Sonhos antecipatórios: influência de um evento significativo da vigília na atividade onírica

In most cultures, dreams are believed to predict the future on occasion. Several neurophysiological studies indicate that the function of sleep and dreams is to consolidate and transform memories, in a cyclical process of creation, selection and generalization of conjectures about the reality. The aim of the research presented here was to investigate the possible adaptative role of anticipatory dreams. We sought to determine the relationship between dream and waking in a context in which the adaptive success of the individual was really at risk, in order to mobilize more strongly the oneiric activity. We used the entrance examination of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) as a significant waking event in which performance could be independently quantified. Through a partnership with UFRN, we contacted by e-mail 3000 candidates to the 2009 examination. In addition, 150 candidates were approached personally. Candidates who agreed to participate in the study (n = 94) completed questionnaires specific to the examination and were asked to describe their dreams during the examinaton period. The examination performance of each candidate in the entrance examination was provided by the UFRN to the researcher. A total of 45 participants reported dreams related to the examination. Our results show a positive correlation between performance on the examination and anticipatory dreams with the event, both in the comparison of performance on objective and discursive, and in final approval (in the group that not dreamed with the exam the rate of general approval, 22,45%, was similar to that found in the selection process as a whole, 22.19%, while for the group that dreamed with the examination that rate was 35.56%). The occurrence of anticipatory dreams reflectes increased concern during waking (psychobiological mobilization) related to the future event, as indicated by higher scores of fear and apprehension, and major changes in daily life, in patterns of mood and sleep, in the group that reported testrelated dreams. Furthermore, the data suggest a role of dreams in the determination of environmentally relevant behavior of the vigil, simulating possible scenarios of success (dream with approval) and failure (nightmares) to maximize the adaptive success of the individual

Disfunção sexual feminina e níveis dos hormônios esteroidais em mulheres obesas atendidas no ambulatório de cirurgia bariátrica do hospital universitário Onofre Lopes em Natal/RN

A disfunção sexual corresponde a alterações em uma ou mais fases da resposta sexual humana e apresenta maior prevalência na população feminina. Ademais, a participação de alguns fatores como obesidade e níveis dos hormônios esteroidais na disfunção sexual feminina (DSF) permanece incerta. O presente estudo deteve-se na análise da ocorrência de DSF numa população de mulheres portadoras de obesidade, cadastradas no Ambulatório de Cirurgia Bariátrica do Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, no município de Natal, RN. O estudo foi realizado em uma amostra composta por trinta e uma mulheres, com idade entre 20 e 50 anos, com índice de massa corpórea (IMC) > 30 Kg/m2. A todas as pacientes foi aplicado um questionário composto por uma seção com dados socio-econômicos, e outra abordando a saúde sexual feminina, sendo esta última correspondente ao Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), para diagnóstico de DSF. A partir dessa caracterização, as pacientes foram reunidas nos grupos CD (pacientes com disfunção, n= 9) e SD (sem disfunção, n= 22). Para a análise do efeito da obesidade na DSF, as pacientes foram reunidas nos grupos 1 (6 pacientes com IMC grau I e II: entre 30 e 40 Kg/m2) e 2 (25 com IMC grau III: acima de 40). Para o estudo da participação dos hormônios esteroidais foram determinadas as concentrações séricas de cortisol, estradiol e dehidroepiandrosterona (DHEA) pelo método de quimiluminescência. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada usando os testes ANOVA, MANOVA (Pillai), além de análise de Cluster. Para identificar as diferenças entre os domínios do FSFI, foi usado o teste T de Student. A significância considerada para todos os testes foi para p< 0,01. Das pacientes estudadas, 25,8% apresentaram DSF de acordo com o escore total do FSFI. A análise estatística posterior evidenciou que as diferenças ocorreram para os domínios desejo, excitação e orgasmo. Não foi encontrada relação da presença de DSF com os diferentes graus de obesidade ou com os níveis hormonais dos esteróides cortisol, estradiol ou DHEA. Contudo, foi encontrado aumento significativo nos níveis séricos de estradiol para o grupo 1, que corresponde ao de menor índice de IMC. Estes resultados mostram que a prevalência de DSF não diferiu entre os graus I,II e III de obesidade das pacientes deste estudo mas, quando presente, a disfunção ocorre nos domínios desejo, excitação e orgasmo. A maior concentração de estradiol encontrada nas pacientes de menor índice de IMC sugere uma possível relação entre as duas variáveis que precisa ser investigada em estudos futuros.

