Pervasive business intelligence platform to improve the quality of decision process in primary and secondary education – A Portuguese case study

Business Intelligence (BI) can be seen as a method that gathers information and data from information systems in order to help companies to be more accurate in their decision-making process. Traditionally BI systems were associated with the use of Data Warehouses (DW). The prime purpose of DW is to serve as a repository that stores all the relevant information required for making the correct decision. The necessity to integrate streaming data became crucial with the need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the decision process. In primary and secondary education, there is a lack of BI solutions. Due to the schools reality the main purpose of this study is to provide a Pervasive BI solution able to monitoring the schools and student data anywhere and anytime in real-time as well as disseminating the information through ubiquitous devices. The first task consisted in gathering data regarding the different choices made by the student since his enrolment in a certain school year until the end of it. Thereafter a dimensional model was developed in order to be possible building a BI platform. This paper presents the dimensional model, a set of pre-defined indicators, the Pervasive Business Intelligence characteristics and the prototype designed. The main contribution of this study was to offer to the schools a tool that could help them to make accurate decisions in real-time. Data dissemination was achieved through a localized application that can be accessed anywhere and anytime.

An alternative educational indicator for classifying secondary schools in Portugal

The purpose of this paper aims at carrying out a study in the area of Statistics for classifying Portuguese Secondary Schools (both mainland and islands: “Azores” and “Madeira”), taking into account the results achieved by their students in both national examinations and internal assessment. The main according consists of identifying groups of schools with different performance levels by considering the sub-national public and private education systems’ as well as their respective geographic location. For this, we developed an alternative educational indicator for the so-called Secondary Education indicator rankings released since 2001 by the Portuguese media.

Fine-root production in two secondary forest sites with distinct ages in Eastern Amazon

The objective of this work was to assess the fine-root (≤ 2 mm diameter) production dynamics of two forest regrowths at different ages. Fine-root production was monitored by the ingrowth core method in one 18-year-old site (2 ha) and one 10-year-old site (0.5 ha), both localized in the Apeú region, Northern Pará State, Brazil. The sites were abandoned after successive shifting cultivation, beginning in 1940. Monthly production of live fine-root was similar between sites and was influenced by rainfall seasonality, with higher production during the dry season than the wet season for mass and length. However, mortality in terms of mass was higher in the 10-year-old site than in the 18-year-old site. The seasonality influenced mortality only in the 18-year old site following the pattern observed for live fine-root. The influence seasonal on mortality in terms of length was different between sites, with higher mortality during the wet season in the 10-year-old site and higher mortality during the dry season in the 18-year-old site. Specific root length was higher during the wet season and at the 10-year-old site. Fine-root production was not influenced by the chronosequence of the sites studied, probably fine-root production may have already stabilized in the sites or it depended more on climate and soil conditions. The production of fine-roots mass and length were indicators that generally showed the same pattern.

Atividade fotossintética do bago de uva (Vitis vinifera, cv. Alvarinho) ao longo do desenvolvimento dos cachos em diferentes microambientes de luz

Dissertação de mestrado em Biologia Molecular, Biotecnologia e Bioempreendedorismo em Plantas

Floristic and structure of an Amazonian primary forest and a chronosequence of secondary succession

ABSTRACT The analysis of changes in species composition and vegetation structure in chronosequences improves knowledge on the regeneration patterns following land abandonment in the Amazon. Here, the objective was to perform floristic-structural analysis in mature forests (with/without timber exploitation) and secondary successions (initial, intermediate and advanced vegetation regrowth) in the Tapajós region. The regrowth age and plot locations were determined using Landsat-5/Thematic Mapper images (1984-2012). For floristic analysis, we determined the sample sufficiency and the Shannon-Weaver (H'), Pielou evenness (J), Value of Importance (VI) and Fisher's alpha (α) indices. We applied the Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) for similarity ordination. For structural analysis, the diameter at the breast height (DBH), total tree height (Ht), basal area (BA) and the aboveground biomass (AGB) were obtained. We inspected the differences in floristic-structural attributes using Tukey and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. The results showed an increase in the H', J and α indices from initial regrowth to mature forests of the order of 47%, 33% and 91%, respectively. The advanced regrowth had more species in common with the intermediate stage than with the mature forest. Statistically significant differences between initial and intermediate stages (p<0.05) were observed for DBH, BA and Ht. The recovery of carbon stocks showed an AGB variation from 14.97 t ha-1 (initial regrowth) to 321.47 t ha-1 (mature forests). In addition to AGB, Ht was also important to discriminate the typologies.

