Extensão universitária: caminhos para o desenvolvimento de ações emancipadoras nas comunidades em vulnerabilidade social

Uma das principais discussões na dimensão social perpassa sobre o tema emancipação social, o que na concepção de Santos (2007, p.17) é um conceito absolutamente central na modernidade. Estudos que venham revelar as evidências emancipadoras por meio das práticas de projetos sociais são relevantes socialmente e representam alternativas de intervenção social. A tese central é a de que os projetos de intervenção social em áreas de vulnerabilidade social propiciam a emancipação dos atores locais. Este estudo se justifica pela necessidade de compreender como são construídas essas redes de intervenção social que atuam em comunidades pobres. Os objetivos do estudo foram: i) verificar as possibilidades de emancipação que se associam às políticas e práticas de extensão universitária; ii) identificar as representações de mulheres sobre o tempo que destinam a esperar os filhos que participam de atividades em uma Vila Olímpica; iii) analisar os objetivos e ações que mobilizaram a Central Única das Favelas (CUFA), com atenção na fundação e sua trajetória, do Street Basket das Favelas, em 2005, à competição Taça das Favelas, em 2011; iv) identificar o conteúdo das representações sociais (RS) acerca da participação de jovens adolescentes na Taça das Favelas. Para a realização dos estudos, adotou-se a abordagem qualitativa. No primeiro estudo utilizou-se a metodologia da análise documental para seleção dos documentos e análise de conteúdo de Bardin (2009) para identificação das categorias a serem analisadas. Definimos um marco referencial básico a partir das reflexões de Boaventura de Sousa Santos e Paulo Freire para conceituar a extensão e emancipação social. Os tópicos contemplados na análise se desdobraram em três questões: qual a concepção de extensão universitária está presente nos documentos institucionais; de que forma a universidade promove a articulação com o território; como se dá a prática da extensão universitária na UNISUAM. Os resultados da análise evidenciaram processos emancipadores nas práticas extensionistas. O segundo estudo é de natureza etnográfica, com aportes da etnometodologia e da pesquisa-ação colaborativa. O grupo pesquisado se caracteriza por mulheres que frequentam a Vila Olímpica do Complexo do Alemão. Os resultados em relação à representação das mulheres sobre o tempo que esperam os filhos revelaram que é um tempo para a aprendizagem. O terceiro estudo é sobre o papel da CUFA na cultura hip hop no basquetebol, no Rio de Janeiro e na Taça das Favelas, uma competição de futebol de campo entre 80 seleções, com jovens moradores das favelas. O estudo seguinte é sobre representações sociais acerca da participação de jovens adolescentes na Taça das Favelas. Os dados provêm de entrevista semiestruturada com 11 jogadores da Taça das Favelas.

Efeito da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua sobre o desempenho físico: análise das respostas cerebrais, metabólicas e perceptivas durante e após exercícios aeróbio e de força

Estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) sobre áreas corticais pré-selecionadas, tem aumentado o desempenho físico de diferentes populações. Porém, lacunas persistem no tocante aos mecanismos subjacentes à estes efeitos. Assim, a presente tese objetivou: a) investigar os efeitos da ETCC anódica (aETCC) e placebo (Sham) no córtex motor (CM) de indivíduos saudáveis sobre o desempenho de força máxima; b) comparar os efeitos da ETCC sobre a produção de força máxima e estabilidadade da força durante exercícios máximo e submáximo em sujeitos hemiparéticos e saudáveis; c) investigar o efeito da ETCC sobre a conectividade funcional inter-hemisférica (coerência eletroencefalográfica cEEG) do córtex pré-frontal (CPF), desempenho aeróbio e dispêndio energético (EE) durante e após exercício máximo e submáximo. No 1 estudo, 14 adultos saudáveis executaram 2 sessões de exercício máximo de força (EMF) dos músculos flexores e extensores do joelho dominante (3 séries de 10 rep máximas), precedidos por aETCC ou Sham (2mA; 20 mim). aETCC não foi capaz de aumentar o trabalho total e pico de torque (PT), resistência à fadiga ou atividade eletromiográfica durante o EMF. No 2 estudo, 10 hemiparéticos e 9 sujeitos saudáveis receberam aETCC e Sham no CM. O PT e a estabilidade da força (coeficiente de variação - CV) foram avaliados durante protocolo máximo e submáximo de extensão e flexão unilateral do joelho (1 série de 3 reps a 100% do PT e 2 séries de 10 reps a 50% do PT). Nenhuma diferença no PT foi observada nos dois grupos. Diminuições no CV foram obervadas durante a extensão (~25-35%, P<0.001) e flexão de joelho (~22-33%, P<0.001) após a aETCC comparada com Sham nos hemiparéticos, entretanto, somente o CV na extensão de joelhos diminuiu (~13-27%, P<0.001) nos saudáveis, o que sugere que aETCC pode melhorar o CV, mas não o PT em sujeitos hemiparéticos. No 3 estudo, 9 adultos saudáveis realizaram 2 testes incrementais máximos precedidos por aETCC ou Sham sobre o CPF com as respostas cardiorrespiratórias, percepção de esforço (PSE) e cEEG do CPF sendo monitoradas. O VO2 de pico (42.64.2 vs. 38.23.3 mL.kg.min-1; P=0,02), potência total (252.776.5 vs. 23773.3 W; P=0,05) e tempo de exaustão (531.1140 vs. 486.7115.3 seg; P=0,04) foram maiores após aETCC do que a Sham. Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada para FC e PSE em função da carga de trabalho (P>0,05). A cEEG do CPF aumentou após aETCC vs. repouso (0.700.40 vs. 0.380.05; P=0,001), mas não após Sham vs. repouso (0.360.49 vs. 0.330.50; P=0,06), sugerindo que a aETCC pode retardar a fadiga aumentando a conectividade funcional entre os hemisférios do CPF e desempenho aeróbio durante exercício exaustivo. No 4 estudo, o VO2 e EE foram avaliados em 11 adultos saudáveis antes, durante a aETCC ou Sham no CPF e 30 min após exercício aeróbio submáximo isocalórico (~200kcal). Diferenças não foram observadas no VO2 vs. repouso durante aETCC e Sham (P=0.95 e P=0.85). Porém, a associação entre exercício e aETCC aumentou em ~19% o EE após ao menos, 30 min de recuperação após exercício quando comparada a Sham (P<0,05).

Anchorage of air bladder with the interspinous bone of the anal fin in Lactarius lactarius (Bloch and Schneider, 1801)

Specimens of the false trevally (Lactarius lactarius ), 127 to 221 mm in total length, were studied for the mode of anchorage of the air-bladder with the interspinous bone of the anal fin. The 1st and 2nd interspinous bones are fused together into a single piece (named here as the anchor bone) which pierces through the air-bladder, dividing it into two intercommunicating chambers at its upper end, and ultimately articulates with the 10th vertebral bone. The lower end of the bone is broad, fan like with one side affording articulation with the 1st and 2nd anal spines. This is an unique feature of great taxonomical importance to L. lactarius, the only species in the family Lactariidae. The anal fin counts (23-27) and vertebral counts (23) are also given.

Semi-supervised video segmentation using tree structured graphical models

We present a novel, implementation friendly and occlusion aware semi-supervised video segmentation algorithm using tree structured graphical models, which delivers pixel labels alongwith their uncertainty estimates. Our motivation to employ supervision is to tackle a task-specific segmentation problem where the semantic objects are pre-defined by the user. The video model we propose for this problem is based on a tree structured approximation of a patch based undirected mixture model, which includes a novel time-series and a soft label Random Forest classifier participating in a feedback mechanism. We demonstrate the efficacy of our model in cutting out foreground objects and multi-class segmentation problems in lengthy and complex road scene sequences. Our results have wide applicability, including harvesting labelled video data for training discriminative models, shape/pose/articulation learning and large scale statistical analysis to develop priors for video segmentation. © 2011 IEEE.

Silhouette-based object phenotype recognition using 3D shape priors

This paper tackles the novel challenging problem of 3D object phenotype recognition from a single 2D silhouette. To bridge the large pose (articulation or deformation) and camera viewpoint changes between the gallery images and query image, we propose a novel probabilistic inference algorithm based on 3D shape priors. Our approach combines both generative and discriminative learning. We use latent probabilistic generative models to capture 3D shape and pose variations from a set of 3D mesh models. Based on these 3D shape priors, we generate a large number of projections for different phenotype classes, poses, and camera viewpoints, and implement Random Forests to efficiently solve the shape and pose inference problems. By model selection in terms of the silhouette coherency between the query and the projections of 3D shapes synthesized using the galleries, we achieve the phenotype recognition result as well as a fast approximate 3D reconstruction of the query. To verify the efficacy of the proposed approach, we present new datasets which contain over 500 images of various human and shark phenotypes and motions. The experimental results clearly show the benefits of using the 3D priors in the proposed method over previous 2D-based methods. © 2011 IEEE.

