Síndrome de Asperger e educação inclusiva: análise de atitudes sociais e interações sociais

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Ações educativas aplicadas por professores em alunos do 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental para a redução do bullying

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Caretaking behavior among siblings in children's shelters

Este estudo analisou 742 eventos envolvendo comportamento de cuidado entre crianças abrigadas com e sem irmão na mesma instituição. Foram aplicados testes estatísticos para avaliação intergrupal na comparação entre os sujeitos focais. As crianças com irmão manifestaram a maior proporção desses comportamentos e foram dirigidos principalmente a parceiros não-Irmãos (companheiros de dormitório) ou adultos (cuidadores). O estudo revelou ainda que o comportamento Brincar de cuidar foi mais freqüente no grupo de crianças Com Irmão na instituição enquanto que entre os participantes Sem Irmão predominou Estabelecer contato afetuoso e comportamentos direcionados mais a adultos do que aos pares. Conclui-se que o comportamento de cuidado está presente entre irmãos, mas assume formas particulares em razão da complexa dinâmica social que caracteriza o ambiente pesquisado.

A escola inclusiva enquanto contexto de desenvolvimento: um estudo dos fatores de risco e proteção

O conjunto de pesquisas envolvidas neste trabalho procurou investigar a escola inclusiva enquanto contexto de desenvolvimento, através de quatro estudos. Esses estudos foram direcionados para discussão dos fatores de risco ou proteção presentes no ambiente escolar inclusivo. O primeiro estudo investigou as interações entre uma aluna com deficiência visual e seus colegas em uma sala de aula inclusiva, com o objetivo de averiguar como se estabelecem as relações de amizade neste contexto de desenvolvimento; o segundo estudo procurou compreender a visão de estudantes com deficiências sobre sua rede de apoio social; o terceiro estudo objetivou analisar a visão de professores e técnicos educacionais sobre a inclusão escolar de estudantes com deficiências em salas de aula comuns; e o quarto estudo realizou uma investigação sobre a concepção de mães de estudantes com deficiências acerca da escola inclusiva com o objetivo de analisar como os fatores de proteção e risco se configuram dentro do contexto escolar inclusivo. O modelo bioecológico do desenvolvimento humano proposto por Bronfenbrenner é apresentado enquanto uma base teórica desta pesquisa que foi efetivada através da observação naturalística e da inserção ecológica da pesquisadora no ambiente da pesquisa. Os resultados das pesquisas revelaram questões importantes e polêmicas sobre o processo de inclusão educacional.

Personalização: um serviço mediador em ambientes de pesquisa

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Health care for older persons in Switzerland: a country profile

Switzerland has the second-most-expensive healthcare system worldwide, with 11.5% of gross domestic product spent on health care in 2003. Switzerland has a healthcare system with universal insurance coverage and a social insurance system, ensuring an adequate financial situation for 96% of the 1.1 million older inhabitants. Key concerns related to the care of older persons are topics such as increasing healthcare costs, growing public awareness of patient autonomy, and challenges related to assisted suicide. In 2004, the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences issued guidelines for the care of disabled older persons. Since 2000, geriatrics has been a board-certified discipline with a 3-year training program in addition to 5 years of training in internal or family medicine. There are approximately 125 certified geriatricians in Switzerland, working primarily in geriatric centers in urban areas. Switzerland has an excellent research environment, ranking second of all countries worldwide in life sciences research-but only 13th in aging research. This is in part due to a lack of specific training programs promoting research on aging and inadequate funding. In addition, there is a shortage of academic geriatricians in Switzerland, in part due to the fact that two of five Swiss universities had no academic geriatric departments in 2005. With more-adequate financial resources for academic geriatrics, Switzerland would have the opportunity to contribute more to aging research internationally and to improved care for older patients.

Conceptualización e Infraestructura para la Investigación Experimental en Ingeniería del Software