Bioactivity of phenolic acids: Metabolites versus parent compounds: A review

Phenolic acids are present in our diet in different foods. In particular, mushrooms are a good source of these molecules. Due to their bioactive properties, phenolic acids are extensively studied and there is evidence of their role in disease prevention. Nevertheless, in vivo, these compounds are metabolized and circulate in the organism as glucuronated, sulfated and methylated metabolites, displaying higher or lower bioactivity. To clarify the importance of the metabolism of phenolic acids, the knowledge about the bioactivity of the metabolites is extremely important. In this review, chemical features, biosynthesis and bioavailability of phenolic acids are discussed as well as the chemical and enzymatic synthesis of their metabolites. Finally, the metabolites bioactive properties are compared with that of the corresponding parental compounds.

Aflatoxins detoxification by gamma irradiation

[Excerpt] Mycotoxins are secondary toxic metabolites of filamentous fungi. Aflatoxins (AFs) are produced to Aspergillus species such as A. flavus and A. parasiticus. These fungi are ubiquitous in nature and usually found on agricultural commodities. Therefore, AFs are encountered in many important foodstuff, including wheat, rice, maize, peanuts, sorghum, pearl millet, spices, oilseeds, tree nuts and milk. Due to the high toxicity of AFs, many methods have been studied to reduce or eliminate these mycotoxins from food and feed. Gamma irradiation is one technology that has been investigated with promising results. The aims of this study were (I) to study the effect of gamma radiation on aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1 and aflatoxin G2 (II) to evaluate the effect of the presence of water on AFs degradation during the irradiation process; and (IV) to evaluate the cytotoxicity of radiolytic products formed. (...)

Assessment of Thromboembolism After the Cox-Maze Procedure for Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Secondary to Mitral Valve Lesion

OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence of late thromboembolism after surgical repair of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) simultaneously with repair of mitral valve using the Cox-Maze procedure. METHODS: 69 patients underwent Cox 3 procedure, with no cryoablation simultaneously with mitral valvuloplasty or prosthesis. Mean age was 49.9±13.2 years. Mean follow-up was of 31.7±19 months. Types of lesion were as follows: 33 (48%) stenoses, 23 (33%) insufficiencies, and 13 (19%) double lesions. Procedures were: 64 (93%) valvuloplasties, 3 (4%) biological and 2 (3%) mechanical prosthesis placement. There were 9 (13%) patients with previous systemic embolism and 2 (3%) had left atrial thrombi. RESULTS: Early mortality was 7% and late 1%. 2 patients (3%) were reoperated for mitral placement. At last evaluation, 10 patients (15%), were in AF. The remaining 59 (85%) were either in sinus / atrial rythm (74%) or under pacing (12%). There were no occurrence of early or late, systemic or pulmonary embolism. Permanent anticoagulation was employed in 16 cases, 10 in regular rythm and 6 in AF. The remaining 47 (75%), 2 in AF and 45 in regular rythm, did not receive anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: These results are in accordance with others series, where the occurrence of embolism was rare after maze procedure. Permanent systemic anticoagulation seems to be unnecessary in those cases.

Efecto de los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados y sus metabolitos en la modulación de factores de transcripción sobre la carcinogénesis. Effects of Polyunsaturatd fatty acids and their metabolites on transcriptional factors modulation in carcinogenesis.

