Introduction [to Digital literacy, technology and social inclusion: making sense of one-to-one computer programmes around the world]

This book was produced in the scope of a research project entitled ���Navigating with ���Magalh��es���: Study on the Impact of Digital Media in Schoolchildren���. This study was conducted between May 2010 and May 2013 at the Communication and Society Research Centre, University of Minho, Portugal and it was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (PTDC/CCI-COM/101381/2008). As we shall explain in more detail later in this book, the main objective of that research project was to analyse the impact of the Portuguese government programme named ��e-escolinha�� launched in 2008 within the Technological Plan for Education. This Plan responds to the principles of the Lisbon Strategy signed in 2000 and rereleased in the Spring European Council of 2005.

The Portuguese programme one laptop per child: political, educational and social impact

In 2008, the XVII Portuguese Constitutional Government launched the ���e.escolinha��� programme, within the Technological Plan for Education, which set out the distribution of a computer, called ���Magalh��es���, designed for chil-dren attending the 1st cycle of basic education. Suspended in 2011 by the XIX Government, this programme has allowed, however, almost 500 000 children to have access to a personal computer. It was expected that this political measure would ���revolutionise��� the national education system by bringing changes to the pedagogical practices of teachers and the learning processes of children and by achieving educational success, in general. Based on documental analysis and on a set of interviews with key decision-makers in conceiving, implementing and monitoring this governmental initiative, the ��� rst part of this chapter presents and analyses the ���e.escolinha��� initiative and the policies be-hind that governmental programme, seeking to disassemble those objectives and provide some insights into the relationship between discourses, rhetoric, and reality. After that, the chapter focuses on children���s uses and practices with the ���Magalh��es��� laptop, at school and at home. Based on the results of questionnaires ��� lled in by approximately 1500 children from 32 First Cycle public schools of the municipality of Braga (north of Portugal) and also from questionnaires applied to their parents and teachers, this chapter intends to analyse the real impact of this initiative for children, family and school. It also seeks to discuss the contribution of this educational policy to children���s digital literacy and also to their own and their families��� social and digital inclusion. To understand if it represented an added value to teachers��� pedagogical practice is another of its aims. The ��� ndings point out a major focus on technology and access rather than on uses and competences or even on social, educational and cultural change. In fact, a major conclusion is the existence of a strong gap between the policy and the practices, typical of a top-down policy design. This study is an integrant part of a research project titled ���Navigating with ���Magalh��es���: Study on the Impact of Digital Media in Schoolchildren��� conducted at the University of Minho, Portugal, ���nanced by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [PTDC/CCI-COM/101381/2008] and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund [COMPETE: FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-009056].

Filososof��a y Ciencia Computacional: Aspectos epistemol��gicos, ontol��gicos y metodol��gicos. Philosophy and Computing Sciencs: Epistemological, Ontological and Methodological Aspects.

Uno de los temas centrales del proyecto concierne la naturaleza de la ciencia de la computaci��n. La reciente aparici��n de esta disciplina sumada a su origen h��brido como ciencia formal y disciplina tecnol��gica hace que su caracterizaci��n a��n no est�� completa y menos a��n acordada entre los cient��ficos del ��rea. En el trabajo Three paradigms of Computer Science de A. Eden, se presentan tres posiciones admitidamente exageradas acerca de como entender tanto el objeto de estudio (ontolog��a) como los m��todos de trabajo (metodolog��a) y la estructura de la teor��a y las justificaciones del conocimiento inform��tico (epistemolog��a): La llamada racionalista, la cual se basa en la idea de que los programas son f��rmulas l��gicas y que la forma de trabajo es deductiva, la tecnocr��tica que presenta a la ciencia computacional como una disciplina ingenieril y la ahi llamada cient��fica, la cual asimilar��a a la computaci��n a las ciencias emp��ricas. Algunos de los problemas de ciencia de la computaci��n est��n relacionados con cuestiones de filosof��a de la matem��tica, en particular la relaci��n entre las entidades abstractas y el mundo. Sin embargo, el car��cter prescriptivo de los axiomas y teoremas de las teor��as de la programaci��n puede permitir interpretaciones alternativas y cuestionar��a fuertemente la posibilidad de pensar a la ciencia de la computaci��n como una ciencia emp��rica, al menos en el sentido tradicional. Por otro lado, es posible que el tipo de an��lisis aplicado a las ciencias de la computaci��n propuesto en este proyecto aporte nuevas ideas para pensar problemas de filosof��a de la matem��tica. Un ejemplo de estos posibles aportes puede verse en el trabajo de Arkoudas Computers, Justi?cation, and Mathematical Knowledge el cual echa nueva luz al problema del significado de las demostraciones matem��ticas.Los objetivos del proyecto son: Caracterizar el campo de las ciencias de la computaci��n.Evaluar los fundamentos ontol��gicos, epistemol��gicos y metodol��gicos de la ciencia de la computaci��n actual.Analizar las relaciones entre las diferentes perspectivas heur��sticas y epist��micas y las practicas de la programaci��n.

