Host-bacteria interactions : Host cell responses and bacterial pathogenesis

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human stomach, where it causes gastritis that may develop into peptic ulcer disease or cancer when left untreated. Neisseria gonorrhoeae colonizes the urogenital tract and causes the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea. In contrast, Lactobacillus species are part of the human microbiota, which is the resident microbial community, and are considered to be beneficial for health. The first host cell types that bacteria encounter when they enter the body are epithelial cells, which form the border between the inside and the outside, and macrophages, which are immune cells that engulf unwanted material.       The focus of this thesis has been the interaction between the host and bacteria, aiming to increase our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the host responses and their effects on bacterial pathogenicity. Understanding the interactions between bacteria and the host will hopefully enable the development of new strategies for the treatment of infectious disease. In paper I, we investigated the effect of N. gonorrhoeae on the growth factor amphiregulin in cervical epithelial cells and found that the processing and release of amphiregulin changes upon infection. In paper II, we examined the expression of the transcription factor early growth response-1 (EGR1) in epithelial cells during bacterial colonization. We demonstrated that EGR1 is rapidly upregulated by many different bacteria. This upregulation is independent of the pathogenicity, Gram-staining type and level of adherence of the bacteria, but generally requires viable bacteria and contact with the host cell. The induction of EGR1 is mediated primarily by signaling through EGFR, ERK1/2 and β1-integrins. In paper III, we described the interactions of the uncharacterized protein JHP0290, which is secreted by H. pylori, with host cells. JHP0290 is able to bind to several cell types and induces apoptosis and TNF release in macrophages. For both of these responses, signaling through Src family kinases and ERK is essential. Apoptosis is partially mediated by TNF release. Finally, in paper IV, we showed that certain Lactobacillus strains can reduce the colonization of H. pylori on gastric epithelial cells. Lactobacilli decrease the gene expression of SabA and thereby inhibit the binding mediated by this adhesin.

“O Capital Intelectual na Vida das Organizações: O Impacto na Performance“

A atual situação económica financeira de Portugal não se encontra tão favorável quanto o desejável. Hoje, mais do que nunca, as organizações vêm-se obrigadas a reforçar o nível de competitividade. O capital intelectual tem sido descrito pela literatura como o conjunto de recursos intangíveis capaz de criar valor organizacional e vantagem competitiva, daí ser necessário investir nele. Identifica-se como um fenómeno resultante da combinação de três dimensões: capital humano, estrutural e relacional. Apenas com a combinação e transformação de tais intangíveis o valor organizacional dá-se e o conhecimento revela-se elemento fundamental do capital intelectual. Investigações recentes no meio académico mostram que as organizações reconhecem a importância estratégica do capital intelectual. No entanto, como entrave, persiste a dificuldade em defini-lo, identifica-lo e medi-lo eficazmente. Perceber a influência do Capital Intelectual no desempenho organizacional tornou-se essencial. Em geral, alguns autores sustentam uma conceção otimista quanto à existência de uma relação significativa entre o capital intelectual e o desempenho organizacional. Contudo, apenas o clarificam numa perspetiva de criação e manutenção de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis. Não clarificam a relação causa-efeito entre as componentes do capital intelectual e o desempenho organizacional. Este estudo tem como objetivo principal averiguar até que ponto investir em capital intelectual revela maior desempenho organizacional em PME (Pequenas e Médias Empresas) e grandes empresas. Para o seu fim, examinou-se as relações existentes entre as três componentes do capital intelectual e a influência destas no desempenho organizacional. Trata-se de um estudo confirmatório possível a partir de um questionário e de uma amostra (PME e grandes empresas de Portugal) significativa. Para analisar os dados utilizamos o programa SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science for Windows) e AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures). Os resultados indicam que investir em Capital Intelectual contribui positivamente para uma melhor performance organizacional.

