Desenvolvimento de chatterbots educacionais: um estudo de caso voltado ao ensino de algoritmos

In development of Synthetic Agents for Education, the doubt still resides about what would be a behavior that could be considered, in fact, plausible for this agent's type, which can be considered as effective on the transmission of the knowledge by the agent and the function of emotions this process. The purpose of this labor has an investigative nature in an attempt to discover what aspects are important for this behavior consistent and practical development of a chatterbot with the function of virtual tutor, within the context of learning algorithms. In this study, we explained the agents' basics, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, bots, chatterbots and how these systems need to provide credibility to report on their behavior. Models of emotions, personality and humor to computational agents are also covered, as well as previous studies by other researchers at the area. After that, the prototype is detailed, the research conducted, a summary of results achieved, the architectural model of the system, vision of computing and macro view of the features implemented.

O estrategista em perspectiva: um estudo sobre o processo de formação de estratégias no ramo varejista de construção civil de Natal e região metropolitana

The strategy research have been widespread for many years and, more recently, the process of formation of the strategies in the individual perspective has also gained attention in academia. Confirming this trend, the goal of this study is to discuss the process of formation of the strategies from an individual perspective based on the three dimensions of the strategic process (change, thinking and formation) proposed by De Wit and Meyer (2004). To this end, this exploratory-descriptive study used the factor analysis techniques, non-parametric correlation and linear regression to analyze data collected from the decision makers of the 93 retail in the industry of construction supplies in the Natal and metropolitan area. As a result, we have that the formation factors of the dimensions investigated were identified in the majority, thus confirming the existence of paradoxes in the strategic process, and that there is a relationship between logical thinking and deliberate formation with the hierarchical level of decision makers.

Polpa de jambolão (Eugenia jambolana Lam.) fresca e desidratada: características físico-químicas, bioativas e funcionais, efeitos biológicos em Caenorhabditis elegans e uso para produção de frozen yogurt caprino probiótico

This work evaluated the fresh, spray dried (with 10 % of Arabic Gum) and freeze dried jambolan pulp (Eugenia jambolana Lam.) in regard to physicochemical (pH, moisture, water activity, average particle diameter, solubility and color), bioactive [total phenolic content (TPC), monomeric anthocyanin, pronathocyanidin (PA), total elagic acid (TEA), myricetin and cyanidin] and in vitro functionality (antioxidant, antienzymatic and antimicrobial activities]. In addition, the in vivo functionality of jambolan pulp was investigated using the Caenorhabditis elegans model for insulin signaling, longevity and induced neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease related symptoms). The dried jambolan pulp presented TPC retention (50% to 75%), PA (90% to 98%), TEA (31% to 83%), myricetin (40% to 84%), cyanidin (72% to 84%) and antioxidant activity (15%). The fresh jambolan pulp, the freeze dried pulp and the spray dried jambolan pulp presented high enzymatic inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase (4,4 to 5,8 mg/mL), alpha-glycosidase (10,3 to 13,8 mg/mL) and alpha-amylase (8,9 to 11,2 mg/mL). They also were active inhibitors against the pathogen S. aureus. The dried jambolan experimental samples were able to increase the expression of several genes linked to the insulin signaling pathways (SIR-2.1, PPTR-1, DAF-16, SOD-3, e CTL) and increased the lifespan in C. elegans (18,07 % - 24,34 %), besides decreasing the amyloid AB1-42 aggregation induced paralysis and MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) induced neurodegeneration. Based on that, the jambolan pulp and the spray dried jambolan pulp were further selected for the production of caprine frozen yogurt with the addition of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BI-07. The final product were evaluated in regard to their physicochemical (pH, acidity, total solids, protein, total reducing sugars, fat, ashes, overrun, melting test), bioactive (TPC and monomeric anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, probiotic viability and sensory analysis (sensory acceptance). The results showed that samples with probiotic had lowest pH and higher acidity, TPC, anthocyanin and antioxidant activity. It was also observed low overrun (14.2% to 22.6%). vi Samples with probiotic had lower flavor scores. Overall, this research presents the jambolan as a highly functional bioactive-rich fruit with the potential to modulate important biological pathways, extend lifespan and retard the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Jambolan is an underexploited exotic fruit with a high colorant potential and this thesis shows for the first time in the literature important technological, biological and scientific data about this fruit that could be used towards the development of health-oriented food products.

