo’s protection does not seem to be compromised at later development stages. Additionally, the higher concentrations of As, Cu, Se and Zn in the embryo in comparison to the capsule suggests important biological roles during the embryogenesis of this cephalopod mollusc

Characterization of language and reading skills in familial polymicrogyria

Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a malformation of cortical development characterized by an excessive number of small gyri and abnormal cortical lamination, giving the cortical surface an irregular and gross appearance. The severity of clinical manifestations correlates with the extent of cortical involvement. The objective of the present study was to describe three families with linguistic features of developmental language disorder and reading impairment, and to establish a neuroanatomic correlation through neuroimaging. Subjects have been submitted to a comprehensive protocol including psychological assessment, language evaluation, neurological examination, and neuroimaging investigation. In our families, children usually had the diagnosis of developmental language disorder while adults had the diagnosis of reading impairment. MRI showed perisylvian polymicrogyria in several subjects of each family. Our data support the idea that there is a co-occurrence of developmental language disorder and reading impairment and both conditions may be associated with polymicrogyria30425426

A new candidate locus for bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria mapped on chromosome Xq27

Polymicrogyria (PMG) is characterized by an excessive number of small and prominent brain gyri, separated by shallow sulci. Bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (BPP) is the most common form of PMG. Clinical signs include pseudobulbar paresis, mental retardation, and epilepsy. Familial forms of BPP have been described and a candidate locus was previously mapped to chromosome Xq28, distal do marker DXS8103. The objective of this study was to perform linkage analysis in one family segregating BPP. A total of 15 individuals, including 8 affected patients with BPP were evaluated. Family members were examined by a neurologist and subjected to magnetic resonance imaging scans. Individuals were genotyped for 18 microsatellite markers, flanking a 42.3 cM interval on ch Xq27-q28. Two-point and multipoint linkage analysis was performed using the LINKAGE package and haplotype reconstruction was performed by GENEHUNTER software. Our results showed a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations in affected individuals with BPP, ranging from normal to mild neurological abnormalities. Two-point linkage analysis yield a Zmax=2.06 at theta=0.00 for markers DXS1205 and DXS1227. Multipoint lod-scores indicate a candidate interval of 13 cM between markers DSXS1205 and DXS8043, on ch Xq27.2-Xq27.3. These results point to a new locus for BPP in a more centromeric location than previously reported146A91151115