O uso de modelos ocultos de Markov no estudo do fluxo de rios intermitentes

In this work, we present our understanding about the article of Aksoy [1], which uses Markov chains to model the flow of intermittent rivers. Then, we executed an application of his model in order to generate data for intermittent streamflows, based on a data set of Brazilian streams. After that, we build a hidden Markov model as a proposed new approach to the problem of simulation of such flows. We used the Gamma distribution to simulate the increases and decreases in river flows, along with a two-state Markov chain. The motivation for us to use a hidden Markov model comes from the possibility of obtaining the same information that the Aksoy’s model provides, but using a single tool capable of treating the problem as a whole, and not through multiple independent processes

Proposta de válvula bypass para controle de velocidade de PIGs instrumentados: protótipo e simulação em bancada

In the Oil industry, oil and gas pipelines are commonly utilized to perform the transportation of production fluids to longer distances. The maintenance of the pipelines passes through the analysis of several tools, in which the most currently used are the pipelines inspection cells, popularly knowing as PIG. Among the variants existing in the market, the instrumented PIG has a significant relevance; acknowledging that through the numerous sensors existing in the equipment, it can detect faults or potential failure along the inspected line. Despite its versatility, the instrumented PIG suffers from speed variations, impairing the reading of sensors embedded in it. Considering that PIG moves depending on the speed of the production fluid, a way to control his speed is to control the flow of the fluid through the pressure control, reducing the flow rate of the produced flow, resulting in reduction of overall production the fluid in the ducts own or with the use of a restrictive element (valve) installed on it. The characteristic of the flow rate/pressure drop from restrictive elements of the orifice plate is deducted usually from the ideal energy equation (Bernoulli’s equation) and later, the losses are corrected normally through experimental tests. Thus, with the objective of controlling the fluids flow passing through the PIG, a valve shutter actuated by solenoid has been developed. This configuration allows an ease control and stabilization of the flow adjustment, with a consequent response in the pressure drops between upstream and downstream of the restriction. It was assembled a test bench for better definition of flow coefficients; composed by a duct with intern diameter of four inches, one set of shutters arranged in a plate and pressure gauges for checking the pressure drop in the test. The line was pressurized and based on the pressure drop it was possible to draw a curve able to characterize the flow coefficient of the control valve prototype and simulate in mockup the functioning, resulting in PIG speed reduction of approximately 68%.

O cinema como educação do olhar

The knowledge is only possible due to we exist bodily. However, during the educational experience, the epistemic potency of the body is neglected, declining the registers of the intelligibility. The current thesis approaches that problem obliquely: from a body and image philosophy which has revealed other ways of doing those registers in the modernity – understood not as period itself, but as a qualification for the negotiations between the real and the intelligible. The referred ways are explored through Merleau- Ponty’s and Michel Foucault’s works, which offer a spectrum about that new negotiation of the real. In order to approach the studied problem, the visibility and the human body motricity in the cinema are taken as analysis object. The mentioned objects have been analyzed through a corpus of movies of which plots are centered at the formal education and they require from the characters and the spectators engagement into a visual performance. Aiming to approach the object, it is questioned how the Education phenomenon is represented by the cinema; how the body is exposed and how spectators can see it. Analyzing the corpus and articulating Merleau- Ponty’s and Michel Foucault’s theories, it has been possible to state the following thesis: the cinema as an education of the gaze. The general objective of this study is to reveal the educational potency of the filmic experience, which provides a new path of intelligibility for Education. In that sense, the body as a visual operator widens the capacity of understanding the real. The current work is divided in three chapters. The first one brings the methodological approach: it is pointed how the theoretical articulation is properly arranged; it explains the method of using the images as indirect language as part of the reality description; the filmic corpus is presented, as well the criteria for the films choices and for the construction of instrument adopted during the object analysis are described. In the second chapter, it is problematized the incapacity of the western society of formulating the real discursively by debating Merleau-Ponty’s and Foucault’s theoretical contributions about the visual performance displayed on the images while the films are watched and analyzed. In the third chapter, the implications of the education of the gaze provided by the cinema are developed, mainly concerning about the place attributed to the visibility during the formulation of the real. Finally, paths are designed for the construction of another approach for the visibility in Education. Assuming the gaze as an experience of knowledge, this study aims to present other ways of being, seeing, thinking and feeling the world. Therefore, it is a proposal to reset the epistemic and subjectification patterns at the educational context.

