Gender differences in internet usage habits: a case study in higher education

The usage of information and communication technologies has been growing among students and teachers. In order to improve the use of the Internet as a tool to support teaching and learning it is necessary to understand the Internet usage habits of students. Thus, a study was conducted with 1397 students from five schools of the Polytechnic of Porto. The data was collected through an online questionnaire abd was analized by age range, gender and scientific field. In this paper,gender differences are analyzed and presented in 3 dimensions: type of Internet usage, communication tools and the role of the Internet tools in education.

Differences in internet and LMS usage: a case study in higher education

The Internet plays an important role in higher education institutions where Learning Management Systems (LMS) occupies a main role in the eLearning realm. In this chapter we aim to characterize the Internet and LMS usage patterns and their role in the largest Portuguese Polytechnic Institute. The usage patterns were analyzed in two components: characterization of Internet usage and the role of Internet and LMS in education. Using a quantitative approach, the data analysis describes the differences between gender, age and scientific fields. The carried qualitative analysis allows a better understanding of students’ both motivations, opinions and suggestions of improvement. The outcome of this work is the presentation of the Portuguese students’ profile regarding Internet and LMS usage patterns. We expect that these results can be used to select the most suitable digital pedagogical processes and tools to be adopted regarding the learning process and most adequate LMS’s policies.

Febrifugine derivative antimalarial activity: quantum mechanical predictors

Plasmodium falciparum resistant strain development has encouraged the search for new antimalarial drugs. Febrifugine is a natural substance with high activity against P. falciparum presenting strong emetic property and liver toxicity, which prevent it from being used as a clinical drug. The search for analogues that could have a better clinical performance is a current topic. We aim to investigate the theoretical electronic structure by means of febrifugine derivative family semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations, seeking the electronic indexes that could help the design of new efficient derivatives. The theoretical results show there is a clustering in well-defined ranges of several electronic indexes of the most selective molecules. The model proposed for achieving high selectivity was tested with success.

Strange Dynamics in a Fractional Derivative of Complex-Order Network of Chaotic Oscillators

We study the peculiar dynamical features of a fractional derivative of complex-order network. The network is composed of two unidirectional rings of cells, coupled through a "buffer" cell. The network has a Z3 × Z5 cyclic symmetry group. The complex derivative Dα±jβ, with α, β ∈ R+ is a generalization of the concept of integer order derivative, where α = 1, β = 0. Each cell is modeled by the Chen oscillator. Numerical simulations of the coupled cell system associated with the network expose patterns such as equilibria, periodic orbits, relaxation oscillations, quasiperiodic motion, and chaos, in one or in two rings of cells. In addition, fixing β = 0.8, we perceive differences in the qualitative behavior of the system, as the parameter c ∈ [13, 24] of the Chen oscillator and/or the real part of the fractional derivative, α ∈ {0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0}, are varied. Some patterns produced by the coupled system are constrained by the network architecture, but other features are only understood in the light of the internal dynamics of each cell, in this case, the Chen oscillator. What is more important, architecture and/or internal dynamics?

HTLV- I infection is not associated with a higher risk of death in peruvian HIV-infected patients

Limited and contradictory information exists regarding the prognosis of HIV/HTLV-I co-infection. Our goal was to estimate the effect of HTLV-I infection on mortality in HIV-infected patients at a HIV reference center in Peru. We studied a retrospective cohort of HIV-infected patients, who were exposed or unexposed to HTLV-I. Exposed patients were Western Blot (WB) positive for both retroviruses. Unexposed patients were WB positive for HIV, and had least one negative EIA for HTLV-I. These were selected among patients who entered our Program immediately before and after each exposed patient, between January 1990 and June 2004. Survival time was considered between the diagnosis of exposure to HTLV-I and death or censoring. Confounding variables were age, gender, baseline HIV clinical stage, baseline CD4+ T cell count, and antiretroviral therapy. We studied 50 exposed, and 100 unexposed patients. Exposed patients had a shorter survival compared to unexposed patients [median survival: 47 months (95% CI: 17-77) vs. 85 months (95% CI: 70-100), unadjusted p = 0.06]. Exposed patients had a higher rate of mortality compared to unexposed patients (HIV/HTLV-I (24/50 [48%]) vs. HIV only (37/100 [37%]), univariable p = 0.2]. HTLV-I exposure was not associated to a higher risk of death in the adjusted analysis: HR: 1.2 (0.4-3.5). AIDS clinical stage and lack of antiretroviral therapy were associated to a higher risk of dying. In conclusions, HTLV-I infection was not associated with a higher risk of death in Peruvian HIV-infected patients. Advanced HIV infection and lack of antiretroviral therapy may explain the excess of mortality in this population.