Os núcleos dopaminérgicos do mesencéfalo do mocó (kerodon rupestris): caracterização citoarquitetônica e por imunoistoquímica para tirosina-hidroxilase

The 3-hydroxytyramine/dopamine (DA) is a monoamine of catecholamineric group and consists in the progenitor substantia of synthesis of noradrenaline and adrenaline, having the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase as a regulator of this process. Nuclei of midbrain expressing DA are the retrorubral field (RRF, A8 group), the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc, A9 group) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA, A10 group). These nuclei are involved in three complex circuitry called mesostriatal, mesocortical and mesolimbic, which are related directly with various behavioral manifestations such as motor control, reward signaling in behavioural learning, motivation and pathological manifestations of Parkinson s disease and schizophrenia. The aim of this study was describe the morphology of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (A8, A9 and A10) of the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), a rodent belonging to the family Caviidae typical of the Brazilian Northeast, which is being adopted as a model for neuroanatomical studies in laboratory of neuroanatomy of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Coronal sections of brains of the rock cavies were submitted to staining by Nissl s method and immunohistochemistry against tyrosine hydroxylase. The nuclear organization of the midbrain dopaminergic nuclei of the rock cavy is very similar to that found in other animals of the order Rodentia, except by the presence of the tail of substantia nigra, which was found only in the studied species. We concluded that the midbrain dopaminergic nuclei are phylogenetically stable among species, but we think to be it necessary to expand the studies about the particularity found the rock cavy, investigating its occurrence in other species of rodents or investigating its functional relevance

Resiliência e socialização organizacional de novos servidores: um estudo transcultural

The main aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between resilience and organizational socialization among newcomers from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), comparing the results obtained in a cross-cultural perspective. The sample (N=205) was composed of mentored (N=70) and non-mentored (N=72) professors and technical-administrative employees at UFRN, and their non-mentored counterparts at NTNU (N=63). The data collection instruments used were the Organizational Socialization Inventory (OSI), the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) and a sociodemographic form. Data analysis was preceded by a number of tests to verify possible distinct response styles among the respondents, as they came from different cultures. Descriptive analysis and t-tests were performed to identify and compare organizational socialization and resilience outcomes. Hierarchical regression analyses were carried out, the first ones involving all participants (N=205), to observe the predictive power of resilience factors in relation to organizational socialization factors, beyond the effects of nationality, occupation and mentoring experience. The other hierarchical regression analyses were conducted separately for the professors (N=109) and technical-administrative employees (N=96); and for the mentored (N=70) and non-mentored newcomers from UFRN (N=72), and nonmentored newcomers from NTNU (N=63), to compare the predictive power of resilience in relation to organizational socialization between newcomers from the two occupations, and also among the three groups of participants. The results of this study showed that socialization and resilience profiles differed according to demographic and cultural characteristics, and to the socialization strategies adopted in the institutions studied. Furthermore, it was observed that resilience added a significant incremental prediction to all socialization factors, beyond nationality, occupation, and mentoring experience. The predictive contribution from each of the resilience factors was also noteworthy, mainly those of Planned Future and Social Resources. With respect to nationality, occupation and mentoring experience, it was noted that they explained a significant part of the variance in almost all organizational socialization factors, in addition to playing a meaningful role in predicting the scores of such factors, with some evidence of moderation or mediation by the resilience factors. Considering these and the comparative results of the predictive power of resilience in relation to the organizational socialization, between the two occupations and among the three groups of participants, as a whole, the main findings of this study were as follows: resilience tends to contribute to organizational socialization outcomes; the resilience of some subjects may be a differential factor for success in those situations in which individuals face working conditions that are less favorable to promoting their adaptation; and, a formal mentoring program may contribute to improving newcomer resilience, producing better and more homogeneous organizational socialization outcomes. The practical implications, limitations and main contributions of the study are discussed, with a number of suggestions for future research