Modelos Mixtos-Aditivos Generalizados para el Estudio de Fen��menos Biol��gicos y Sociales Descriptos por Datos Agregados y/o Longitudinales. Generalized Mixed Additive Models for the Study of Biological and Social Phenomenons from Longitudinal and/or Aggregated Data.

Este proyecto propone extender y generalizar los procesos de estimaci��n e inferencia de modelos aditivos generalizados multivariados para variables aleatorias no gaussianas, que describen comportamientos de fen��menos biol��gicos y sociales y cuyas representaciones originan series longitudinales y datos agregados (clusters). Se genera teniendo como objeto para las aplicaciones inmediatas, el desarrollo de metodolog��a de modelaci��n para la comprensi��n de procesos biol��gicos, ambientales y sociales de las ��reas de Salud y las Ciencias Sociales, la condicionan la presencia de fen��menos espec��ficos, como el de las enfermedades.Es as�� que el plan que se propone intenta estrechar la relaci��n entre la Matem��tica Aplicada, desde un enfoque bajo incertidumbre y las Ciencias Biol��gicas y Sociales, en general, generando nuevas herramientas para poder analizar y explicar muchos problemas sobre los cuales tienen cada vez mas informaci��n experimental y/o observacional.Se propone, en forma secuencial, comenzando por variables aleatorias discretas (Yi, con funci��n de varianza menor que una potencia par del valor esperado E(Y)) generar una clase unificada de modelos aditivos (param��tricos y no param��tricos) generalizados, la cual contenga como casos particulares a los modelos lineales generalizados, no lineales generalizados, los aditivos generalizados, los de media marginales generalizados (enfoques GEE1 -Liang y Zeger, 1986- y GEE2 -Zhao y Prentice, 1990; Zeger y Qaqish, 1992; Yan y Fine, 2004), iniciando una conexi��n con los modelos lineales mixtos generalizados para variables latentes (GLLAMM, Skrondal y Rabe-Hesketh, 2004), partiendo de estructuras de datos correlacionados. Esto permitir�� definir distribuciones condicionales de las respuestas, dadas las covariables y las variables latentes y estimar ecuaciones estructurales para las VL, incluyendo regresiones de VL sobre las covariables y regresiones de VL sobre otras VL y modelos espec��ficos para considerar jerarqu��as de variaci��n ya reconocidas. C��mo definir modelos que consideren estructuras espaciales o temporales, de manera tal que permitan la presencia de factores jer��rquicos, fijos o aleatorios, medidos con error como es el caso de las situaciones que se presentan en las Ciencias Sociales y en Epidemiolog��a, es un desaf��o a nivel estad��stico. Se proyecta esa forma secuencial para la construcci��n de metodolog��a tanto de estimaci��n como de inferencia, comenzando con variables aleatorias Poisson y Bernoulli, incluyendo los existentes MLG, hasta los actuales modelos generalizados jer��rquicos, conextando con los GLLAMM, partiendo de estructuras de datos correlacionados. Esta familia de modelos se generar�� para estructuras de variables/vectores, covariables y componentes aleatorios jer��rquicos que describan fen��menos de las Ciencias Sociales y la Epidemiolog��a.

Dispersi��n agr��cola y cambio social en las Sierras de C��rdoba (ca. 1000 a C.- 1600 d C.) Agricultural spread and social change in C��rdoba Hills (ca. 1000 b C- 1600 a D.)