Transducer and base compliance alter the in situ 6 dof force measured from muscle during an isometric contraction in a multi-joint limb.

Although musculoskeletal models are commonly used, validating the muscle actions predicted by such models is often difficult. In situ isometric measurements are a possible solution. The base of the skeleton is immobilized and the endpoint of the limb is rigidly attached to a 6-axis force transducer. Individual muscles are stimulated and the resulting forces and moments recorded. Such analyses generally assume idealized conditions. In this study we have developed an analysis taking into account the compliances due to imperfect fixation of the skeleton, imperfect attachment of the force transducer, and extra degrees of freedom (dof) in the joints that sometimes become necessary in fixed end contractions. We use simulations of the rat hindlimb to illustrate the consequences of such compliances. We show that when the limb is overconstrained, i.e., when there are fewer dof within the limb than are restrained by the skeletal fixation, the compliances of the skeletal fixation and of the transducer attachment can significantly affect measured forces and moments. When the limb dofs and restrained dofs are matched, however, the measured forces and moments are independent of these compliances. We also show that this framework can be used to model limb dofs, so that rather than simply omitting dofs in which a limb does not move (e.g., abduction at the knee), the limited motion of the limb in these dofs can be more realistically modeled as a very low compliance. Finally, we discuss the practical implications of these results to experimental measurements of muscle actions.

Path-following steering control for articulated vehicles

Passive steering systems have been used for some years to control the steering of trailer axles on articulated vehicles. These normally use a 'command steer' control strategy, which is designed to work well in steady-state circles at low speeds, but which generates inappropriate steer angles during transient low-speed maneuvers and at high speeds. In this paper, 'active' steering control strategies are developed for articulated heavy goods vehicles. These aim to achieve accurate path following for tractor and trailer, for all paths and all normal vehicle speeds, in the presence of external disturbances. Controllers are designed to implement the path-following strategies at low and high speeds, whilst taking into account the complexities and practicalities of articulated vehicles. At low speeds, the articulation and steer angles on articulated heavy goods vehicles are large and small-angle approximations are not appropriate. Hence, nonlinear controllers based on kinematics are required. But at high-speeds, the dynamic stability of control system is compromised if the kinematics-based controllers remain active. This is because a key state of the system, the side-slip characteristics of the trailer, exhibits a sign-change with increasing speeds. The low and high speed controllers are blended together using a speed-dependent gain, in the intermediate speed range. Simulations are conducted to compare the performance of the new steering controllers with conventional vehicles (with unsteered drive and trailer axles) and with vehicles with command steer controllers on their trailer axles. The simulations show that active steering has the potential to improve significantly the directional performance of articulated vehicles for a wide range of conditions, throughout the speed range. © VC 2013 by ASME.

Interactive multi-objective particle swarm optimisation using decision space interaction

The most common approach to decision making in multi-objective optimisation with metaheuristics is a posteriori preference articulation. Increased model complexity and a gradual increase of optimisation problems with three or more objectives have revived an interest in progressively interactive decision making, where a human decision maker interacts with the algorithm at regular intervals. This paper presents an interactive approach to multi-objective particle swarm optimisation (MOPSO) using a novel technique to preference articulation based on decision space interaction and visual preference articulation. The approach is tested on a 2D aerofoil design case study and comparisons are drawn to non-interactive MOPSO. © 2013 IEEE.

Bipedal walking and running with spring-like biarticular muscles.

Compliant elements in the leg musculoskeletal system appear to be important not only for running but also for walking in human locomotion as shown in the energetics and kinematics studies of spring-mass model. While the spring-mass model assumes a whole leg as a linear spring, it is still not clear how the compliant elements of muscle-tendon systems behave in a human-like segmented leg structure. This study presents a minimalistic model of compliant leg structure that exploits dynamics of biarticular tension springs. In the proposed bipedal model, each leg consists of three leg segments with passive knee and ankle joints that are constrained by four linear tension springs. We found that biarticular arrangements of the springs that correspond to rectus femoris, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius in human legs provide self-stabilizing characteristics for both walking and running gaits. Through the experiments in simulation and a real-world robotic platform, we show how behavioral characteristics of the proposed model agree with basic patterns of human locomotion including joint kinematics and ground reaction force, which could not be explained in the previous models.