Prospecção e formação no domínio das competências e habilidades em tecnologia da informação: o caso do projeto metrópole digital em Natal/RN

This study deals with cognitive competences and abilities that are relevant to selection and education regarding Information Technology (IT). These competences relate to problem solving, decision making, and practical intelligence that regard scholar and extracurricular knowledge mobilization. The research aimed to contribute for the improvement of a selection instrument, consisting of five arrays of skills (dealing with objectives and prospection), as well as the development and comprehension of those skills that are involved in IT education. This is done by means of an analysis on the selection instrument used in the first selective process that occurred at Metropole Digital an Institute at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. This was evaluated aiming to acknowledge IT education (with basic training and emphasis on Web programming and electronics). The methodology used was of quantitative method involving performance scores relating education delivery. An Anova analysis of variance was done along with descriptive analysis involving socioeconomic data that was not observed in the meaningful relations between parental instruction and student performance in the graduate course. These analyses were able to point out the importance and need of the policies for vacancy reservation on behalf of public school students. A Spearman correlation analysis was done considering the instrument selection performance in the training course. The instrument is presented as a predictor that is significantly moderate and presents a good performance in the course as a whole. A Cluster and Regression analysis was also realized in the process. The first analysis allowed finding performance groups (Clusters) that ranged from medium and inferior. The regression analysis was able to point out association amongst criterion variables and the (average performance in basic and advanced modules) and explanatory (five matrixes). Regression analysis indicated that matrix 1 and matrix 3 were pointed out as being the strongest ones. In all the above analysis, the correlation between the instrument and the course was considered moderate. Thus this can be related in some of the aspects present in the course such as emphasis on evaluation itself as well as in technical contents and practical skills (educational ones) and competences and selection skills. It is known that the mediation of technological artifact in cultural context can foster the development of skills and abilities relevant to IT training. This study provides subsidies to reflect on the adoption of selection instrument and IT training in the Institute. Thus the research offers means to achieve a interdisciplinary discussion and enriching of areas such as Psychology and Information Technology; all of which regarding competencies and skills relevant in IT training

efeito da aplicação de uma solução salina no crescimento e na composição química da atriplex nummularia

This study aimed to analyze the effect of a saline solution on growth and chemical composition of Atriplex nummularia, shrubby plant, absorbing salts used in the diet of animals and the management of water and saline soils. These plant seedlings were planted and grown in a reserved area at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. The plantation was divided into two blocks, in which one of them was irrigated with saline solution with a concentration of 2840 mgL-1 of NaCl and the second group was irrigated with drinking water. After six months, the plants were collected, harvested and divided into three parts: leaf, thin and thick stem. Monthly, dimension measurements were carried out for cataloging the growth of Atriplex. Ion Chromatography (IC) and Optical Emission Spectroscopy Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES) were used to analyze the chemical composition of the partition plant parts. The results of these analyses revealed that an absorption process of anions and cations by Atriplex nummularia plant during its growth was achieved, in particular by a higher concentration of sodium and chloride ions. Scanning electron microscopy images showed and confirmed the presence of small crystals on the leaf surface. Electrical conductivity and pH measurements of the aerial parts of the plant were carried out and these results showed that the leaf is the plant part where there is a largest concentration of ions. In addition, measurements of specific surface were obtained from irrigated plants with saline solution, achieving higher surface area, in all cases. Plant dimensions obtained monthly showed that the plants irrigated with water grew 5% more than those plants irrigated with saline solution. Based on results obtained, Atriplex plant showed a higher potential to survive and adapt to environments (aquatic or geological) with high levels of salinity and this property can be used as a tool for removing salts/metals from industrial contaminated soils and effluents.

