A teaching/learning support tool for introductory programming courses

In This work we present a Web-based tool developed with the aim of reinforcing teaching and learning of introductory programming courses. This tool provides support for teaching and learning. From the teacher's perspective the system introduces important gains with respect to the classical teaching methodology. It reinforces lecture and laboratory sessions, makes it possible to give personalized attention to the student, assesses the degree of participation of the students and most importantly, performs a continuous assessment of the student's progress. From the student's perspective it provides a learning framework, consisting in a help environment and a correction environment, which facilitates their personal work. With this tool students are more motivated to do programming

An automatic correction tool for relational database schemas

A Web-based tool developed to automatically correct relational database schemas is presented. This tool has been integrated into a more general e-learning platform and is used to reinforce teaching and learning on database courses. This platform assigns to each student a set of database problems selected from a common repository. The student has to design a relational database schema and enter it into the system through a user friendly interface specifically designed for it. The correction tool corrects the design and shows detected errors. The student has the chance to correct them and send a new solution. These steps can be repeated as many times as required until a correct solution is obtained. Currently, this system is being used in different introductory database courses at the University of Girona with very promising results

Does SMS text messaging help or harm adults’ knowledge of standard spelling?

The recent increase in short messaging system (SMS) text messaging, often using abbreviated, non-conventional ‘textisms’ (e.g. ‘2nite’), in school-aged children has raised fears of negative consequences of such technology for literacy. The current research used a paradigm developed by Dixon and Kaminska, who showed that exposure to phonetically plausible misspellings (e.g. ‘recieve’) negatively affected subsequent spelling performance, though this was true only with adults, not children. The current research extends this work to directly investigate the effects of exposure to textisms, misspellings and correctly spelledwords on adults’ spelling. Spelling of a set of key words was assessed both before and after an exposure phase where participants read the same key words, presented either as textisms (e.g. ‘2nite’), correctly spelled (e.g. ‘tonight’) or misspelled (e.g. 'tonite’)words. Analysis showed that scores decreased from pre- to post-test following exposure to misspellings, whereas performance improved following exposure to correctly spelled words and, interestingly, to textisms. Data suggest that exposure to textisms, unlike misspellings, had a positive effect on adults’ spelling. These findings are interpreted in light of other recent research suggesting a positive relationship between texting and some literacy measures in school-aged children.

Towards the computer-aided diagnosis of dementia based on the geometric and network connectivity of structural MRI data

We present an intuitive geometric approach for analysing the structure and fragility of T1-weighted structural MRI scans of human brains. Apart from computing characteristics like the surface area and volume of regions of the brain that consist of highly active voxels, we also employ Network Theory in order to test how close these regions are to breaking apart. This analysis is used in an attempt to automatically classify subjects into three categories: Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls, for the CADDementia Challenge.

Keratinocyte growth factor: a new mesothelial targeted therapy to reduce postoperative pericardial adhesions

Background: Several methods have been utilized to prevent pericardial and retrosternal adhesions, but none of them evaluated the mesothelial regenerative hypothesis. There are evidences that the mesothelial trauma reduces pericardial fibrinolytic capability and induces an adhesion process. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has proven to improve mesothelial cells proliferation. This study investigated the influence of keratinocyte growth factor in reducing post-surgical adhesions. Methods: Twelve pigs were operated and an adhesion protocol was employed. Following a stratified randomization, the animals received a topical application of KGF or saline. At 8 weeks, intrapericardial adhesions were evaluated and a severity score was established. The time spent to dissect the adhesions and the amount of sharp dissection used, were recorded. Histological sections were stained with sirius red and morphometric analyses were assessed with a computer-assisted image analysis system. Results: The severity score was lower in the KGF group than in the control group (11.5 vs 17, p = 0.005). The dissection time was lower in the KGF group (9.2 +/- 1.4 min vs 33.9 +/- 9.2 min, p = 0.004) and presented a significant correlation with the severity score (r = 0.83, p = 0.001). A significantly less sharp dissection was also required in the KGF group. Also, adhesion area and adhesion collagen were significantly tower in the KGF group than in the control group. Conclusion: The simulation of pericardial cells with KGF reduced the intensity of postoperative adhesions and facilitated the re-operation. This study suggests that the mesothelial regeneration is the new horizon in anti-adhesion therapies. (C) 2008 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synergism Between Keratinocyte Growth Factor and Carboxymethyl Chitosan Reduces Pericardial Adhesions

