Autonomy Markers in Brazilian Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between autonomy markers in adult people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and variables such as intelligence quotient (IQ), early aging, and literacy. Participants were 47 adults with ID (33 men; aged 28-58 years with nonspecific etiology, 34 literate). All participants were trainees at the Center for Training of Capacity and Orientation for Employment at Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais de São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil. They were divided into two age groups: younger (n = 27, mean age 31.85; +/- 2.23), and older (n = 38, mean age 41.84; +/- 5.54). They were administered intelligence scales twice, and answered questions related to social participation, community integration, and choice-making; the percentage of item responses leaning toward self-determination and freedom in choice-making was considered in defining the autonomy score. For both groups, IQ declined from the first to the second assessment. Autonomy scores were more determined by IQ classification than by literacy. Authors concluded that autonomy in people with ID is a multifactorial phenomenon associated with cognitive decline.

Evaluation of the Cartographic Communication Performance of a Route Guidance and Navigation System

This study evaluates the influence of different cartographic representations of in-car navigation systems on visual demand, subjective preference, and navigational error. It takes into account the type and complexity of the representation, maneuvering complexity, road layout, and driver gender. A group of 28 drivers (14 male and 14 female) participated in this experiment which was performed in a low-cost driving simulator. The tests were performed on a limited number of instances for each type of representation, and their purpose was to carry out a preliminary assessment and provide future avenues for further studies. Data collected for the visual demand study were analyzed using non-parametric statistical analyses. Results confirmed previous research that showed that different levels of design complexity significantly influence visual demand. Non-grid-like road networks, for example, influence significantly visual demand and navigational error. An analysis of simple maneuvers on a grid-like road network showed that static and blinking arrows did not present significant differences. From the set of representations analyzed to assess visual demand, both arrows were equally efficient. From a gender perspective, women seem to took at the display more than men, but this factor was not significant. With respect to subjective preferences, drivers prefer representations with mimetic landmarks when they perform straight-ahead tasks. For maneuvering tasks, landmarks in a perspective model created higher visual demands.

Using network connectance and autonomy analyses to uncover patterns of photosynthetic responses in tropical woody species

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Communication that values patient autonomy is associated with satisfaction with care: a systematic review

Question: Which communication factors used by clinicians during patient-clinician interactions are associated with satisfaction with care? Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis of studies investigating the association of verbal or nonverbal factors or interaction styles used by clinicians with patient satisfaction during an encounter between clinician and patient. Participants: Clinicians interacting with patients in primary care or rehabilitation settings. Results: Twenty-seven studies investigated 129 verbal, nonverbal, and interaction style factors. of these, 38 factors were consistently associated with satisfaction. Verbal factors concerning clinicians involving, facilitating, and supporting patients were associated with satisfaction with care. Most communication factors presented a fair correlation (r >= 0.21 but < 0.41) with satisfaction with care. Nonverbal factors such as time spent discussing prevention and time spent reading patient charts had a fair association with satisfaction with care (correlations range from 0.21 to 0.40). A moderate association was found between interaction styles such as caring (pooled r = 0.51, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.60) and satisfaction with care. Over half (58%) of the 129 identified factors never associated with satisfaction with care and the remainder associated inconsistently. Conclusion: The number of potential modifiable communication factors associated with satisfaction with care and the magnitude of their association partially support interventions to train clinicians in communication skills that value patient autonomy. [Oliveira VC, Refshauge KM, Ferreira ML, Pinto RZ, Beckenkamp PR, Negrao Filho RF, Ferreira PH (2012) Communication that values patient autonomy is associated with satisfaction with care: a systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy 58: 215-229]

Brazilian foreign policy in the Cardoso era: The search for autonomy through integration

The Fernando Henrique Cardoso administration attempted to replace a reactive foreign policy agenda dominated by a logic of autonomy through distance with a proactive international agenda guided by a logic of autonomy through integration. In adopting this agenda, the administration maintained that Brazil would be able to confront its problems and secure more control over its future if it actively contributed to elaborating the norms and guidelines of the administration of the global order. Because of structural weaknesses, however, this policy of integration, adherence, and participation was not adequately accompanied by positions entailing practical responsibilities - responsibilities that would have prepared both government and civil society for a higher profile in the post - cold-war era. In the end, the gains achieved during Cardoso's tenure failed to alter Brazil's international standing in any significant way. © 2007 Latin American Perspectives.

Geotecnologias no mapeamento da aldeia Tekoa Pyau - São Paulo/SP e seu entorno: experiências de aplicação de técnicas cartográficas e sistemas digitais em ações de parceria com jovens indígenas

Pós-graduação em Geografia - IGCE

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ALGORITHM TO ANALYZE CARTOGRAPHIC FEATURES EXTRACTION METHODS IN DIGITAL IMAGES

The algorithm creates a buffer area around the cartographic features of interest in one of the images and compare it with the other one. During the comparison, the algorithm calculates the number of equals and different points and uses it to calculate the statistical values of the analysis. One calculated statistical value is the correctness, which shows the user the percentage of points that were correctly extracted. Another one is the completeness that shows the percentage of points that really belong to the interest feature. And the third value shows the idea of quality obtained by the extraction method, since that in order to calculate the quality the algorithm uses the correctness and completeness previously calculated. All the performed tests using this algorithm were possible to use the statistical values calculated to represent quantitatively the quality obtained by the extraction method executed. So, it is possible to say that the developed algorithm can be used to analyze extraction methods of cartographic features of interest, since that the results obtained were promising.

Towards an uncertain future? The strengthening of Japan's autonomy in Asia-Pacific

Recently, Japan has been increasing tensions with China regarding the Pinnacle Senkaku/Diaoyu islands. Due to the Chinese military development, Japan has been working on its political and military strengthening in Asia. This essay presents two possible scenarios for Japan.