Considerações sobre metodologia interativa aplicada à disciplinas de química orgânica de alguns cursos da UFRN

The aiming of this work is linked to chemical education, focusing organic chemistry classes of Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy and Zootechny graduate courses of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. For that, teaching-learning process related to basic chemical subjects which support the understanding of organic chemistry concepts was evaluated in a research period of two years. The education proposal linked to the theoretical content of the cited classes, pointed out the process of knowledge construction, in which educational commitment as well as dedication in the teaching-learning process was also valued. In that approach several didactic tools were applied, among them scientific articles were used as supplementary studies of the basic organic chemistry concepts and related. The acceptability of students, as well as their motivation, performance and learning process was justified by the data collection of the applied teaching methodology. The acceptability and commitment of the students facing this teaching interactive approach, which transversely contributed to the intellectual maturity growth of the students, as well their professional development, were evidenced by satisfactory obtained results that will be herein discussed

Prevalência da disfunção temporomandibular em estudantes de odontologia por meio de diferentes índices

The epidemiology of temporomandibular disorders varies widely in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of TMD in dental students of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte assessed by different indexes. The sample consisted of 101 individuals selected by a randomized process, whose general outline was systematic sampling. For evaluation of the signs and symptoms of TMD, an anamnestic index, Fonseca s protocol, and two clinical indexes, the RDC/TMD (Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders), or standard index, and the Helkimo s Clinical Dysfunction Index were applied. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and kappa, besides verifying the sensitivity and specificity (5% significance). The diagnosis of TMD by different indexes showed a variation in the prevalence between 72.3% (Helkimo s Clinical index), 64.4% (Fonseca s anamnestic index) and 35.6% (RDC/TMD). There was no statistical difference between the sexes for the RDC/TMD, although this difference was found for Fonseca s and Helkimo s indexes (p<0.05). The most frequent type of TMD were joint disorders (Groups II and III), and the subtypes disc displacement with reduction (17.8%) and arthralgia (15.8%). Most individuals showed a mild TMD (45.5%) for both indexes, Fonseca and Helkimo. When comparing the types of diagnoses, RDC/TMD with Fonseca and Helkimo, low agreement was found (k=0.17 and k= 0.35, respectively). A moderate correlation between the severity of TMD was obtained (kw= 0.53) for Fonseca s protocol and Helkimo s index. High sensitivity and low specificity were seen for both diagnoses compared to standard, resulting in excessive false positives. Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that the prevalence of TMD can vary widely, depending on the index used for its diagnosis

Projeto pedagógico: abordagens e implicações no âmbito da formação em odontologia

Proposals that aim a redirection of current health attention models in Brazil are indispensible due to the need of health issues and its challenges imposed by society. These issues come forth in Higher Education Institutions in an attempt to devise ways to face these demands. The research aims to analyze the Pedagogical Project (PP) present in the Dentistry Graduation Course in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil-(UFRN). This is done in coherence the Brazilian National Curricular Guidelines considering main competences established in the PP. This research was approved by the Ethics Committee at UFRN under document number 285/201. The work is of descriptive nature and was realized with 30 students in the Dentistry Graduation Course. Interviews were realized with the use of problem situation approach. The research was also supported by documental studies that dealt with syllabus present in the disciplines taught at UFRN. Data were processed with the use of the ALCESTE 4.9 software. It is possible to acknowledge that some conservative conceptions arise, even though there is use of active methodologies and innovation that aim to promote reflection and articulation for general competence development such as proposed in the Pedagogical Project in Dentistry Graduation Course at UFRN. These conceptions are mainly present in the teaching-learning process where students do not have full participation. Thus it is possible to conclude that even though there are advances and breakthroughs. This is seen with that fact that there was inclusion of multidisciplinary clinical work as well optional courses in the curriculum. It was also seen that there was occasional use of active teaching methodologies in Dentistry at UFRN. But there is still a need for a didactical and methodological resizing. These actions require the need for progressive development of competences and abilities during the formative process according to what was established in the Brazilian National Curricular Guidelines

Falhas e complicações com o uso de prótese parcial removível inferior de extremidade livre bilateral

Aim: To determine the frequency and type of complications related to removable partial denture (RPD) less, Kennedy Class I, over time . Materials and Methods: This observational study consisted of a sample of 65 users PPR lower arches in Kennedy Class I and dentures, rehabilitated in the Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Patients were followed through periodic controls during periods of 60 days, 6 months and 1 year from installation. After the first year of control had other returns annually. The occurrence of complications or prosthetic failure was observed and recorded in a specific clinical record over 39 months. The patterns of failures observed were classified in the following situations: occurrence of traumatic ulcers after 2 months of installation, lack of retention, fracture or caries in the rest, fracture or dislocation of the artificial teeth, the larger connector fracture, fracture clip fracture support, poor support (need to reline the denture) and prosthesis fracture. Results: The incidence of complications was low frequency, being higher in the second year of use of the prosthesis. Among the complications that occurred more is the loss of retention (31.57%). Failures more severe and difficult to solve as the fracture elements of the metal structure of the PPR had low occurrence and were represented by only one case of the larger connector (5.3%) fractures. Conclusion: Removable partial dentures mandibular free end opposing of the conventional dentures have a low complication rate after 39 months of use when subjected to periodic controls