HRM higher education in Europe

Higher education has earned in the recent years an increasing attention in Europe. European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is being developed, a three-cycle qualifications structure is formally in place, the principles of quality assurance are agreed, and a range of mobility instruments is being created. A European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is established (2008), and national qualifications frameworks in Europe should be all be published this year. In the HRM field, higher education is remaining largely unexamined. It is undertheorised and with lack of empirical research, especially if we consider the European reality. With the exception of Brewster et al. (2000) and Boxall et al. (2007), all the research published on the specific HRM higher education field seems to be American (Barber, 1999; Chadwick, 2005; Hayton et al.,2005; Kaufman, 1996, 1999; Langbert, 2005, 2000; Sincoff & Owen, 2004; Van Eyden et al., 1997; Wimbush 2008). This study analyses HRM higher education in Europe with the aim to identify the current trends of European HRM academic qualifications system. In order to provide strategic indicators on the subject, research was carried out in 14 European countries. The sample was constituted by the three cycles defined in Bergen (bachelor, master and PhD) and the primary information source was the Portal on Learning Opportunities throughout the European Space promoted by the European Commission (PLOTEUS). Within a qualitative methodology, qualifications’ structures, approaches, and competencies are explored as main analytical categories.

Municipalities of higher vulnerability to Sylvatic Yellow Fever occurrence in the São Paulo State, Brazil

Until 1999 the endemic cases of Sylvatic Yellow Fever were located in the states of northern, midwestern and pre-Amazon regions. Since then, the disease progressively expanded its territory of occurrence, cases being registered beyond the traditional boundaries of endemism. The São Paulo State is considered to be part of this context, since after decades without registration of autochthonous cases of the disease, it reported, in 2000 and 2008-2009, epizootic occurrence in non-human primates and 30 cases in humans. Facts like these, added to the increase in incidences of serious adverse effects resulting from the Yellow Fever vaccination, have highlighted the importance of defining priority municipalities for vaccination against the disease in the state. Two groups of municipalities, some affected and some non-affected by YF, were compared for environmental variables related to the eco-epidemiology of the disease according to literature. The Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was used to pinpoint the factor able to differentiate the two groups of municipalities and define the levels of risk. The southeast region of the São Paulo State was considered to be the area with a higher number of municipalities classified as high risk and should be considered a priority for the application of prevention measures against Yellow Fever.

BLOOD VESSELS IN GANGLIA IN HUMAN ESOPHAGUS MIGHT EXPLAIN THE HIGHER FREQUENCY OF MEGAESOPHAGUS COMPARED WITH MEGACOLON

This study aimed to determine the existence of blood vessels within ganglia of the myenteric plexus of the human esophagus and colon. At necropsy, 15 stillborns, newborns and children up to two years of age, with no gastrointestinal disorders, were examined. Rings of the esophagus and colon were analyzed and then fixed in formalin and processed for paraffin. Histological sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin, Giemsa and immunohistochemistry for the characterization of endothelial cells, using antibodies for anti-factor VIII and CD31. Blood vessels were identified within the ganglia of the myenteric plexus of the esophagus, and no blood vessels were found in any ganglia of the colon. It was concluded that the ganglia of the myenteric plexus of the esophagus are vascularized, while the ganglia of the colon are avascular. Vascularization within the esophageal ganglia could facilitate the entrance of infectious agents, as well as the development of inflammatory responses (ganglionitis) and denervation, as found in Chagas disease and idiopathic achalasia. This could explain the higher frequency of megaesophagus compared with megacolon.

ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF CHLOROPHYLLIN AGAINST DIFFERENT LARVAL STAGES OF Fasciola gigantica

Fasciolosis is a food borne zoonosis, caused by the digenetic trematode Fasciola. Freshwater lymnaeid snails are the intermediate host of the trematodes. Chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic derivative of chlorophyll and its formulations obtained from freeze dried cow urine (FCU) had their toxicity tested against redia and cercaria larvae of F. gigantica. The larvicidal activity of chlorophyllin and its formulations were found to depend on both, time and concentration used against the larvae. Toxicity of chlorophyllin + FCU (1:1 ratio) in sunlight against redia larva (8 h LC50: 0.03 mg/mL) was more pronounced than using just chlorophyllin (8 h LC50: 0.06 mg/mL). Toxicity of chlorophyllin + FCU in sunlight against redia (8 h LC50: 0.03 mg/mL) was higher than against cercaria (8 h LC50: 0.06 mg/mL). The larvicidal activity of chlorophyllin in sunlight (redia/cercaria larvae: 8 h LC50: 0.06 mg/mL) was more pronounced than under laboratory conditions (redia: 8 h LC50: 22.21 mg/mL/, cercaria 8 h LC50: 96.21 mg/mL). Toxicity of FCU against both larvae was lower than that of chlorophyllin and chlorophyllin + FCU. Chlorophyllin and its formulations + FCU were 357.4 to 1603.5 times more effective against redia/cercaria larvae in sunlight than under laboratory conditions. The present study has shown that chlorophyllin formulations may be used as potent larvicides against fasciolosis.

