Method implementation and technique development for studies with cyanobacteria

Dissertação de mestrado em Biotecnologia, área de Engenharia de Bioprocessos.Swedish Energy Agency.Swedish Research Council.Swedish Institute

Webtag: a new web tool providing tags/anchors for RT-PCR experiments with prokaryotes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Webtag is a tool providing oligonucleotide sequences (usually called tags or anchors) that are absent from a specified genome. These tags/anchors can be appended to gene specific primers for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction experiments, circumventing genomic DNA contamination.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The use of a relational database, in conjunction with a series of scripts written in PHP and Perl, allows the user to rapidly obtain tags that are: 1) suitable for a specific organism, and 2) compatible with other oligonucleotides to be used in the experimental procedures.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This new web tool allows scientists to easily and rapidly obtain suitable tags for RT-PCR experiments, and is available at <url>http://www.egs.uu.se/software/webtag/</url>.</p

Generation of non-genomic oligonucleotide tag sequences for RNA template-specific PCR

BACKGROUND: In order to overcome genomic DNA contamination in transcriptional studies, reverse template-specific polymerase chain reaction, a modification of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, is used. The possibility of using tags whose sequences are not found in the genome further improves reverse specific polymerase chain reaction experiments. Given the absence of software available to produce genome suitable tags, a simple tool to fulfill such need was developed. RESULTS: The program was developed in Perl, with separate use of the basic local alignment search tool, making the tool platform independent (known to run on Windows XP and Linux). In order to test the performance of the generated tags, several molecular experiments were performed. The results show that Tagenerator is capable of generating tags with good priming properties, which will deliberately not result in PCR amplification of genomic DNA. CONCLUSION: The program Tagenerator is capable of generating tag sequences that combine genome absence with good priming properties for RT-PCR based experiments, circumventing the effects of genomic DNA contamination in an RNA sample

Analysis of current and alternative phenol based RNA extraction methodologies for cyanobacteria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The validity and reproducibility of gene expression studies depend on the quality of extracted RNA and the degree of genomic DNA contamination. Cyanobacteria are gram-negative prokaryotes that synthesize chlorophyll <it>a </it>and carry out photosynthetic water oxidation. These organisms possess an extended array of secondary metabolites that impair cell lysis, presenting particular challenges when it comes to nucleic acid isolation. Therefore, we used the NHM5 strain of <it>Nostoc punctiforme </it>ATCC 29133 to compare and improve existing phenol based chemistry and procedures for RNA extraction.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>With this work we identify and explore strategies for improved and lower cost high quality RNA isolation from cyanobacteria. All the methods studied are suitable for RNA isolation and its use for downstream applications. We analyse different Trizol based protocols, introduce procedural changes and describe an alternative RNA extraction solution.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It was possible to improve purity of isolated RNA by modifying protocol procedures. Further improvements, both in RNA purity and experimental cost, were achieved by using a new extraction solution, PGTX.</p

Avaliação da reprodutibilidade dos núcleos metálicos fundidos em função da quantidade e posicionamento dos padrões de resina no anel de fundição

The aim of this study was the evaluation about the influence of the quantity and the localization of resin patterns to cast metallic posts in its diameter and length reproduction. Seventy-two patterns for posts were fabricated by using prefabricated FKG plastic posts and divided for casting in 3 groups: G1-small ring/4 patterns, G2- medium ring/6 patterns, G3- big ring/8 patterns. Half of the patterns of each group were placed on the right side of the ring midline and the other half, on the left side, in order to guide the ring inside of the centrifuge. Using the comparative microscope, measures of diameter and length in different places were obtained before and after casting. The results were submitted to statistic analysis (ANOVA two way and Tukey's test), to make possible these observations: 1&deg;) the position of patterns didn't influenced the measured dimensions. 2&deg;) the same happened with the quantity of patterns inside the ring. 3&deg;) only the pins of group G3 have presented statistically significant diameter differences. In conclusion, 1&deg;) the position of patterns inside the ring and its quantity did not result in significant changes in pins length and diameter. 2&deg;) Although there were no significant length alterations, significant ones were observed in the diameters 3, 6, and 9mm of Group G3.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do número e localização de padrões de resina para fundição de núcleos metálicos fundidos (NMF), na reprodução do diâmetro e comprimento dos pinos. Foram confeccionados 72 padrões de resina utilizando pinos plásticos pré-fabricados e divididos para fundição em 3 grupos: G1- anel pequeno/4padrões, G2- anel médio/6 padrões e G3-anel grande/8 padrões. Metade deles foi posicionada à direita da linha média do anel e metade à esquerda, servindo de orientação para posicionar o anel na centrífuga. Através do microscópio comparador foram obtidas medidas antes e depois da fundição, tanto do comprimento quanto do diâmetro em diferentes locais. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística (ANOVA a dois critérios e Tukey), possibilitando as seguintes observações: 1&deg;) a posição dos padrões não exerceu influência nas dimensões mensuradas. 2&deg;) o mesmo ocorreu com a quantidade de padrões dentro do anel. 3&deg;) apenas em relação ao diâmetro (3 e 6mm) dos pinos do grupo G3, houve diferença estatisticamente significante. Conclui-se que: 1&deg;) a posição do padrão dentro do anel e o número de padrões não resultou em alteração significativa do comprimento e diâmetro dos pinos. 2&deg;) A variação de diâmetro (3, 6, e 9mm) foi significante apenas para os pinos do grupo G3