Escola: lugar político da diversidade sexual e de gênero

This work aims to understand how the public school system has become a failing institution with regards to sexual and gender diversity. I start from the principle that the school system performs a social sorting operation, leaving out of its halls almost all people who don‘t fit into the established heteronormative social order. First, I explore the experiences of primary school (Educação do Ensino Fundamental) professionals from the public network (Rede Pública Municipal) of the city of Natal-RN. I consider their narratives a result of daily practices which denounce the rules that govern and produce them in a broader context. Then I aim to establish a dialogue with the students who are victims of name-calling, teasing and abuse for not aligning with the ―normal‖ gender standards. At this stage of the research, I conducted fieldwork at the State Secondary School of Rio Grande do Norte (Escola Estadual de Ensino Médio). This investigation is guided by the following questions: What challenges need to be addressed in order to recognize the students who have been excluded from the school environment on account of sexual and/or gender differences; additionally, how can their classroom attendance and positive learning experience be ensured? To what degree is the school community concerned with building education practices which value and acknowledge sexual and gender diversity? The research goals were: to analyze how the school and its professionals deal with sexual and gender diversity, investigating which pedagogical practices silence, freeze and obstruct the diversity of student identities; examine how the school and its subjects work toward building new pathways for learning, for coexistence, and for facing the challenges of ―new‖ social demands such as homoaffection; observe the spaces that are cracked open by the presence and the voices of students who demand recognition of their existence.

Como planificar de acordo com as caraterísticas e necessidades dos diferentes contextos, nomeadamente no que concerne à heterogeneidade das crianças e dos respetivos grupos

Relatório de estágio para a obtenção do grau de mestre na especialidade profissional de Educação pré-escolar

Estratificação de solos em camadas horizontais utilizando evolução diferencial

This work's objective is the development of a methodology to represent an unknown soil through a stratified horizontal multilayer soil model, from which the engineer may carry out eletrical grounding projects with high precision. The methodology uses the experimental electrical apparent resistivity curve, obtained through measurements on the ground, using a 4-wire earth ground resistance tester kit, along with calculations involving the measured resistance. This curve is then compared with the theoretical electrical apparent resistivity curve, obtained through calculations over a horizontally strati ed soil, whose parameters are conjectured. This soil model parameters, such as the number of layers, in addition to the resistivity and the thickness of each layer, are optimized by Differential Evolution method, with enhanced performance through parallel computing, in order to both apparent resistivity curves get close enough, and it is possible to represent the unknown soil through the multilayer horizontal soil model fitted with optimized parameters. In order to assist the Differential Evolution method, in case of a stagnation during an arbitrary amount of generations, an optimization process unstuck methodology is proposed, to expand the search space and test new combinations, allowing the algorithm to nd a better solution and/or leave the local minima. It is further proposed an error improvement methodology, in order to smooth the error peaks between the apparent resistivity curves, by giving opportunities for other more uniform solutions to excel, in order to improve the whole algorithm precision, minimizing the maximum error. Methodologies to verify the polynomial approximation of the soil characteristic function and the theoretical apparent resistivity calculations are also proposed by including middle points among the approximated ones in the verification. Finally, a statistical evaluation prodecure is presented, in order to enable the classication of soil samples. The soil stratification methodology is used in a control group, formed by horizontally stratified soils. By using statistical inference, one may calculate the amount of soils that, within an error margin, does not follow the horizontal multilayer model.

A concepção de trabalho escolar a partir de Maurício Tragtenberg: fios e tramas de debate na (des)politização dos sujeitos sociais

This thesis, part of the research line "Work, Society and Education" analyzes, in a dialectical perspective, in the light of Tragtenberg´s studies, the conception of subject of schoolwork, considering the organization and the complexity of this context and inviting the investigative gaze. Our hypothesis is that the workers of education have, in the schoolwork, a fragile politicization field and overcoming the installed model, accepting themselves as executers with self-organizing difficulties, distanced from the effective participation, autonomy and self-management. We consider studies on the logic of the work, believing that the understanding of schoolwork is constitute into the current societal model, in whom its bureaucratic and hierarchical matrix, linked to articulated / articulators of the dominant socio-economic class interests. Scholars such as Braverman, Frigotto and Tragtenberg, among others, are important contributions to this reflection. We have analyzed the logic of the work also in dialogue with pedagogies differentiated, among them, the Libertarian defended by Tragtenberg, aiming to understand the conceptions and practices of the subjects involved. We accomplished a bibliographical critical analysis, in a dialectical character, focusing on the categories: work, schoolwork, control, autonomy and self-management, in order to understand the complexity of the praxis in study, dialoguing with the pillars categories historicity, contradiction and totality, which transversalize the developed analysis. The consideration of these concepts allows us to uncover the dominant bureaucratic structure and its possible overcoming fields. We believe contribute to problematizing and proposers studies, reflections and discussions, strengthening debates, deconstructing naturalizations and contributing to the political process of the subjects.