On the meaning of integration in coastal zone management

This paper discusses the definition and use of the term ‘integrated management’ in the context of coastal and ocean resources. It identifies several components which appear to be needed to establish an integrated management system for a large area subject to multiple use and jurisdiction. It suggests that the basis of integrated management should be a clear articulation of common purpose which addresses long term needs and vision. Once developed, this common purpose should be securely established to provide the setting against which sectoral and agencies managers and the community conduct and co-ordinate their activities.

基于SVD和能量最小原则的图像自适应降噪算法

基于奇异值分解和能量最小原则,提出了一种自适应图像降噪算法,并给出了基于有界变差的能量降噪模型的代数形式。通过在矩阵范数意义下求能量最小,自适应确定去噪图像重构的奇异值个数。该算法的特点是将能量最小法则和奇异值分解结合起来,在代数空间中建立了一种自适应的图像降噪算法。与基于压缩比和奇异值分解的降噪方法相比,由于该算法避免了图像压缩比函数及其拐点的计算,因此具有快速去噪和简单可行的优点。实验结果证明,该算法是有效的。

通过语言任务和功能磁共振成像研究人类小脑功能

Since the 19th century, people have long believed that the function of cerebellum was restricted to fine motor control and modulation. In the past two decades, however, more and more studies challenged this traditional view. While the neuroanatomy of the cerebellum from cellular to system level has been well documented, the functions of this neural organ remain poorly understood. This study, including three experiments, attempted to further the understanding of cerebellar functions from different viewpoints. Experiment One used the parametric design to control motor effects. The activation in cerebellum was found to be associated with the difficulty levels of a semantic discrimination task, suggesting the involvement of the cerebellum in higher level of language functions. Moreover, activation of the right posterior cerebellum was found to co-vary with that of the frontal cortex. Experiment Two adopted the cue-go paradigm and event-related design to exclude the effects of phonological and semantic factors in a mental writing task. The results showed that bilateral anterior cerebellum and cerebral motor regions were significantly activated during the task and the hemodynamic response of the cerebellum was similar to those of the cerebral motor cortex. These results suggest that the cerebellum participates in motor imagination during orthographic output. Experiment Three investigated the learning process of a verb generation task. While both lateral and vermis cerebellum were found to be activation in the task, each was correlated a separate set of frontal regions. More importantly, activations both in the cerebellum and frontal cortex decreased with the repetition of the task. These results indicate that the cerebellum and frontal cortex is jointly engaged in some functions; each serves as a part of a single functional system. Taken these findings together, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1.The cerebellum is not only involved in functions related to speech or articulation, but also participates in the higher cognitive functions of language. 2.The cerebellum participates in various functions by supporting the corresponding regions in cerebral cortex, but not directly executes the functions as an independent module. 3.The anterior part of cerebellum is related to motor functions, whereas the posterior part is involved in cognitive functions. 4.While the motor functions rely on the engagement of both sides of the cerebellar hemispheres, the higher cognitive functions mainly depend on the right cerebellum.

Effectiveness and safety of cryotherapy after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A systematic review of the literature

Cryotherapy is widely used in rehabilitation; however, its effectiveness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains uncertain. To investigate the effectiveness and safety of cryotherapy following ACL reconstruction through a systematic review, randomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials were searched in the databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL PEDro, SportDiscus, CINAHL, LILACS (June 2013). the primary outcomes measures were pain, edema and adverse events; the secondary outcomes were knee function, analgesic medication use, range of motion, blood loss, hospital stay, quality of life and patient satisfaction. the methodological quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. Ten trials (a total of 573 patients) were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that the use of cold compression devices produced a significant reduction in pain scores 48 h after surgery (p < 0.00001), compared to no cryotherapy. the risk for adverse events did not differ between patients receiving cryotherapy versus no treatment (p = 1.00). the limited evidence currently available is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of cryotherapy for other outcomes. There is a need for well designed, good quality randomized trials to answer other questions related to this intervention and increase the precision of future systematic reviews. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Re-conceptualising rural resources as countryside capital: The case of rural tourism

Brian Garrod, Roz Wornell and Ray Youell (2006). Re-conceptualising rural resources as countryside capital: The case of rural tourism. Journal of Rural Studies, 22 (1), 117-128. RAE2008