Concepções sobre as relações entre ciência, tecnologia, inovação e o desenvolvimento no Proem do Câmpus Cornélio Procópio da UTFPR

This dissertation deals with the conceptions of the relationship between science, technology, innovation, development and society. We aimed to analyze the ways to conceive these relations in documents of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (Proem) of the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR) and analyze the conceptions of these relations in view of managers and participants of the Program on Campus Cornélio Procópio, locus of research. It is recognized that the concepts of science, technology, innovation and development are polysemic, so varied are the definitions given by different theorists. For the research were characterized these conceptions into two streams, one called traditional or conservative current, which is supported by the classical theories, that is, those that were developed by authors recognized as classics, and the other current, referred to as critical concepts that sustains it are presented by authors recognized as critical, among which houses the Science studies, Technology and Society (CTS). This categorization buoyed analysis of Proem documents and analysis of the statements collected through interviews with three managers of Proem and eleven participants in the Program. As a result of the research, in general, although there is evidence in Proem documents of a social concern in relation to its role in society, it was observed that the program is based on the traditional and hegemonic view on the subject. In the documents analysis, it was noticed that the conceptions arranged CTS studies are present in relation to the multidimensional development concept. However, the texts analyzed, mostly were identified strong indications of thought supported by logical positivism, in propositions that refer to marketing issues, a proposal to generate an entrepreneurial culture guided by the development of technological innovations designed to meet and / or induce market demands, through production methods for popular goods. As for how managers and participants Proem in Campus Cornelius conceive the relationship between science, technology, innovation, development and society, also was identified closer to the classical view, although the respondents have pointed out many times in their speak apparent concern with social issues, like designing the development from a multidimensional view as cover critical studies CTS. The views of the participants, it was possible to link the strengthening of the concept connected to the linear model of development, in which the more it generates science, more is generated technology and more technology therefore produces more wealth, which in turn, the Schumpeterian view, is the basis of social welfare.

Aprendizagem das ciências em espaços não-formais: visita de estudo na rota das energias renováveis

Nos programas actuais defende-se um ensino contextualizado numa perspectiva CTSA - Ciência, Tecnologia, Sociedade e Ambiente, e a diversificação de estratégias e actividades é recomendada. Numa perspectiva construtivista, a aprendizagem fora da sala de aula, aprendizagem em espaços não-formais - as visitas de estudo - são consideradas como uma das estratégias com elevado potencial pedagógico. No presente estudo foram realizadas e avaliadas duas visitas de estudo no âmbito da disciplina de Física e Química do 10° ano de escolaridade, tendo a primeira sido feita como estudo-piloto ao Centro de Ciência Viva de Constância e uma segunda como estudo principal, Na Rota das Energias Renováveis, à Barragem do Alqueva, Central Solar Fotovoltaica da Amareleja, Parque de Natureza de Noudar e Herdade do Esporão. Realizou-se uma pré-visita aos locais a visitar, estabeleceram-se contactos privilegiados com as instituições visitadas, preparam-se materiais didácticos, um Roteiro e um Guia de Campo para cada local visitado, foram elaborados e apresentados aos alunos questionários sobre o seu grau de satisfação com as visitas e realizaram-se ainda entrevistas em grupo com alguns alunos para recolher as suas impressões. Os alunos realizaram trabalhos de divulgação da visita tendo sido disponibilizada, no "site" da escola, informação detalhada sobre a visita. Neste estudo analisou-se em que medida uma aprendizagem contextualizada num espaço não-formal foi promotora de um envolvimento produtivo dos alunos. As aprendizagens realizadas situaram-se no domínio cognitivo, social ou atitudinal e os materiais didácticos, como o Guia de Campo tiveram um papel relevante para essas aprendizagens. A motivação dos alunos para a disciplina melhorou durante e após a visita. A colaboração com as instituições visitadas mostrou-se importante no estabelecimento de uma interface entre o espaço formal e o não-formal. A realização de visitas de estudo é uma componente importante dos curricula e deve ser encarada com naturalidade a sua realização frequente, como parte de uma estratégia para motivar os alunos para a disciplina e aumentar a sua capacidade de aprender os conteúdos. ABSTRACT: Nowadays programs defend teaching model that follows a perspective based in Science, Technology, Society and Environment, with special focus in the diversification of strategies. Outside of classroom teaching, in non-formal spaces, as in field trips, is considered one of the strategies with the highest pedagogic potential. ln this study, two field trips were made based on the Physics and Chemistry program for the 1Oth grade, with the first one as the pilot visit to Centro de Ciência Viva de Constância, and the second one as the main study, ln the Path of Renewable Energies, to Alqueva’s dam, Amareleja's Solar Photovoltaic Center, Noudar's Nature Park and Herdade do Esporão. A pre-visit was made for each one of the places to visit, contacts were made, materials were created, an itinerary and a Field Guide for both field trips, satisfaction questionaries were made to the students and the teacher also interviewed some students for appreciations about the visit. The students created posters about the field trip, and information was also showed in the school website. With this study, the benefits of a contextualized learning in a non-formal space were demonstrated. These acquisitions of knowledge were in various domains, such as cognition, social behavior and the didactic materials had a relevant role in these acquirements. Moreover, the students' motivation for the subject in question improved significantly during and after the field trip. The cooperation with the visited institutions revealed to be important in the establishment of an interface between the formal and the non-formal spaces. Making field trips is an important component in the curricula and should be encouraged and seen as a natural part of a strategy of motivation of the students for a certain subject, increasing its ability to learn matters.