Avaliação da satisfação das usuárias sobre a atenção à saúde da mulher no Rio Grande do Norte

This work discusses the evaluation of the satisfaction of the users on the women health care focusing on the quality of the primary care in the State of Rio Grande do Norte-BR. The main objective of this research is evaluate the satisfaction of the users about the actions applied to women health in the primary health care in Rio Grande do Norte, observing the information available through the Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB). The specific objectives are: the evaluation of aspects related to women health; the evaluation of the specific actions related to welcoming the pregnant and; the evaluation of the information related to the postpartum. This dissertation is characterized as an evaluative research made through a multicentric transversal study, using a quantitative approach, which is part of the External Evaluation of the PMAQ-AB in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, made by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Some secondary data of the interviews with the users who were in the Basic Health Units were used during the External Evaluation of the PMAQ-AB in Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was collected following these criteria: the users that were in the Basic Health Units to attend to any procedure; they must had used the services for at least one year; and they must had agreed to participate the research. The ones that were attending to the services for the first time and the ones that did not use the services for at least 12 months were excluded from the sample. To the data collection it was used a chart of variables/indicators with the following information to the analysis: Women Health Care, Specific Care of the Pregnant and Information about he postpartum. The descriptive analysis of the data were made through absolute and relative frequencies of the variables using the software Statistic Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 22.0.0. The results show a positive picture of the satisfaction of the users about the actions of the primary healthcare in women health in the State of the Rio Grande do Norte. Another important analysis is the integration of the primary health care with other points of the Healthcare System aiming to reorient the Model of Healthcare as a starter of the access and quality of the services given to the users. Therefore, the evaluation of the satisfaction of the users in health care is essential among all the agents involved in the process of consolidation of the Unified Health System SUS. Also having the need of rethinking the professional practice, reorganizing the processes of work of the multiprofessional teams in health care, enabling financial resources, inputs and materials, planning and systematizing new actions of healthcare aiming to ensure a perfect health care to the people

PET-saúde na percepção de estudantes: contribuições para a formação na área de saúde

This dissertation aimed to analyze the perception of students about (EPW Health) Education Program at Work for Health Training in the area of Health. It discusses the proposed theme from the perception of students graduating from the EPW- Health courses participants (dentistry, medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, nutrition, physical education) who have developed their school activities in family health units in the city of João Pessoa between 2009/2011.The program aims policies curricular changes as a potential route of contributions to training in healthcare. Attention is drawn to the new possibilities of working health training contextualized, ethically grounded, socially endorsed. It is pointed out in this process the need to adapt to the demands of professional profiles of SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde). This is an exploratory, descriptive study within a qualitative approach, conducted in the city of João Pessoa in the context of health care courses at the Federal University of Paraiba. The empirical material of this study was treated by the use of technical analysis "Categorical Content Theme" by Bardin. The results indicate prospects for promoting new practices and curricular changes, which highlights the EPW- Health, which has been presenting important experiences in teaching -community -service- with the inclusion of students in the municipal health network. We conclude that the path from collection to data analysis, corroborated with the literature to reaffirm the importance and urgency of change in educational processes with a view to greater proximity to the health needs and the SUS. The EPW- Health project is incipient and requires further investigation in terms of effective interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary character of its proposal

As pessoas com deficiência no mercado de trabalho: expressão das desigualdades sociais