El cáncer se origina por mutaciones, competición y selección natural en células somáticas de tejidos de diferentes órganos,siendo un proceso complejo y multifactorial que ocurre en una secuencia de etapas: iniciación, promoción y progresión (1). Factores hereditarios,genéticos y epigenéticos como los lípidos dietarios, estrés oxidativo, hormonas, pesticidas y otros, influyen tanto en el desarrollo como en la inhibición de esta enfermedad (2). Datos epidemiológicos y experimentales tanto nuestros como de otros laboratorios han demostrado que el consumo de dietas ricas en ácidos grasos de la familia n-3, n-6 o n-9 cambian la fluidez, la actividad de enzimas, el nivel de proteínas y favorecen la formación de moléculas bioactivas derivadas de los lípidos como los eicosanoides y endocanabinoides que modulan el proceso carcinogénico (3-15). Estos derivados lípídicos activan vias de señalización produciendo cambios especificos en la expresión génica, un proceso fundamental durante la transformación neoplásica (1-2).También ha sido demostrado que estos cambios en la expresión génica inducidos por derivados lipídicos modulan funciones en células cancerosas como proliferación y muerte celular, migración y producción de matriz extracelular (16-17). A pesar de estos conocimientos, la identidad de los derivados lipídicos implicados en la modulación de la expresión génica durante la transformación neoplásica asi como los mecanismos utilizados por estas moléculas permanecen aun poco conocidos. HIPOTESIS: En los modelos a utilizar en el presente proyecto, la variación lipídica de las membranas que se induzca por manipulación dietaria deberán generar también variaciones en los eicosanoides . endocanabinoides y otros peróxidos que afecten factores de transcripción nucleares como el p53 y GLI incidiendo en los mecanismos responsables de la muerte y proliferación de células cancerosas. OBJETIVOS: Nos proponemos establecer el impacto de dietas enriquecidas con ácidos grasos de las familias n-3, n-6 o n-9 sobre modelos experimentales in-vivo e in-vitro. Se estudiarán los ácidos grasos de membrana plasmática, la generación de eicosanoides y endocanabinoides derivados de las vias COX y LOX Además se determinará el efecto de los peróxidos en la expresión y actividad de los factores nucleares de transcripción p53 y GLI como mecanismos responsables de la muerte y proliferación celular. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Se utilizará un modelo in-vivo de cáncer de mama empleando ratones C57BL6J inducidos con DMBA que se alimentarán con una dieta base semi-sintética suplemetada con diferentes PUFAs (Chia: n-3, Maíz: n-6 y Oleico: n-9 , empleada en estudios previos (8).Modelos in vitro: se utilizarán lineas celulares cancerígenas humanas de mama MCF-7 y MDA, las cuales se tratarán exógenamente con diferentes PUFAS (GLA:n-6,EPA:n-3, Oleico n-9)(9). Se determinarán ácidos grasos de membranas por Cromatografía de gas (CG)(10-11). El análisis de eicosanoides en células tumorales se realizará por HPLC (9-11). Los endocanabinoides por GC-Espectometría de Masa (18).La formación de peróxidos intracelulares se determinará por análisis de Glutation reducido (GSH)(16).La apoptosis se medirá por actividad caspasas y por Citometria de flujo usando Annexina V FICT (19).La expresión celular de Tp53 y GLI se realizará por Western Blot, PCR e inmunohistoquímica (20-21).RESULTADOS ESPERADOS: Se espera que los lípidos añadidos en las dietas de ratones inyectados con DMBA o al medio de cultivo de células tumorales de mama o páncreas modifiquen los ácidos grasos de membrana y sus derivados lipídicos los eicosanoides y endocanabionoides que suponemos afectarán la activación y expresión de factores de transcripción regulando la carcinogénesis. IMPORTANCIA: Diseñar nuevos modelos experimentales para implementar en terapias génicas y aplicar los resultados sobre factores nutricionales que pudieran actuar como inhibidores o promotores del desarrollo del cáncer en humanos.

Derechos de participación e información en programas dirigidos a adolescentes en escuelas secundarias de la Ciudad de Córdoba: cumplimiento progresivo y estrategias de promoción. Participation and information rights in programs for adolescents in secondary schools in Cordoba City: progressive implementation and promotion strategies.