Microencapsulation technology: a powerful tool for human embryonic stem cells expansion and cryopreservation

Dissertation presented to obtain a Master degree in Biotechnology at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Highly functional and biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds combined with stem cells for bone and cartilage tissue engineering

Among the various possible embodiements of Advanced Therapies and in particular of Tissue Engineering the use of temporary scaffolds to regenerate tissue defects is one of the key issues. The scaffolds should be specifically designed to create environments that promote tissue development and not merely to support the maintenance of communities of cells. To achieve that goal, highly functional scaffolds may combine specific morphologies and surface chemistry with the local release of bioactive agents. Many biomaterials have been proposed to produce scaffolds aiming the regeneration of a wealth of human tissues. We have a particular interest in developing systems based in nanofibrous biodegradable polymers1,2. Those demanding applications require a combination of mechanical properties, processability, cell-friendly surfaces and tunable biodegradability that need to be tailored for the specific application envisioned. Those biomaterials are usually processed by different routes into devices with wide range of morphologies such as biodegradable fibers and meshes, films or particles and adaptable to different biomedical applications. In our approach, we combine the temporary scaffolds populated with therapeutically relevant communities of cells to generate a hybrid implant. For that we have explored different sources of adult and also embryonic stem cells. We are exploring the use of adult MSCs3, namely obtained from the bone marrow for the development autologous-based therapies. We also develop strategies based in extra-embryonic tissues, such as amniotic fluid (AF) and the perivascular region of the umbilical cord4 (Whartonâ s Jelly, WJ). Those tissues offer many advantages over both embryonic and other adult stem cell sourcess. These tissues are frequently discarded at parturition and its extracorporeal nature facilitates tissue donation by the patients. The comparatively large volume of tissue and ease of physical manipulation facilitates the isolation of larger numbers of stem cells. The fetal stem cells appear to have more pronounced immunomodulatory properties than adult MSCs. This allogeneic escape mechanism may be of therapeutic value, because the transplantation of readily available allogeneic human MSCs would be preferable as opposed to the required expansion stage (involving both time and logistic effort) of autologous cells. Topics to be covered: This talk will review our latest developments of nanostructured-based biomaterials and scaffolds in combination with stem cells for bone and cartilage tissue engineering.

Introduction to engineering : a case study of an interdisciplinary course in Mathematics, Science and Technology

This thesis research was a qualitative case study of a single class of Interdisciplinary Studies: Introduction to Engineering taught in a secondary school. The study endeavoured to explore students' experiences in and perceptions of the course, and to investigate the viability of engineering as an interdisciplinary theme at the secondary school level. Data were collected in the form of student questionnaires, the researcher's observations and reflections, and artefacts representative of students' work. Data analysis was performed by coding textual data and classifying text segments into common themes. The themes that emerged from the data were aligned with facets of interdisciplinary study, including making connections, project-based learning, and student engagement and affective outcomes. The findings of the study showed that students were positive about their experiences in the course, and enjoyed its project-driven nature. Content from mathematics, physics, and technological design was easily integrated under the umbrella of engineering. Students felt that the opportunity to develop problem solving and teamwork skills were two of the most important aspects of the course and could be relevant not only for engineering, but for other disciplines or their day-to-day lives after secondary school. The study concluded that engineering education in secondary school can be a worthwhile experience for a variety of students and not just those intending postsecondary study in engineering. This has implications for the inclusion of engineering in the secondary school curriculum and can inform the practice of curriculum planners at the school, school board, and provincial levels. Suggested directions for further research include classroom-based action research in the areas of technological education, engineering education in secondary school, and interdisciplinary education.

Human interaction with technology for working, communicating, and learning: advancements

The way humans interact with technology is undergoing a tremendous change. It is hard to imagine the lives we live today without the benefits of technology that we take for granted. Applying research in computer science, engineering, and information systems to non-technical descriptions of technology, such as human interaction, has shaped and continues to shape our lives. Human Interaction with Technology for Working, Communicating, and Learning: Advancements provides a framework for conceptual, theoretical, and applied research in regards to the relationship between technology and humans. This book is unique in the sense that it does not only cover technology, but also science, research, and the relationship between these fields and individuals' experience. This book is a must have for anyone interested in this research area, as it provides a voice for all users and a look into our future.

Development and Deployment of Wireless Sensor Network in Paddy Fields of Kuttanad

The evolution of wireless sensor network technology has enabled us to develop advanced systems for real time monitoring. In the present scenario wireless sensor networks are increasingly being used for precision agriculture. The advantages of using wireless sensor networks in agriculture are distributed data collection and monitoring, monitor and control of climate, irrigation and nutrient supply. Hence decreasing the cost of production and increasing the efficiency of production. This paper describes the development and deployment of wireless sensor network for crop monitoring in the paddy fields of Kuttanad, a region of Kerala, the southern state of India.