Public funding of higher education: who gains, who loses?

This paper analyses the effects of public funding of higher education on the welfare of the different agents. It takes into account the hierarchical nature of the educational system and also the fact that parents always have the possibility to complement basic public education with private expenditures in individual tutoring. It is obtained that although public funding implies a larger access to higher education it is always the case that some of the agents that gain access lose in welfare terms. Moreover, it is shown that the marginal agent to access university would always prefer a pure private funding system. Thus, when studying the effects of public funding of higher education, we can not identify gaining access to University with an increase in welfare. Finally, I consider a funding system where only those that send their o¤spring to university support the funding of higher education.

Higher education branding: Nova School of Business and Economics and Bocconi University

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

The secretory immunoglobulin A response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a childhood population

We report on the measurement of saliva anti-Purified Protein Derivative sIgA and 38kDa antibodies from 127 children, of whom 31 were strong tuberculosis suspects and 96 were healthy contact children. The results concerning the percentage of children with antibody reactivity to PPD and 38kDa antigens showed that, of these 2 antigens, 38kDa induced higher reactivity in patients positive and negative for the Tuberculin Skin Test (28% and 16.6%, respectively) in comparison to controls positive and negative for the TST (11.7% and 7.1%, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference between patients positive and controls negative for the TST. In relation to the Purified Protein Derivative antigen, while 14.2% of patients positive for the TST showed antibody reactivity to the PPD antigen, no patients negative for the TST had reactivity to this antigen. The findings suggest that these two antigens seem be associated with a different development of the mucosal defence mechanisms mediated by sIgA against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Learning Activities with Semantic. Hypermedia in Higher Education

The increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in diverse professional and personal contexts calls for new knowledge, and a set of abilities, competences and attitudes, for an active and participative citizenship. In this context it is acknowledged that universities have an important role innovating in the educational use of digital media to promote an inclusive digital literacy. The educational potential of digital technologies and resources has been recognized by both researchers and practitioners. Multiple pedagogical models and research approaches have already contributed to put in evidence the importance of adapting instructional and learning practices and processes to concrete contexts and educational goals. Still, academic and scientific communities believe further investments in ICT research is needed in higher education. This study focuses on educational models that may contribute to support digital technology uses, where these can have cognitive and educational relevance when compared to analogical technologies. A teaching and learning model, centered in the active role of the students in the exploration, production, presentation and discussion of interactive multimedia materials, was developed and applied using the internet and exploring emergent semantic hypermedia formats. The research approach focused on the definition of design principles for developing class activities that were applied in three different iterations in undergraduate courses from two institutions, namely the University of Texas at Austin, USA and the University of Lisbon, Portugal. The analysis of this study made possible to evaluate the potential and efficacy of the model proposed and the authoring tool chosen in the support of metacognitive skills and attitudes related to information structuring and management, storytelling and communication, using computers and the internet.

Avaliação epidemiológica dos internamentos através de um serviço de urgência de segunda linha (SII)