Background. Mesothelial injury is the pivot in the development of adhesions. An increase in the proliferation of mesothelial cells was verified by in vitro studies with the use of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). This study investigated the influence of KGF associated with thermo-sterilized carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCCts) in the reduction of pericardial adhesions. Methods. An induction model of pericardial adhesion was carried out in 24 pigs. Animals were randomly allocated to receive topical application of KGF, KGF + NOCCts, NOCCts, or saline (control). At 8 weeks, intra-pericardial adhesions were evaluated and a severity score was established. The time spent to dissect the adhesions and the amount of sharp dissection used, were recorded. Histologic sections were stained with sirius red for a morphometric evaluation using a computer-assisted image analysis system. Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 immunostaining were employed to identify mesothelial cells. Results. The severity score expressed in median (minimum to maximum), in relation to the control group (17 [15 to 18]), was lower in the KGF + NOCCts group (7 [6 to 9], p < 0.01) followed by the KGF group (11.5 [9 to 12], 0.01 < p < 0.05) and the NOCCts group (12 [9 to 14], p > 0.05). The dissection time was significantly lower in the KGF + NOCCts group (7.1 +/- 0.6 vs 33.9 +/- 9.2 minutes, p < 0.001). A significantly less sharp dissection was also required in the KGF + NOCCts group. In the adhesion segment, a decreased collagen proportion was found in the KGF + NOCCts group (p < 0.05). Mesothelial cells were present more extensively in groups in which KGF was delivered (p = 0.01). Conclusions. The use of KGF associated with NOCCts resulted in a synergic action that decreases postoperative pericardial adhesions in a highly significant way. (Ann Thorac Surg 2010; 90: 566-72) (C) 2010 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Avaliação de um programa computacional para a medida da lordose lombar

Objetivo: métodos antropométricos que quantifiquem as curvas da coluna vertebral e a avaliação postural a fim de realizar investigações epidemiológicas sobre o papel da postura na ocorrência das dores lombares. O propósito do estudo foi avaliar acurácia e reprodutibilidade do Sistema de Avaliação Postural Digitalizado (SAPD) para medir lordose lombar comparando com raio-x. Delineamento: transversal, com amostra consecutiva. Participantes: para medida da acurácia no grupo 1 ( T12,L3,L5) n = 16 e grupo 2 (L1,L3,L5) n= 17. Na reprodutibilidade intra e inter-avaliador n= 80. Principais Medidas: marcadores externos nos processos espinhosos das vértebras T12, L1, L3 e L5. Raio-x de perfil da coluna lombar e foto digital em perfil direito. Medida da lordose lombar no raio-x com métodos de Cobb,Centróide (CLL) e Processos Espinhosos (PE) e com o SAPD. Resultados: grupo 1, correlação entre SAPD e Cobb foi 0,803 (p<0,001), entre SAPD e CLL foi 0,642 (p=0,024), entre SAPD e a medida dos PE a correlação foi 0,917, com R2 = 0,842. No grupo 2, correlação entre SAPD e Cobb foi 0,559 (p=0,020), entre SAPD e CLL de 0,325 (p=0,302), com correlação significativa somente entre SAPD e Cobb. Entre SAPD e PE a correlação foi 0,763, com R2 = 0,583. Para reprodutibilidade interavaliador a correlação foi 0,981 (p < 0,001) e para reprodutibilidade intra-avaliador de 0.978 (p < 0,001) referente às mesmas fotografias. Reprodutibilidade intraavaliador de 0.872 (p < 0.001) e 0.956 (p<0,001) para inter-avaliador referente à fotos diferentes de um mesmo indivíduo com recolocação dos marcadores sobre a pele . Considerações Finais: O SAPD mostrou-se acurado e reprodutível para a medida da lordose lombar.