Integração de estudantes dos PALOP e Timor-Leste na Universidade de Aveiro

Mestrado em Administração e Gestão PúblicaO Desenvolvimento surge no âmbito das Ciências Sociais como um dos conceitos mais polémicos com uma multiplicidade de perspetivas e teorizações. A importância que a Educação representa no processo de Desenvolvimento Humano, versão que emerge na década de noventa do século XX, é fundamental no contexto das sociedades modernas, em especial nas menos desenvolvidas. Desempenha um papel preponderante na construção da personalidade do indivíduo e na sua orientação profissional. O fenómeno da mobilidade de estudantes, no domínio do Ensino Superior, é um vetor relevante no quadro político e estratégico de intervenção e cooperação entre Estados e onde as instituições de ensino terciário ocupam um lugar de destaque. O incremento do número de indivíduos que nas últimas décadas acederam ao Ensino Superior, a sua heterogeneidade e diversidade aos mais diversos níveis, obriga a uma análise cuidada, ponderada e multidisciplinar deste fenómeno. Portugal é um dos principais recetores de estudantes de Ensino Superior provenientes dos vários PALOP e de Timor-Leste, realidade potenciada pela institucionalização de acordos de cooperação entre o Estado português e estes países bem como pela própria ação das instituições de ensino, espaço onde a Universidade de Aveiro (UA) se insere e tem destacado. Proporcionar um conjunto de valências com vista à boa integração e sucesso académico destes alunos, é elemento chave no êxito de qualquer programa de acolhimento pelo que será, neste espaço, alvo de especial atenção. Havendo ainda parcas referências sobre esta matéria, torna-se pertinente e oportuno realizar-se um estudo de caso sobre a realidade vivenciada na UA. Esta dissertação visa contribuir para responder à seguinte questão central: “Estará a Universidade de Aveiro, do ponto de vista dos alunos provenientes dos vários PALOP e de Timor-Leste e, a desempenhar um papel relevante no seu acolhimento, apoio e integração quer a nível social quer no contexto académico?”. Os principais resultados apontam para o facto de muito embora tenham sido diversos os fatores e motivações que condicionaram estes alunos na tomada de decisão de vir estudar para UA, de existirem várias tipologias de variáveis que contribuem para o seu processo de adaptação e integração, o nível de satisfação relativamente ao papel desempenhado pela instituição atinge as expectativas iniciais. Políticos e gestores estão obrigados a uma reflexão atenta e permanente para melhorar as estratégias e respostas institucionais na tentativa de proporcionar uma bem-sucedida integração deste público-alvo, pelo que este documento pretende vir ser útil nesse exercício.Development is associated to social sciences as one of the most polemic concepts integrating a multiplicity of perspectives and theorisations. The importance of Education in the human development process, its emerging version from the ninetieth decade of the XXth century, is fundamental in the context of modern societies, especially the ones underdeveloped. Education is absolutely determinant in the construction of individual’s personality and in their professional orientation. Student’s mobility phenomenon, especially in higher education, is particular relevant to the intervention and cooperation in political and strategic sceneries among States where tertiary education institutions are also determinant. The increasing number of individuals that have accessed to higher education in the last decades, their multiplicity and diversity at several levels, implies a careful, thoughtful and multidisciplinary analysis of this phenomenon. Portugal is one of the main receiving countries of higher education students originated from PALOP and East Timor. This reality is amplified by the institutionalisation of cooperation agreements between these countries and the Portuguese government, as well as by the action of educational institutions themselves as there is the emphasized example of the University of Aveiro. To provide a wide range of activities taking into account a good integration and successful academic performance of these students is the key element to the accomplishment of any welcoming programme. For that reason, this issue will receive special attention in our work. Notwithstanding rarely mentions concerning this matter, is particular important and appropriate to do a case study about the UA reality. These dissertation aims to contribute to the answer to the main question: “From PALOP and East Timor students point of view, is the University of Aveiro performing an important role to their admission, support and integration concerning either social or academic contexts?” Main results indicate that although many factors and motivations have conditioned these students decision to come to study to UA, there are a lot of different variables typologies that contribute to their adaptation and integration process. in that way, satisfaction level concerning institution performance is according to initial expectations of the students. Politicians and managers are forced to a close and watchful reflexion in order to improve institutional strategies and responses so that they can offer a well-succeed integration to this public. In that way this document intends to be a constructive work to that exercise

An early start in robotics: K-12 case-study

This paper describes a study carried out with K-12 students. This study is focused on understanding the motivation of these students on the use of robots in the Project Area curricular unit and to understand whether they want to continue their studies in technology areas. K-12 students participated in the RoboParty® event, where the main task is to assemble and program a robot. In other words, the students, in a simple and entertaining way and guided by qualified tutors, learned how to build a robot. At the end of the academic year, a questionnaire was applied to identify and evaluate the K-12 students' opinions regarding the experience. The students’ reaction to this experience as well to the direct contact with the university environment was quite positive.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

K-12, university students and robots: an early start

This paper describes a study carried out with K-12 students. This study proposes to understand the motivation of these students in the use of robots in the Project Area curricular unit and whether they want to continue their studies in technology areas. K-12 students participated in the RoboParty® event, where the main task is to assemble and program a robot. In other words, the students, in a simple and entertaining way and supported by qualified tutors, learned how to build a robot. At the end of the academic year, a questionnaire was applied to identify and evaluate the K-12 students' opinions regarding the experience. The students’ reaction to this experience was quite positive as well the direct contact with the university environment.(undefined