Estágio supervisionado de Ciências Biológicas: aproximações entre o legal e o real

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Novel technique for locating an intruder in 3D environments by using a cooperative system of multistatic radars

The aim of this work is to present a new methodology, based on vector and geometrical techniques, for determining the position of an intruder in a residence (3D problem). Initially, modifications in the electromagnetic responses of the environment, caused by movements of the trespasser, are detected. It is worth mentioning that slight movements are detected by high frequency components of the used pulse. The differences between the signals (before and after any movement) are used to define a sphere and ellipsoids, which are used for estimating the position of the invader. In this work, multiple radars are used in a cooperative manner. The multiple estimates obtained are used to determine a mean position and its standard deviation, introducing the concept of sphere of estimates. The electromagnetic simulations were performed by using the FDTD method. Results were obtained for single and double floor residences.

Towards criterion validity in classroom language analysis: methodological constraints of metadiscourse and inter-rater agreement

This paper reports on a process to validate a revised version of a system for coding classroom discourse in foreign language lessons, a context in which the dual role of language (as content and means of communication) and the speakers' specific pedagogical aims lead to a certain degree of ambiguity in language analysis. The language used by teachers and students has been extensively studied, and a framework of concepts concerning classroom discourse well-established. Models for coding classroom language need, however, to be revised when they are applied to specific research contexts. The application and revision of an initial framework can lead to the development of earlier models, and to the re-definition of previously established categories of analysis that have to be validated. The procedures followed to validate a coding system are related here as guidelines for conducting research under similar circumstances. The advantages of using instruments that incorporate two types of data, that is, quantitative measures and qualitative information from raters' metadiscourse, are discussed, and it is suggested that such procedure can contribute to the process of validation itself, towards attaining reliability of research results, as well as indicate some constraints of the adopted research methodology.

DNA human identification for the family rights: one year of agreement between UNESP/laboratory of paternity and public defender service in São Paulo State

The universities have realized the importance of extending their knowledge to the population through the provision of services. Thus, this paper presents the data obtained in an agreement between UNESP/Laboratory of Paternity and Public Defender Service in São Paulo State to make DNA paternity tests.

Oral cleft research: intraobserver agreement in the use of questionnaires.

In epidemiological studies, when the data is collected by interview, it is of importance to analyse the reliability of the information. This study was carried out with the purpose of examining the self-agreement of mothers in answering questions about variables of interest in oral cleft researches on two different occasions. A sample of 91 mothers of oral cleft babies were interviewed on two different occasions. The capacity of giving the same answer to questions related to heredity, type of clefts, period of gestation of the mother and birthweight were studied. The statistics type kappa (k) and intraclass correlation coefficient (r) by point and by 95% of confidence interval were applied. The intra-observer agreement for the variables history of oral clefts in the family, type of cleft, period of gestation of the mother and birthweight of the newborn was, respectively, k=0.9492, k=1.0000, k=0.9281 and r=0.9996. We concluded that the background on oral cleft in the family history of patients with this anomaly is a variable with an excellent degree of reliability. Also, the information given by the mothers related to the period of gestation, type of the baby’s cleft and birthweight are reliable.

Impact of inter-judge agreement on perceptual judgment of nasality

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)