This work was developed in the extent of the Post Graduation Program in Social Service of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. It talks about the process of inclusion of the disabled people in the Job market in Mossoró-RN, bringing for the academic debate relevant thematic for the Brazilian society, for the profession of Social Service and similar areas and for the people with deficiency. It has the objective to apprehend the determiners that make possible the process of the disabled people's inclusion in the Job market in Mossoró, having as parameter the National Politics for the Integration of People Bearers of Deficiency. The critical theoretical perspective is backed in Marx's ideas for the understanding concerning the work, as well as in Pochamann, concerning the job market, regarding the exclusion/inclusion category is based in Martins, Yasbek and Sposati and on deficiency in the National Politics for the Integration of the Disabled People. The research is of qualitative nature and it took as subjects 26 (twenty-six) people, being 09 (nine) people with deficiency, inserted in the formal job and regulated market, and 17 (seventeen) managers of private companies and public institutions of the city of Mossoró-RN. For the collection of data we used techniques of nonsystemic observation, semi-structured interview and documental analysis. The results of the research mark that any modality of the human workforce used in the current context, they are functional to the capitalism and they move forward towards exploration, alienation and subordination of the work to the capital; the National Politics for the Integration of the People with Deficiency expresses and reproduces the contradictory dynamics of the class society, it reflects the neo liberal shades through the selectivity and of the articulation among the federated beings and organizations of the civil society for its operational system; there is a misproportion between the percentages of the quotas and the amount of people with deficiency inserted in the job market, just corresponding to a tiny numeric magnitude; the developed activities are of low social status and it is expressive the amount of workers that receives between one and two minimum wages. These data drive us to infer that the mentioned politics make possible, partly, the inclusion of the disabled people in the job market, though, such inclusion is executed in the selective or focused dimensions, marginal, precarious and unstable

Trabalho e saúde na sociedade capitalista: uma relação inversamente proporciona

It is a dissertation which has the Area of Concentration: Social Services, Vocational Training, Labour and Social Protection. Research Line: Social Services, Labor, Social Protection and Citizenship. Brings an approach to health and worker safety, approached on the organization of work in their processes of worker exploitation, analyzed from the critical perspective and all. Its central objective of uncovering how the organization of work affects the health of their workers, considering the working process in the capitalist mode of production, the health-disease relationship. Displays the worker, as determined by the work process, emphasizing, along the lines of capitalism, the consequences for the physical well-being, mental and social workers. To this end, we make a documentary and bibliographic research, whose point of analysis is based on the perspective of the centrality of work, recovering their sense of ontological Marx, through which the transformations are discussed in the working world, listed based on context productive restructuring of capital, which occurs along the imperialist stage of capitalist mode of production. It is problematized, though, worker health, analyzed from the wider definition of health as a field of public health, considering the work process in health-disease relationship. Finally, the research developed raised between 2006 and 2010, the Graduate Programs UFRN that address the range of issues studied in this dissertation. The scientific outputs are problematized as a way to reveal the theoretical trends (critical or conservative) which facilitate the thematic area

POPT: uma abordagem de ensino de programação orientada a problema e testes

There is a growing interest of the Computer Science education community for including testing concepts on introductory programming courses. Aiming at contributing to this issue, we introduce POPT, a Problem-Oriented Programming and Testing approach for Introductory Programming Courses. POPT main goal is to improve the traditional method of teaching introductory programming that concentrates mainly on implementation and neglects testing. POPT extends POP (Problem Oriented Programing) methodology proposed on the PhD Thesis of Andrea Mendonça (UFCG). In both methodologies POPT and POP, students skills in dealing with ill-defined problems must be developed since the first programming courses. In POPT however, students are stimulated to clarify ill-defined problem specifications, guided by de definition of test cases (in a table-like manner). This paper presents POPT, and TestBoot a tool developed to support the methodology. In order to evaluate the approach a case study and a controlled experiment (which adopted the Latin Square design) were performed. In an Introductory Programming course of Computer Science and Software Engineering Graduation Programs at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The study results have shown that, when compared to a Blind Testing approach, POPT stimulates the implementation of programs of better external quality the first program version submitted by POPT students passed in twice the number of test cases (professor-defined ones) when compared to non-POPT students. Moreover, POPT students submitted fewer program versions and spent more time to submit the first version to the automatic evaluation system, which lead us to think that POPT students are stimulated to think better about the solution they are implementing. The controlled experiment confirmed the influence of the proposed methodology on the quality of the code developed by POPT students