Causes and consequences of low rates of specialisation in science and technology in CDCC member countries

The importance of science and technology (S&T) in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is clearly articulated in Chapter XI, paragraphs 57, 58, 61 and 62 of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (MSI). At the regional level, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) noted the challenge that CARICOM member States face in competing in this new international economic environment in which the impact of scientific and technological change has created a knowledge-based global economy. Given the importance of S&T to development of Caribbean SIDS, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean embarked on a study to determine the causes and consequences of low rates of specialisation in S&T with a view to making recommendations for development of strategies for addressing these challenges. Data on postgraduate (Master of Science, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy) enrolment and graduation in agriculture, engineering and the sciences from the three campuses of the University of the West Indies (UWI) as well as from the University of Technology in Jamaica and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) were examined and analysed. Face-to-face interviews were also held with key personnel from these institutions and a questionnaire was also served to individuals in key institutions. Results of the study revealed that although the number of students enrolled in higher degree programmes has increased in absolute terms, they are decreasing in relative terms. However, enrolment in agriculture has indeed declined while enrolment rates in engineering, although increasing, were not significantly high. Market forces have proved to be a main reason for this trend while facilities for the conduct and supervision of cutting-edge research, the disconnect between science and industry and societal labelling of scientists as “misfits” are also contributing to the situation. This has resulted in a reduced desire by students at all levels of the school system and faculty to be involved in S&T; lack of innovation; a better staffed private, as compared with public, sector; and poor remuneration in science-based employment. There also appears to be a gender bias in enrolment with more males than females being enrolled in engineering while the opposite is apparent in agriculture and the sciences. Recommendations for remedying this situation range from increasing investment in S&T, creating linkages between science and industry as well as with the international community, raising awareness of the value of S&T at all levels of the education system to informing policy to stimulate the science – innovation interface so as to promote intellectual property rights.

Retention of the Enzymatic Activity and Product Properties During Spray Drying of Pineapple Stem Extract in Presence of Maltodextrin

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of drying parameters on the retention of the enzymatic activity and on the physical properties of spray-dried pineapple stem extract. A Box and Behnken experimental design was used to investigate the effects of the processing parameters on the product properties. The parameters studied were the inlet temperature of drying gas (Tgi), the feed flow rate of the pineapple extract relative to evaporative capacity of the system (Ws /Wmax), and the concentration of maltodextrin added to the extract (MD). Significant effects of the processing parameters on the retention of the proteolytic activity of the powdered extract were observed. High processing temperatures lead to a product with a smaller moisture content, particle size, and lower agglomerating tendency. A product with insignificant losses of the proteolytic activity ( 10%) and low moisture content (less than 6.5%) is obtained at selected conditions.

Impact of Commercial Search Engines and International Databases on Engineering Teaching and Research

For the last three decades, the engineering higher education and professional environments have been completely transformed by the "electronic/digital information revolution" that has included the introduction of personal computer, the development of email and world wide web, and broadband Internet connections at home. Herein the writer compares the performances of several digital tools with traditional library resources. While new specialised search engines and open access digital repositories may fill a gap between conventional search engines and traditional references, these should be not be confused with real libraries and international scientific databases that encompass textbooks and peer-reviewed scholarly works. An absence of listing in some Internet search listings, databases and repositories is not an indication of standing. Researchers, engineers and academics should remember these key differences in assessing the quality of bibliographic "research" based solely upon Internet searches.

Stem cells in endometrium and their role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

The human endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes cycles of growth and regression with each menstrual cycle. Adult progenitor stem cells are likely responsible for this remarkable regenerative capacity; these same progenitor stem cells may also have an enhanced capacity to generate endometriosis if shed in a retrograde fashion. The progenitor stem cells reside in the uterus; however, less-committed mesenchymal stem cells may also travel from other tissues such as bone marrow to repopulate the progenitor population. Mesenchymal stem cells are also involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and may be the principle source of endometriosis outside of the peritoneal cavity when they differentiate into endometriosis in ectopic locations. Finally, besides progenitor stem cells, recent publications have identified multipotent stem cells in the endometrium. These multipotent stem cells are a readily available source of cells that are useful in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Endometrial stem cells have been used to generate chondrocytes, myocytes, neurons, and adiposites in vitro as well as to replace dopaminergic neurons in a murine model of Parkinson`s disease.

User perception and influencing factors of technology in everyday life

An increasing amount of research is being developed in the area where technology and humans meet. The success or failure of technologies and the question whether technology helps humans to fulfill their goals or whether it hinders them is in most cases not a technical one. User Perception and Influencing Factors of Technology in Everyday Life addresses issues of human and technology interaction. The research in this work is interdisciplinary, ranging from more technical subjects such as computer science, engineering, and information systems, to non-technical descriptions of technology and human interaction from the point of view of sociology or philosophy. This book is perfect for academics, researchers, and professionals alike as it presents a set of theories that allow us to understand the interaction of technology and humans and to put it to practical use.