El proceso cultural en las Sierras de C��rdoba fue habitualmente concebido como marginal con respecto al Noroeste Argentino. Tras el establecimiento del esquema b��sico de la secuencia prehisp��nica, a mediados del siglo pasado, se defini�� una etapa agroalfarera de cronolog��a tard��a, que continuaba a una extensa etapa precer��mica cuyos l��mites se aproximaban a la transici��n Pleistoceno-Holoceno. Se hac��a referencia, de este modo, al advenimiento de un modo de vida agr��cola y aldeano, que reemplazaba a otro basado en la caza y recolecci��n. Dicha transformaci��n, alternativamente atribuida a la poblaci��n cazadora local o a una migraci��n de grupos agricultores desde regiones vecinas, se habr��a consumado hacia 1500 AP, fijando uno de los l��mites de la dispersi��n de la agricultura andina. Es necesario destacar la extremada escasez y el car��cter indirecto de las evidencias arqueol��gicas utilizadas para sustentar la ocurrencia de tal proceso. Asimismo, la vigencia de supuestos que han comenzado a mostrar inconsistencias con los resultados de las recientes investigaciones. Entre ellos, principalmente, el que asume que la introducci��n de la agricultura dio paso a una transformaci��n radical de las sociedades prehisp��nicas, constituyendo un hito fundamental en su devenir hist��rico, el comienzo de una nueva etapa. Nuestros ��ltimos estudios en el sector central de las Sierras de C��rdoba apuntaron, entre otros objetivos, a reconocer indicadores arqueol��gicos directos de producci��n agr��cola, as�� como de la manipulaci��n y consumo de plantas cultivadas. Los primeros resultados nos permiten vislumbrar un escenario complejo que desaf��a los modelos vigentes. El consumo de ma��z, por ejemplo, parece haber antecedido por muchos siglos a la adopci��n de pr��cticas agr��colas. El acceso a este cult��geno, sumado a otros elementos, indicar��a cambios entre los cazadores-recolectores serranos, promovidos por su integraci��n en redes macrorregionales que los vincularon con sociedades agricultoras de la vertiente oriental andina y quiz��s del Chaco Santiague��o, por lo menos desde 2500 AP. En definitiva, la agricultura no parece haber sido adoptada r��pidamente ni provocado transformaciones profundas e inmediatas en la organizaci��n de los grupos prehisp��nicos. Se ha observado, por el contrario, la incorporaci��n gradual de distintas innovaciones que incluso permiten relacionar la manipulaci��n y m��s tarde el cultivo de plantas domesticadas, con procesos de intensificaci��n productiva de mayor escala temporal. Uno de nuestros objetivos en este proyecto consiste, b��sicamente, en profundizar las investigaciones en curso a fin de ampliar el cuerpo de datos con el cual analizar y discutir el problema de la dispersi��n agr��cola en la regi��n. Ello implica el tratamiento de diferentes l��neas de evidencia, en particular: 1) la distribuci��n regional de sitios arqueol��gicos y las modalidades de ocupaci��n de las tierras cultivables; 2) la b��squeda de superficies de cultivo en sitios estratificados; y 3) estudios arqueobot��nicos, pol��nicos y de is��topos estables. Se entiende que no le corresponde a la arqueolog��a asumir aprior��sticamente el significado hist��rico de la introducci��n de la agricultura, sino establecerlo en cada caso puntual a trav��s de la investigaci��n concreta. Nuestro segundo objetivo consiste, por lo tanto, en delinear los cambios (econ��micos, tecnol��gicos, pol��ticos, sociales) que acompa��aron al proceso de dispersi��n agr��cola. Ello implica el tratamiento de diferentes problemas, entre otros: 1) las pr��cticas de apropiaci��n de los recursos silvestres; 2) la continuidad y cambio tecnol��gico; 3) la movilidad y la articulaci��n microambiental; y 4) los aspectos pol��ticos y sociales ligados a pr��cticas como la molienda grupal y la producci��n del arte rupestre. The radical chage of societies from hunter-gatherers to farmers in 1500 BP was considered a milestone whitin the cultural process of pre-hispanic societies in Cordoba Hill. But there is a shortage of archaeological remains to support this change and there are weak hypotheses of absolute transformations. During the last years, our studies carried out on the central area of Cordoba Hill have tried to recognize direct archaeological signs of agriculture production as well as the handling and consumption of crops. The first results show a complex set that challenges the current theoretical models. For example, the corn was probably eatten prior to its adoption for farm practices. Our first main consists in increasing a corpus of data about the spread of agriculture in Cordoba region that we have been researching for the last years. These researches involve different lines of evidence: 1-regional location of archaeological sites and kinds of occupation on cultivable lands; 2-the search for plots at archaeological sites; 3-archaeobotanical, pollen and stable isotopes studies. Our second main consists in outlining changes within the spread of agriculture. It implies to considering different problems: 1-the practices to gatherer wild resources; 2-the continuity and changes of technologies; 3-the mobility and the articulation on the micro-environment; 4-political and social aspects in connection with activities such as groupal grinding and rock art productions.