Um estudo experimental sobre o uso da informática no ensino da contabilidade

Esta pesquisa buscou fundamentar o uso da informática no ensino da contabilidade através de um experimento realizado no sétimo período do Curso de Graduação em Ciências Contábeis, da Faculdade de Economia e Administração, da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. A revisão da literatura e fundamentos teóricos abordou, principalmente, o sistema de ensino através do computador denominado "COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTlON - C.A.I. ", sua definição, características, utilização e organização. Também fora abordados aspectos sobre o computador e a instrução programada assim como as vantagens e restrições do uso do computador no ensino. Os resultados obtidos permitiram a análise do comportamento dos alunos diante da nova maneira de se estudar e, ainda, um confronto de suas opiniões com as vantagens e restrições encontradas na literatura. A experiência vivenciada pelo pesquisador durante o experimento, permitiu-lhe concluir que o estudo desenvolvido foi importantíssimo na sua carreira, como professor de contabilidade e, ainda, como educador preocupado com aspectos de um ensino crítico. O estudo permitiu que fossem sugeridas recomendações ao governo, universidades, editores e professores sobre a utilização desta nova ferramenta de ensino e sugestões sobre novas pesquisas nesta área.

Dimensões palpebrais antes e após blefaroplastia superior: avaliação quantitativa

OBJETIVO: Quantificar, usando o sistema de imagem digital, medidas palpebrais antes e após a cirurgia de blefaroplastia superior. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 18 pálpebras de 9 pacientes atendidas no HC da FMB - UNESP, com idade entre 40 a 75 anos, do sexo feminino, portadoras de dermatocálase. Foram obtidas fotografias das pacientes antes e após 60 dias da blefaroplastia da pálpebra superior. As imagens foram transferidas para um computador e analisadas pelo programa Scion Image Frame Grabber. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: a altura da fenda palpebral em posição primária do olhar, altura do sulco palpebral superior e o ângulo palpebral lateral antes e depois de 60 dias da realização da cirurgia de blefaroplastia superior. RESULTADOS: Após a cirurgia, houve aumento da altura da fenda palpebral e do sulco palpebral superior. Contudo, o ângulo palpebral lateral não se alterou. CONCLUSÃO: A posição palpebral se altera após a blefaroplastia e o processamento de imagens digitais possibilita quantificar estas alterações, mensurando os resultados obtidos com a cirurgia.

Identification of the SP22 Sperm Protein in Santa Ines and Dorper Rams

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

Computer-Guided Surgery in Implantology: Review of Basic Concepts

The aim of the present study was to conduct a critical literature review about the technique of computer-guided surgery in implantology to highlight the indications, purposes, immediate loading of implants and complications, protocol of fabrication, and functioning of virtual planning software. This literature review was based on OLDMEDLINE and MEDLINE databases from 2002 to 2010 using the key words "computer-guided surgery" and "implant-supported prosthesis." Thirty-four studies regarding this topic were found. According to the literature review, it was concluded that the computer-assisted surgery is an excellent treatment alternative for patients with appropriate bone quantity for implant insertion in complete and partially edentulous arches. The Procera Nobel Guide software (Nobel Biocare) was the most common software used by the authors. In addition, the flapless surgery is advantageous for positioning of implants but with accurate indication. Although the computer-guided surgery may be helpful for virtual planning of cases with severe bone resorption, the conventional surgical technique is more appropriate. The surgical guide is important for insertion of the implants regardless of the surgical technique, and the success of immediate loading after computer-guided surgery depends on the accuracy of clinical and/or laboratorial steps.

Análise radiográfica computadorizada da reabsorção radicular apical após a utilização de duas mecânicas ortodônticas