Humor gráfico: o sorriso pensante e a formação do leitor

This research investigates the graphic humor, in particular the political cartoon and the cartoon, texts characterized by mixing visual-oral language, and its contribution in the formation of the reader. Recovers the main theories about the comicality in general and verifies the presence of these concepts into the texts of graphic humor and how they articulate themselves within the process of seducing the reader. Grounded in the studies of Umberto Eco about the cultural industry products and its relations with the literary theories and the aesthetics reception. After analysing texts of graphic humor, the study concludes that the triad, image-word-humor reveal a sophisticated arrangement which allows the reader to practice effectively the political cartoons and cartoons of production, of sense, cooperating in such a singular manner to the formation of a reflexive reader

Entre Millôr e Derrida: o humor enquanto experiência da alteridade e do impossível

Brazilian humorist Millôr Fernandes has a widespread work, from literature to visual arts and journalism. Yet there is the indelible mark of humor, wherever it is. In this dissertation, I propose a reading of his work by deploying French philosopher Jacques Derrida, emphasizing how the construction of the other happens. I aim at Millôr Definitivo: A Bíblia do Caos, but other works will be contemplated when necessary. In order to carry out the analysis, I will offer a general exposition of Millorian work (especially Millôr Definitivo:A Bíblia do Caos) and a general sketch of Derridian philosophy, centered on his discussion on Western philosophy, literature and alterity. At the analysis itself, I will set the methodological axis on the quasi-concept of invention. The analysis shall stress the hypothesis of humor as the experience of alterity and impossible, showing off the humorist as the totally other. In the Millorian text, that experience is characterized by conflictivity, without possibility of resolution

Experiência, memória e humor: representações sociais em as filhas do arco-íris e em primeiras estórias.

Este trabalho analisa relações da experiência, memória e humor e investiga representações da infância, da velhice, da loucura e do alcoolismo no romance As Filhas do Arco-Íris, de Eulício Farias de Lacerda e em contos de Primeiras Estórias, de Guimarães Rosa, destacando-se que meninos, velhos, cegos e loucos, mesmo marginalizados, podem ser encarados como atores sociais na formação das comunidades. Verifica-se que essas personagens constituem uma coletividade no sentido de evocar a representação de indivíduos. Também se procura examinar práticas literárias e culturais no âmbito do sistema literário brasileiro, com ênfase em regionalismos, oralidade e considerações sobre literatura e sociedade. É desse modo que se busca observar que as obras destacadas estão inseridas numa discussão moderna acerca do desenvolvimento sociocultural. Portanto, a preocupação desta pesquisa deriva da discussão moderna acerca do desenvolvimento social. Diante disso, observa-se nos textos de Guimarães Rosa e de Eulício Farias um tratamento narrativo em torno dessas personagens, enfatizando que as situações vividas por eles envolvem experiências que os levam a construir, em relação ao contexto social, aspectos de amadurecimento, rememoração, compartilhamento, encantamento, viagem ao desconhecido, movimentos históricos, alegrias e tristezas, sempre demonstrando uma sintonia com a temática da modernidade. Assim, as condições sociais são interpretadas para evidenciar e confrontar: discriminação, amizade, conflito, respeito, marginalização, memória social. Ainda são estabelecidas comparações entre personagens do romance As Filhas do Arco-Íris com as de alguns contos de Primeiras Estórias, salientando-se considerações sobre o narrador, as inter-relações, regionalismo e relações entre literatura, organização e processo social. Esta pesquisa tem por base o conceito de sistema literário consolidado idealizado por Antonio Candido e os postulados de estudiosos e teóricos como: Walter Benjamin, Jacqueline Held, Mikhail Bakhtin, Roland Barthes, Ana Paula Pacheco, Serge Moscovici, François Laplantine, Liane Trindade

Avaliação comportamental e neuroquímica de ratos em dessincronização forçada: possíveis implicações para um modelo animal de oscilações no humor

Bipolar disorder has been growing in several countries. It is a disease with high mortality and has been responsible by the social isolation of the patients. Bipolar patients have alterations in circadian timing system, showing a phase shift in various physiological variables. There are several arguments demonstrating alterations in circadian rhythms may be part of the bipolar disorder pathophysiology. Given the necessity for further elucidation, the goal of this study was to validate the forced desynchronization protocol as an animal model for bipolar disorder. To do this, Wistar rats were submitted to a forced desynchronization protocol which consists in a symmetrical light dark cycle with 22h. Under this protocol, rats dissociate the locomotor activity rhythm into two components: one synchronized to the light / dark cycle with 22h, and another component with period longer than 24 hours following the animal endogenous period. These rhythms with different periods sometimes there is coincidence, which we named CAP (Coincidence Active Phase) and the opposite phase, non-coincidence, called NCAP (Non-Concidence Active Phase). The hypothesis is that in CAP animals present a mania-like behavior and animals in NCAP depressive-like behavior. We found some evidence described in detail throughout this thesis. In sum, the animals under forced desynchronization protocol were more stressed, showed an increase in stereotypic behaviors such as grooming and reduction in other behaviors such as risk assessment and vertical exploration when compared to the control group. The CAP animals showed increased locomotor activity, especially during the dark phase when compared to controls (rats under T24) and less depressive behavior in the forced swim test. The animals in NCAP showed a higher anxiety in elevated plus maze, but they don t have ahnedonia. The animals under dissociation have more labeled 5HT1A cells at the amygdala area, which appoint that they have more amygdala inhibition. Taking these data together, we could partially validated the forced desynchronization protocol as an animal model for mood oscillations