Multisite phosphorylation in (bio-)chemical reaction networks : multistationarity and robustness

Magdeburg, Univ., Fak. f��r Elektro- und Informationstechnik, Diss., 2014

Morphological development of Corydoras aff. paleatus (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) and correlation with the emergence of motor and social behaviors

Here we examine major anatomical characteristics of Corydoras aff. paleatus (Jenyns, 1842) post-hatching development, in parallel with its neurobehavioral evolution. Eleutheroembryonic phase, 4.3-8.8 days post-fertilization (dpf); 4.3-6.4 mm standard length (SL) encompasses from hatching to transition to exogenous feeding. Protopterygiolarval phase (8.9-10.9 dpf; 6.5-6.7 mm SL) goes from feeding transition to the commencement of unpaired fin differentiation, which marks the start of pterygiolarval phase (11-33 dpf; 6.8-10.7 mm SL) defined by appearance of lepidotrichia in the dorsal part of the median finfold. This phase ends with the full detachment and differentiation of unpaired fins, events signaling the commencement of the juvenile period (34-60 dpf; 10.8-18.0 mm SL). Eleutheroembryonic phase focuses on hiding and differentiation of mechanosensory, chemosensory and central neural systems, crucial for supplying the larval period with efficient escape and nutrient detection-capture neurocircuits. Protopterygiolarval priorities include visual development and respiratory, digestive and hydrodynamic efficiencies. Pterygiolarval priorities change towards higher swimming efficacy, including carangiform and vertical swimming, necessary for the high social interaction typical of this species. At the end of the protopterygiolarval phase, simple resting and foraging aggregations are seen. Resting and foraging shoals grow in complexity and participant number during pterygiolarval phase, but particularly during juvenile period.

Not all university degrees yield the same return: private and social returns to higher education for males in Spain

In this paper we use micro data from the Spanish Family Expenditure Survey for 1990 to estimate, for the first time, the private and social rates of return of different university degrees in Spain. We compute internal rates of return and include investment on higher education financed by the public purse to estimate social rates of return. Our main finding is that, as presumed, there is large heterogeneity in rates of return amongst different university

Environmental management problems, future generations and social decisions

The decisions of many individuals and social groups, taking according to well-defined objectives, are causing serious social and environmental problems, in spite of following the dictates of economic rationality. There are many examples of serious problems for which there are not yet appropriate solutions, such as management of scarce natural resources including aquifer water or the distribution of space among incompatible uses. In order to solve these problems, the paper first characterizes the resources and goods involved from an economic perspective. Then, for each case, the paper notes that there is a serious divergence between individual and collective interests and, where possible, it designs the procedure for solving the conflict of interests. With this procedure, the real opportunities for the application of economic theory are shown, and especially the theory on collective goods and externalities. The limitations of conventional economic analysis are shown and the opportunity to correct the shortfalls is examined. Many environmental problems, such as climate change, have an impact on different generations that do not participate in present decisions. The paper shows that for these cases, the solutions suggested by economic theory are not valid. Furthermore, conventional methods of economic valuation (which usually help decision-makers) are unable to account for the existence of different generations and tend to obviate long-term impacts. The paper analyzes how economic valuation methods could account for the costs and benefits enjoyed by present and future generations. The paper studies an appropriate consideration of preferences for future consumption and the incorporation of sustainability as a requirement in social decisions, which implies not only more efficiency but also a fairer distribution between generations than the one implied by conventional economic analysis.

Disaggregating the Household Sector in a 2004 UK Input Output Table and Social Accounting Matrix by Income Quintiles

This paper disaggregates a UK Input-Output (IO) table for 2004 based on household income quintiles from published survey data. In addition to the Input-Output disaggregation, the household components of a UK Income Expenditure (I-E) account used to inform a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM),have also been disaggregated by household income quintile. The focus of this paper is on household expenditure on the UK energy sector.

Sex, politics and social change in the eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries: Evidence from the Swiss Alps

The 18th century "sexual revolution" can not simply be explained as a consequence of economic or institutional factors - industrialization, agricultural revolution, secularization or legal hindrances to marriages: the example of western Valais (Switzerland) shows that we have to deal with a complex configuration of factors The micro-historical approach reveals that in the 18th and 19th century sexuality - and above all illicit sexuality - was a highly subversive force which was considerably linked to political innovation and probably more generally to historical change. Non-marital sexuality was clearly tied to political dissent ant to innovative ways of behaviour, both among the social elites and the common people. This behaviour patterns influenced crucial evolutions in the social, cultural and economic history of the region.