Relatório de estágio realizado na creche de Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ansião

O trabalho que se apresenta pretende refletir as aprendizagens realizadas no âmbito da prática educativa de atividade física do Mestrado de Desporto e Saúde para Crianças e Jovens e em particular no âmbito do estágio curricular. Nele se apresentam modelos descritivos dessa experiência, bem como a reflexão fundamentada teoricamente e complementada com revisão bibliográfica sobre a Atividade Física (AF). A AF é um fator de prevenção de uma série de doenças associadas ao sedentarismo. A infância e a juventude são consideradas etapas fundamentais para a promoção de estilos de vida ativos que se mantenham por toda a vida. O relatório procura espelhar a relação entre teoria e prática, uma vez que foi possível aplicar e reconstruir no decorrer do estágio os conhecimentos que se adquiriram durante o percurso académico, enriquecendo, não só a nível profissional, mas também pessoal. O trabalho desenvolvido no estágio incidiu na participação ativa num processo de planificação e atuação de aulas de expressão motora, com autonomia progressiva orientada pelo professor responsável por esta área educativa na instituição. Com estas aulas pretendeu-se potenciar o desenvolvimento motor nas crianças por via do treino das capacidades e habilidades motoras, sem nunca perder a ligação a outras áreas do conhecimento (transdisciplinaridade) e favorecendo a componente social da motricidade.

Refletindo sobre a Prática Pedagógica em Educação de Infância e 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico: “Qual o contributo da expressão dramática para o desenvolvimento de competências relacionais dos alunos, no decorrer do trabalho de grupo? "

A questão formulada à qual procuro responder é “Qual o contributo da expressão dramática para o desenvolvimento de competências relacionais dos alunos, no decorrer do trabalho de grupo?” Este Relatório de mestrado é constituído por duas partes, sendo que a primeira se refere à dimensão reflexiva da minha prática pedagógica em contexto de creche, jardim-de-infância e 1º ciclo do Ensino Básico, com turmas de 2º e 4º ano de escolaridade. Na segunda parte, apresenta-se a componente investigativa, no seu enquadramento teórico, metodologia de investigação, apresentação e discussão de resultados e Conclusões. O presente estudo de investigação foi realizado durante o ano letivo 2013/2014, no início da Prática Pedagógica II em 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico, com uma turma de 4º ano de escolaridade. Nele tentei perceber como através da expressão dramática podemos contribuir para a estimulação e motivação na aprendizagem, através da cooperação, interação e desenvolvimento social dos participantes no trabalho de grupo. Neste sentido assumi o papel de professora investigadora e ao longo de quatro intervenções foram sendo implementadas diversas experiências com jogos exploratórios e dramáticos, as quais fui observando, analisando e recolhendo dados de forma a conseguir realizar esta investigação. Os resultados evidenciam que a expressão dramática estimula e auxilia o desenvolvimento das competências sociais (cooperação e de interação) na criança, no decorrer do grupo de trabalho.

Design de interação na web

O seguinte relatório foi elaborado durante o estágio curricular na empresa Terra Design, e decorreu desde o dia 6 de Janeiro de 2014 até 23 de Março de 2014, com uma extensão de quatrocentas e cinco horas, permitindo o desenvolvimento de projectos em diversas áreas do design gráfico. Durante este estágio, foi desenvolvido um trabalho para a empresa Lisbon Rooms, que consistiu no desenvolvimento de um website para uma residência de estudantes, que no verão funciona como hostel. Este projecto enquadra-se na área de web design com uma ema análise teórica sobre design de interação que será a matéria de estudo neste relatório de estágio. Este trabalho divide-se em três módulos: introdução à prática do estádio, enquadramento teórico e desenvolvimento prático do projecto. No primeiro módulo, é descrita a estrutura do estágio curricular na empresa, os objectivos do mesmo, metodologias e integração na equipa. No segundo módulo encontra-se todo o estudo referente às emoções, experiência do utilizador (UX) e web. Por fim, no capítulo do desenvolvimento prático da dissertação, é apresentado o projeto realizado no estágio. Tendo como base o enquadramento teórico realizado pós estágio, sobre a usabilidade, experiência do utilizador e design de interação, é feita uma análise do trabalho prático e justificação, ou crítica, dos elementos nele contidos. Foi dado particular ênfase ao desenvolvimento do interface.