RESUMO: Introdução: A Comissão Nacional para a reestruturação dos Serviços de Saúde Mental em 2004, fez uma proposta de âmbito regional, ao nível da região de Saúde do Norte, levando a uma alteração da rede de referenciação hospitalar dos internamentos em psiquiatria. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo epidemiológico longitudinal para avaliar factores preditivos de internamento através de um serviço de Urgência de Segunda Linha (SII), que de algum modo reflectisse o funcionamento dos serviços de internamento na região de Saúde do Norte, ao longo de 12 anos, nomeadamente relacionando com factores organizacionais contemplados no Plano Nacional de Saúde Mental e na reorganização da rede de referenciação hospitalar. Resultados: Durante os 12 anos do estudo, verificou-se um aumento estatisticamente significativo do número e duração de internamentos através do SII, com ponto de partida no ano 2008-2009, e de novo a partir do ano 2010-2011 (nº de internamentos), para o qual contribuiu a alteração da rede hospitalar na região de saúde do Norte, nomeadamente pelo facto do HMLemos, assumir a responsabilidade de novo, dos internamentos das áreas de Famalicão, Gondomar e Santa Maria da Feira. Em relação ao número de internamentos, e na análise exploratória, encontramos nas áreas hospitalares fora da área de influência do HMLemos, uma contribuição positiva significativa para o aumento do nº de internamentos ao longo dos anos com os Dx (290, 296, 297, 291, 309). Em relação à área do HMLemos restrita (PVC, STT, Matosinhos, Porto Ocidental), de referir a contribuição positiva significativa dos Dx 309 e 301, para o aumento do número de internamentos ao longo do tempo, sendo que a prevalência maior se mantém relacionada às Psicoses (Dx 295, 296 e 297). Não se concluiu por uma contribuição estatisticamente significativa ( positiva ou negativa), das variáveis independentes idade, sexo ou natureza do internamento em relação à variável dependente ( duração de internamentos/ano). Em relação á variável dependente (nº de internamentos/ano), relativamente aos doentes fora de área de influência do HMLemos, concluiu-se uma contribuição positiva estatisticamente significativa da variável independente idade. Conclusões: Através da análise exploratória foi possível perceber o esforço realizado pelos hospitais no sentido de melhorar a equidade e acessibilidade dos doentes à Saúde Mental, a par da reorganização da rede hospitalar. De destacar a necessidade de encontrar alternativas às situações de internamento, com menos critérios de gravidade diagnóstica, nomeadamente reforçar a importância da criação de consultas de crises nos respectivos Hospitais de Dia dos DPSM.----------------ABSTRACT:Introduction : The National Commission for the restructuring of mental health services in 2004 , has proposed at a regional level ( North Health Region), a change in the network of hospital referrals of admissions in psychiatry. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal epidemiological study to assess predictors of hospitalization through a Second Line Emergency Service ( SII) , that somehow reflect the operation of inpatient services in North Health Region, over 12 years, particularly relating to organizational factors included in the National Mental Health Plan and reorganization of the hospital referral network. Results: During the period of the study, there was a statistically significant increase in the number and duration of hospitalizations through the SII, with starting point in the year 2008-2009 and again from 2010-2011 (number of admissions) , for which counted the change of the hospital network referral in Northern health region , in particular because Hospital Magalhães Lemos (HMLemos) , took the new responsibility of admissions from areas of Famalicão, Gondomar and Santa Maria da Feira . Regarding the number of hospitalizations, in the exploratory analysis , we found in hospital areas outside the area of influence of HMLemos , a significant positive contribution to the increase in number of admissions over the years with Diagnosis of 290, 296, 297, 291 , 309 in the ICD-9. With respect to the restricted area of HMLemos (PVC, STT , Porto Ocidental and Matosinhos) , we found a significant positive contribution of Diagnosis 309 and 301, to increase the number of hospitalizations over time, with higher prevalence rates remaining the psychoses ( Dx 295, 296 and 297 ) . Did not conclude for any statistically significant contribution (positive or negative) of the independent variables age, sex and nature of admission to the dependent variable (duration of hospitalization / year). In relation to the dependent variable (number of admissions / year) relative to patients outside the area of influence of HMLemos, it was found a statistically significant positive contribution of the independent variable age . Conclusions: Through the exploratory analysis, it was possible to see the efforts made by hospitals to improve the accessibility of patients to Mental Health, throughout the hospital network reorganization. Its important to highlight the need to find alternatives to inpatient admissions in those with less gravity diagnostic criteria, reinforcing the importance of creating specific crisis consultations in Day Hospital regime.

40 K Neon liquid energy storage unit

Cryocoolers have been progressively replacing the use of the stored cryogens in cryogenic chains used for detector cooling, thanks to their higher and higher reliability. However, the mechanical vibrations, the electromagnetic interferences and the temperature fluctuations inherent to their functioning could reduce the sensor’s sensitivity. In order to minimize this problem, compact thermal energy storage units (ESU) are studied, devices able to store thermal energy without significant temperature increase. These devices can be used as a temporary cold source making it possible to turn the cryocooler OFF providing a proper environment for the sensor. A heat switch is responsible for the thermal decoupling of the ESU from the cryocooler’s temperature that increases when turned OFF. In this work, several prototypes working around 40 K were designed, built and characterized. They consist in a low temperature cell that contains the liquid neon connected to an expansion volume at room temperature for gas storage during the liquid evaporation phase. To turn this system insensitive to the gravity direction, the liquid is retained in the low temperature cell by capillary effect in a porous material. Thanks to pressure regulation of the liquid neon bath, 900 J were stored at 40K. The higher latent heat of the liquid and the inexistence of triple point transitions at 40 K turn the pressure control during the evaporation a versatile and compact alternative to an ESU working at the triple point transitions. A quite compact second prototype ESU directly connected to the cryocooler cold finger was tested as a temperature stabilizer. This device was able to stabilize the cryocooler temperature ((≈ 40K ±1 K) despite sudden heat bursts corresponding to twice the cooling power of the cryocooler. This thesis describes the construction of these devices as well as the tests performed. It is also shown that the thermal model developed to predict the thermal behaviour of these devices, implemented as a software,describes quite well the experimental results. Solutions to improve these devices are also proposed.