OBJETIVO: a reabsorção radicular apical é uma condição comumente observada durante e após o tratamento ortodôntico e fatores como tipo de aparelhagem ortodôntica utilizada, magnitude das forças aplicadas e duração do tratamento podem estar relacionados ao processo de arredondamento do ápice radicular. Buscou-se avaliar, por meio de imagens radiográficas computadorizadas, a quantidade de reabsorção no ápice radicular, quando da utilização de duas diferentes técnicas de mecânica ortodôntica fixa: Edgewise com acessórios padrão e Edgewise com acessórios totalmente programados. METODOLOGIA: a amostra constituiu-se de 20 pacientes tratados pelo mesmo profissional na Clínica de Ortodontia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba - UNESP. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 (Tratados com Edgewise com acessórios padrão e fios de aço) e grupo 2 (Tratados com Edgewise com acessórios totalmente programados e fios de níquel-titânio). A avaliação radiográfica digital foi realizada por um único operador por meio de exposições radiográficas digitais feitas no início do tratamento ortodôntico, após retração de caninos e final de tratamento, utilizando o sistema de escores proposto por Levander e Malmgren (1988). RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: a análise dos escores permitiu concluir que o tratamento ortodôntico empregando a técnica Edgewise com acessórios totalmente programados e fios de níquel-titânio apresentou menores graus de reabsorção radicular apical, em comparação à técnica Edgewise com acessórios padrão e fios de aço. Observou-se que, independentemente da técnica empregada, o tratamento ortodôntico como um todo apresentou um grau moderado de reabsorção radicular apical.

Primary tooth length determination in direct digital radiography: An in vivo study

Purpose: the purpose of this in vivo study was to compare the accuracy of primary incisor length determined by direct digital radiography (straight-line measurement and grid superimposition) and measurement of the actual tooth length. Methods. Twenty-two primary maxillary incisors that required extractions were selected from 3- to 5-year-old children. The teeth were radiographed with an intraoral sensor using the long cone technique and a sensor holder (30-cm focus-to-sensor distance). The exposure time was 03 seconds. Tooth length was estimated by using straight-line and grid measurements provided by the distance measurement feature of the Computed Dental Radiography digital dental imaging system. The actual tooth length was obtained by measuring the extracted tooth with G digital caliper. Data were analyzed statistically by Pearson's correlation coefficient and a paired t test. Results: There were statistically significant differences (P=.007) between the 2 measurement techniques and between the actual tooth lengths and grid measurements. There was no statistically significant difference (P=38) between straight-line measurements and actual tooth lengths, showing that the straight-line measurements were more accurate. Underestimation of the actual tooth length, however, occurred in 45% of the straight-line measurements and in 73% of the grid measurements. Conclusion: It is possible to determine primary tooth length in digital radiographs using onscreen measurements with 0 reasonable degree of accuracy.

CIE L*a*b*: comparison of digital images obtained photographically by manual and automatic modes

The aim of this study was to analyze the color alterations performed by the CIE L*a*b* system in the digital imaging of shade guide tabs, which were obtained photographically according to the automatic and manual modes. This study also sought to examine the observers' agreement in quantifying the coordinates. Four Vita Lumin Vaccum shade guide tabs were used: A3.5, B1, B3 and C4. An EOS Canon digital camera was used to record the digital images of the shade tabs, and the images were processed using Adobe Photoshop software. A total of 80 observations (five replicates of each shade according to two observers in two modes, specifically, automatic and manual) were obtained, leading to color values of L*, a* and b*. The color difference (AE) between the modes was calculated and classified as either clinically acceptable or unacceptable. The results indicated that there was agreement between the two observers in obtaining the L*, a* and b* values related to all guides. However, the B1, B3, and C4 shade tabs had AE values classified as clinically acceptable (Delta E = 0.44, Delta E = 2.04 and Delta E = 2.69, respectively). The A3.5 shade tab had a AE value classified as clinically unacceptable (Delta E = 4.17), as it presented higher values for luminosity in the automatic mode (L* = 54.0) than in the manual mode (L* = 50.6). It was concluded that the B1, B3 and C4 shade tabs can be used at any of the modes in digital camera (manual or automatic), which was a different finding from that observed for the A3.5 shade tab.

Some experiments with high order compact methods using a computer algebra software - Part I

We consider a procedure for obtaining a compact fourth order method to the steady 2D Navier-Stokes equations in the streamfunction formulation using the computer algebra system Maple. The resulting code is short and from it we obtain the Fortran program for the method. To test the procedure we have solved many cavity-type problems which include one with an analytical solution and the results are compared with results obtained by second order central differences to moderate Reynolds numbers. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.