(Table 1) N-isotope record of planktonc foraminifera of sediment core MD02-2550C2

Constraining variations in marine N2-fixation over glacial-interglacial timescales is crucial for determining the role of the marine nitrogen cycle in modifying ocean productivity and climate, yet paleo-records from N2-fixation regions are sparse. Here we present new nitrogen isotope (d15N) records of bulk sediment and foraminifera test-bound (FB) nitrogen extending back to the last ice age from the oligotrophic Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Previous studies indicate a substantial terrestrial input during the last ice age and early deglacial, for which we attempt to correct the bulk sediment d15N using its observed relationship with the C/N ratio. Both corrected bulk and FB-d15N reveal a substantial glacial-to-Holocene decrease of d15N toward Holocene values of around 2.5 per mil, similar to observations from the Caribbean. This d15N change is most likely due to a glacial-to-Holocene increase in regional N2-fixation. A deglacial peak in the FB-d15N of thermocline dwelling foraminifera Orbulina universa probably reflects a whole ocean increase in the d15N of nitrate during deglaciation. The d15N of the surface dwelling foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber and the corrected bulk d15N show little sign of this deglacial peak, both decreasing from last glacial values much earlier than does the d15N of O. universa; this may indicate that G. ruber and bulk N reflect the euphotic zone signal of an early local increase in N2-fixation. Our results add to the evidence that, during the last ice age, the larger iron input from dust did not lead to enhanced N2-fixation in this region. Rather, the glacial-to-Holocene decrease in d15N is best explained by a response of N2-fixation within the Atlantic to the deglacial increase in global ocean denitrification.

Generations and intention to leave current job : Belgian nurses in the workplace

This master thesis aims to identify work-related factors making Belgian nurses consider leaving their job voluntary and to compare the work-related factors across different generations. The purpose of this master thesis has a descriptive nature of research. The research approach chosen is a deductive approach and the research design chosen is a quantitative research design. Cluster sampling in combination with simple random sampling was used as sampling technique. 128 nurses were surveyed from April to May 2016. Nurses who reported to leave the organization due to retirement reasons, temporary employment contract or maternity leave were excluded from the study as this study investigates the voluntary turnover intention. A total of 68 nurses were included in the study which indicates an overall response rate of 53 %. Numerous of the findings in this master thesis are consistent with previous studies on turnover intention of different generations in other western-countries than Belgium. The work-related factor workload was most often reported by Belgian nurses with no intention to leave their job. Belgian nurses with an intention to leave their job indicated most often the work-related factor (non-)financial benefits. The generation-specific findings indicated both similarities and differences between the work-related factors selected. It was observed that Baby Boomers with an intention to leave their job selected most often variables related to the work-related factors (non-)financial benefits, supportive organization and workload. The variable lack of recognition appeared among Baby Boomers with an intention and no intention to leave their job. Surprisingly was the often selected variables lack of direct and/clear feedback on performances and unsupportive supervisor among Baby Boomers with professional turnover intention. Further, it was observed that Generation Xers with an intention to leave their job selected most often variables related to the work-related factors supportive organization, communication, (non-)financial benefits, work content and workload. The variables inadequate opportunity for advancement/professional growth and imbalance work-life appeared among Generation Xers with an intention and no intention to leave their job. Generation Yers with an intention to leave their job selected most frequently variables related to the work-related factors (non-)financial benefits, workload and commitment. The variables inadequate salary and opportunities elsewhere appeared among nurses with an intention and no intention to leave their job. Surprisingly was the often selected variable inadequate salary among Generation Yers with professional turnover intention.