Abordar la infancia desde el enfoque de derechos (ED) implica una lectura de los derechos de los cuales los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNA) son titulares y de las acciones estatales que se implementan para viabilizar el ejercicio concreto de ellos. Esta perspectiva exige comprender los contenidos de las políticas púb,el grado de participación que se les asigna y los sentidos que ellas toman en términos de progresividad de los derechos. Los cambios de concepción de la infancia desde la Convención Internacional de los Derechos del Niño (CIDN) y los cambios legislativos interpelan al Estado y la sociedad a modificar la visión hegemónica. Nuestra hipótesis gira alrededor de las siguientes considerac.: se han producido algunas modificaciones en las políticas y acciones estatales, aún no se dan las transformaciones necesarias de las lógicas institucionales y de los operadores que estimulen la participación de NNA en el ámbito escolar. Esto se visualiza en la ausencia de análisis cuali de los contenidos de las acc. y la falta de ftes estadísticas específicas, que muestren la orientac.de los contenidos en los principios de la protecc.integral. Estos presupuestos plantean interrogantes que delimitan el problema de investigación: ¿cómo se construye y reconstruye el ejercicio de la ciudadanía a través de la participación de los NNA, en su paso por la escuela, y cuáles son las lógicas institucionales que habilitan u obstaculizan ese ejercicio? Y ¿cuáles son los recursos institucionales que permitan que los programas y acciones redunden en el ejercicio efectivo de los derechos?.Obj.gral: Describir, analizar e interpretar la progresividad en el ejercicio de los derechos de participación e informacióin que tienen los adolescentes en escuelas secundarias de la cd de Cba, durante 2005 / 2010, para promover espacios públicos de construcción de ciudadanía. Se analizarán tres escuelas de Córdoba, escuela pública provincial, púb. nacional y privada. Obj. Espec.: Analizar las prácticas participativas formales e informales en las escuelas seleccionadas.- Aplicar indicadores cuanti y cualitativos del “Sistema de Indicadores para los derechos de la Infancia” Describir y analizar los recursos materiales y humanos. Elaborar y proponer procedim. para la confec. de registros de datos estadísticos - Elaborar y proponer lineamientos para la elaborac.e implementac.de acciones. Diseñar herramientas de difusión sobre los ds de participación e información.Esta investigac. es de carácter descriptivo e interpretativo, analizará diferentes ftes de informac.con técnicas cuanti y cualitativas, durante período la promulgación de la Ley 26061/05 y la adhesión prov. 9396/07. Se tomarán del Sistema de Indicadores, el derecho a la educación, el tema transversal “Acceso a la información y participación”, y las categorías de análisis “Recepción del Derecho y Capacidades estatales”. Se trabajaran indicadores cuanti y señales de progreso (cualitativos): estructurales, proceso y resultados. Serán analizados los Programas implementados durante el período de estudio. Estrategias cuali observac. participante, entrevistas, grupos focales, talleres de sensibilización, etc .Otras ftes de info: doc. institucionales, registros, evaluac, contenidos de programas y campañas y de difusión, prensa escrita, legislaciones, etc. La info se analizará a través Programa Atlas Ti, y del análisis estadístico. Algunos resultados esperados: Evaluac.y ajuste del Sistema de indicadores, la sensibilizac. desde el EF de autorid. escol. para la formulac. de planes y programas para el monitoreo adecuado de los mismos y para la rendic. de ctas de su gestión. Estimular la participac. de NNA en la escuela. Realizac.de documental. Brindar herramientas al Edo para superv de la aplicación progresiva del ejercicio de los derechos de participación e información de NNA Promov la continua evaluac. de los programas y acc.desde el ED para estimular el reconoc. de la nec.de ajuste de la política. The issue of children from the rights focus implies a reading of the rights in which children and adolescents are the holders and the state actions that are implemented to enable the exercise of them. This perspective requires understanding the contents of the public policies, the participation level that is assigned, and the senses that they take in terms of rights progressivity of. The conception changes about children since the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and legislative changes challenge to the State and society to modify hegemony vision. Our hypothesis revolves around the following considerations: there have been some public policies and state actions changes, but they not turn out, yet, transformations in logical institutional and actors whose are encourages children participation in school. This could be reflects in the absence of qualitative analysis in the actions contents and the lack of sources specific statistics, that will be showing the control of the principal contents of integral protection. These, raise the questions that delimit our problem research: how is built citizenship exercise through children and adolescent’s participation in the school, and what are the institutional logical that empowers or turns difficult that exercise? And What are the institutional resources that make possible the effective exercise of the rights, through different programs and actions?. General Objective: To describe, analyze and interpret exercise progressivity participation and information rights that have the adolescents in secondary schools in Córdoba City during 2005 / 2010, in order to promote public spaces for the construction of citizenship. It will analyze three schools in Cordoba, provincial public school, national public school and private school. . Obj. Specifics: To analyze the formal and informal participative practices in the schools selected. - To apply quantitative and qualitative indicators of the “Indicators System for Infa

A comparative study in two secondary schools aimed at improving their energy management: Archbishop McHale College Tuam, Coláiste Cholmcille Indreabhánn

Climate change is a crisis that is going to affect all of our lives in the future. Ireland is expected to have increased storms and rain throughout the country. This will affect our lives greatly unless we do something to change it. In an attempt to try and reduce the impacts of climate change, countries across the world met to address the problem. The meeting became known as the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto protocol set out objectives for each developed country to achieve with regards to carbon emissions to the same levels as 1990 levels. Due to the economy in Ireland being at a low point in 1990, Ireland was given a target of 13% carbon emissions above 1990 levels. In order to meet targets Ireland produced two energy papers, the green paper and the white paper. The green paper identified drivers for energy management and control; they were security of energy supply, economic competitiveness and environmental protection. The white paper produced targets in which we should aim to achieve to try and address the green papers drivers. Within the targets was the plan to reduce energy consumption in the public sector by 33% by 2020 through energy conservation measures. Schools are part of the public sector that has targets to reduce its energy consumption. To help to achieve targets in schools initiatives have been developed by the government for schools. Energy audits should be performed in order to identify areas where the schools can improve their current trends and show where they can invest in the future to save money and reduce the schools overall environmental footprint. Grants are available for the schools for insulation through the energy efficiency scheme and for renewable energy technologies through the ReHeat scheme. The promotion of energy efficient programs in schools can have a positive effect for students to have an understanding. The Display Energy Certificate is a legal document that can be used to understand how each school is performing from an energy perspective. It can help schools to understand why they need to change their current energy management structure. By improving the energy management of the schools they then improve the performance on the Display Energy Certificate. Schools should use these tools wisely and take advantage of the grants available which can in the short to long term help them to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.