Can homework become more meaningful with the inclusion of oral presentations?

In this action research study of my 7th grade math class, I investigated the inclusion of homework presentations to see if they would improve students’ attitude toward mathematics, participation, and understanding. I discovered that although the implementations of presentations into our homework routine did not drastically influence grades, or even improve attitudes (according to test grades and student surveys), a multitude of other changes surfaced. These changes consisted of an increase in discussion, a team effort among students in my class, and an overall “learning community” effect. I plan to continue to pursue presentations as a major part of my homework routine, and also incorporate presentations into review sessions.

Luminescence properties of the TRIMEB inclusion compound of a europium tris-beta-diketonate

The adduct TRIMEB:Eu(BTA)(3)center dot 2H(2)O was prepared and primarily characterized by photoluminescence (PL), and compared with free Eu(BTA)(3)center dot 2H(2)O. Both spectra show the Eu3+ ion emission, with subtle differences between lines for the free and encapsulated complex. The temperature dependence and chemical stability were studied, taking into account (in the latter case) the PL changes with time. The use of this new material as the emissive layer in OLEDs was tested by its successful incorporation into a device, using a conductive polymer as host. The use of the TRIMEB adduct increased the stability of the device (as compared with the free Eu complex). (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of the inclusion of fish residue oils in diets on the fatty acid profile of muscles of males and females lambari (Astyanax altiparanae)

This study evaluated the effects of two lipids sources of fish residue (tilapia and salmon) compared with a vegetable oil source (soybean oil) on the fatty acid profiles of male and female lambari. This experiment was developed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement, totaling 6 treatments resulting from the combination of the three experimental diets for both sexes, with four replications for each treatment. This study involved 120 male (2.58 +/- 0.13 g) and 72 female lambari (4.00 +/- 0.09 g), fed the experimental diets twice a day until apparent satiation for a period of 60 days. Oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids were found at higher concentrations in all experimental oils and diets, as well in the muscle of male and female lambari. The low amounts of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in the experimental diets and subsequent greater concentrations in muscle tissue, suggested that lambari are able to desaturate and elongate the chain of fatty acids with 18 carbons. The fish of both sexes that received the diet with soybean oil showed high levels of n-6 fatty acids, especially of C18: 2n-6 and low levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The diet with salmon residue oil promoted higher levels of fatty acids of the n-3 series and resulted in the best n-3/n-6 ratio in the muscle of male and female lambari. The oils from fish residues can be a substitute for traditional fish oil and its use in the lambari diets does not impair its growth.

The in vitro antioxidant properties of the Al-quercetin/beta CD and Al-catechin/beta CD inclusion compounds, rationalized in terms of their electrochemical behaviour

Inclusion compounds of Al-quercetin and Al-catechin complexes with beta-cyclodextrin (beta CD) were investigated. The complex and the inclusion compound of quercetin are more effective DPPHaEuro cent scavengers than the corresponding catechin compounds and the inclusion does not compromise their scavenging abilities, with only a slight decrease in the EC50 values. This is in accordance with the electrochemical data, which revealed that the inclusion compounds have lower diffusion coefficients in aqueous solution than the non-included compounds. For the quercetin compounds, some spectroscopic properties were also addressed by means of UV-visible and NMR measurements in aqueous media.

Binary and ternary inclusion complexes of dapsone in cyclodextrins and polymers: preparation, characterization and evaluation

Dapsone (DAP) is a synthetic sulfone drug with bacteriostatic activity, mainly against Mycobacterium leprae. In this study we have investigated the interactions of DAP with cyclodextrins, 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP beta CD) and beta-cyclodextrin (beta CD), in the presence and absence of water-soluble polymers, in order to improve its solubility and bioavailability. Solid systems DAP/HP beta CD and DAP/beta CD, in the presence or absence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), were prepared. The binary and ternary systems were evaluated and characterized by SEM, DSC, XRD and NMR analysis as well as phase solubility assays, in order to investigate the interactions between DAP and the excipients in aqueous solution. This study revealed that inclusion complexes of DAP and cyclodextrins (HP beta CD and beta CD) can be produced in order to improve DAP solubility and bioavailability in the presence or absence of polymers (PVP K30 and HPMC). The more stable inclusion complex was obtained with HP beta CD, and consequently HP beta CD was more efficient in improving DAP solubility than beta CD, and the addition of polymers had no influence on DAP solubility or on the stability of the DAP/CDs complexes.

Toward supramolecular architectures of the anti-HIV drug lamivudine: understanding the effect of the inclusion of water in a hydrochloride form

Two salts of the anti-HIV drug lamivudine, namely, lamivudine hydrochloride and lamivudine hydrochloride monohydrate, were prepared for the first time. Structural relationships and the role of water in crystal assembly and lamivudine conformation were established and allowed for a rational approach to understand how solid state properties could be changed by engineering new salts of the drug.

Evaluating sport projects which promote social inclusion for young people: a case study

[EN] This work presents the findings of a participatory research program evaluating the outcomes of an Italian sports program for minors at risk. Using a participatory evaluation approach enabled an evaluation-research close to the real objectives and useful for monitoring and e-planning actions, starting from an initial exploration of the different stakeholders’ views of the project itself. The research design is presented in the form of a case study, emphasizing the continuous involvement of the project’s stakeholders in the evaluation process. The outcomes here presented make evident how the participatory evaluation project allowed a targeted and ongoing monitoring at group level as well as at individual level with the minors involved in the project.

The Role of Multiple Social Categorisation in Promoting the Inclusion in the Human Group of Outgroup Members

Social inclusion of vulnerable groups through participatory and emancipatory approaches. Implementing active citizenship and socially innovative actions in the framework of civil & human rights model of disability

The research hypothesis of the thesis is that “an open participation in the co-creation of the services and environments, makes life easier for vulnerable groups”; assuming that the participatory and emancipatory approaches are processes of possible actions and changes aimed at facilitating people’s lives. The adoption of these approaches is put forward as the common denominator of social innovative practices that supporting inclusive processes allow a shift from a medical model to a civil and human rights approach to disability. The theoretical basis of this assumption finds support in many principles of Inclusive Education and the main focus of the hypothesis of research is on participation and emancipation as approaches aimed at facing emerging and existing problems related to inclusion. The framework of reference for the research is represented by the perspectives adopted by several international documents concerning policies and interventions to promote and support the leadership and participation of vulnerable groups. In the first part an in-depth analysis of the main academic publications on the central themes of the thesis has been carried out. After investigating the framework of reference, the analysis focuses on the main tools of participatory and emancipatory approaches, which are able to connect with the concepts of active citizenship and social innovation. In the second part two case studies concerning participatory and emancipatory approaches in the areas of concern are presented and analyzed as example of the improvement of inclusion, through the involvement and participation of persons with disability. The research has been developed using a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, aimed at providing a knowledge-base that fosters a shift from a situation of passivity and care towards a new scenario based on the person’s commitment in the elaboration of his/her own project of life.