Antecedentes: Esta investigación se enmarca principalmente en la replicación y secundariamente en la síntesis de experimentos en Ingeniería de Software (IS). Para poder replicar, es necesario disponer de todos los detalles del experimento original. Sin embargo, la descripción de los experimentos es habitualmente incompleta debido a la existencia de conocimiento tácito y a la existencia de otros problemas tales como: La carencia de un formato estándar de reporte, la inexistencia de herramientas que den soporte a la generación de reportes experimentales, etc. Esto provoca que no se pueda reproducir fielmente el experimento original. Esta problemática limita considerablemente la capacidad de los experimentadores para llevar a cabo replicaciones y por ende síntesis de experimentos. Objetivo: La investigación tiene como objetivo formalizar el proceso experimental en IS, de modo que facilite la comunicación de información entre experimentadores. Contexto: El presente trabajo de tesis doctoral ha sido desarrollado en el seno del Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería del Software Empírica (GrISE) perteneciente a la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Informáticos (ETSIINF) de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), como parte del proyecto TIN2011-23216 denominado “Tecnologías para la Replicación y Síntesis de Experimentos en Ingeniería de Software”, el cual es financiado por el Gobierno de España. El grupo GrISE cumple a la perfección con los requisitos necesarios (familia de experimentos establecida, con al menos tres líneas experimentales y una amplia experiencia en replicaciones (16 replicaciones hasta 2011 en la línea de técnicas de pruebas de software)) y ofrece las condiciones para que la investigación se lleve a cabo de la mejor manera, como por ejemplo, el acceso total a su información. Método de Investigación: Para cumplir este objetivo se opta por Action Research (AR) como el método de investigación más adecuado a las características de la investigación, para obtener resultados a través de aproximaciones sucesivas que abordan los problemas concretos de comunicación entre experimentadores. Resultados: Se formalizó el modelo conceptual del ciclo experimental desde la perspectiva de los 3 roles principales que representan los experimentadores en el proceso experimental, siendo estos: Gestor de la Investigación (GI), Gestor del Experimento (GE) y Experimentador Senior (ES). Por otra parte, se formalizó el modelo del ciclo experimental, a través de: Un workflow del ciclo y un diagrama de procesos. Paralelamente a la formalización del proceso experimental en IS, se desarrolló ISRE (de las siglas en inglés Infrastructure for Sharing and Replicating Experiments), una prueba de concepto de entorno de soporte a la experimentación en IS. Finalmente, se plantearon guías para el desarrollo de entornos de soporte a la experimentación en IS, en base al estudio de las características principales y comunes de los modelos de las herramientas de soporte a la experimentación en distintas disciplinas experimentales. Conclusiones: La principal contribución de la investigación esta representada por la formalización del proceso experimental en IS. Los modelos que representan la formalización del ciclo experimental, así como la herramienta ISRE, construida a modo de evaluación de los modelos, fueron encontrados satisfactorios por los experimentadores del GrISE. Para consolidar la validez de la formalización, consideramos que este estudio debería ser replicado en otros grupos de investigación representativos en la comunidad de la IS experimental. Futuras Líneas de Investigación: El cumplimiento de los objetivos, de la mano con los hallazgos alcanzados, han dado paso a nuevas líneas de investigación, las cuales son las siguientes: (1) Considerar la construcción de un mecanismo para facilitar el proceso de hacer explícito el conocimiento tácito de los experimentadores por si mismos de forma colaborativa y basados en el debate y el consenso , (2) Continuar la investigación empírica en el mismo grupo de investigación hasta cubrir completamente el ciclo experimental (por ejemplo: experimentos nuevos, síntesis de resultados, etc.), (3) Replicar el proceso de investigación en otros grupos de investigación en ISE, y (4) Renovar la tecnología de la prueba de concepto, tal que responda a las restricciones y necesidades de un entorno real de investigación. ABSTRACT Background: This research addresses first and foremost the replication and also the synthesis of software engineering (SE) experiments. Replication is impossible without access to all the details of the original experiment. But the description of experiments is usually incomplete because knowledge is tacit, there is no standard reporting format or there are hardly any tools to support the generation of experimental reports, etc. This means that the original experiment cannot be reproduced exactly. These issues place considerable constraints on experimenters’ options for carrying out replications and ultimately synthesizing experiments. Aim: The aim of the research is to formalize the SE experimental process in order to facilitate information communication among experimenters. Context: This PhD research was developed within the empirical software engineering research group (GrISE) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)’s School of Computer Engineering (ETSIINF) as part of project TIN2011-23216 entitled “Technologies for Software Engineering Experiment Replication and Synthesis”, which was funded by the Spanish Government. The GrISE research group fulfils all the requirements (established family of experiments with at least three experimental lines and lengthy replication experience (16 replications prior to 2011 in the software testing techniques line)) and provides favourable conditions for the research to be conducted in the best possible way, like, for example, full access to information. Research Method: We opted for action research (AR) as the research method best suited to the characteristics of the investigation. Results were generated successive rounds of AR addressing specific communication problems among experimenters. Results: The conceptual model of the experimental cycle was formalized from the viewpoint of three key roles representing experimenters in the experimental process. They were: research manager, experiment manager and senior experimenter. The model of the experimental cycle was formalized by means of a workflow and a process diagram. In tandem with the formalization of the SE experimental process, infrastructure for sharing and replicating experiments (ISRE) was developed. ISRE is a proof of concept of a SE experimentation support environment. Finally, guidelines for developing SE experimentation support environments were designed based on the study of the key features that the models of experimentation support tools for different experimental disciplines had in common. Conclusions: The key contribution of this research is the formalization of the SE experimental process. GrISE experimenters were satisfied with both the models representing the formalization of the experimental cycle and the ISRE tool built in order to evaluate the models. In order to further validate the formalization, this study should be replicated at other research groups representative of the experimental SE community. Future Research Lines: The achievement of the aims and the resulting findings have led to new research lines, which are as follows: (1) assess the feasibility of building a mechanism to help experimenters collaboratively specify tacit knowledge based on debate and consensus, (2) continue empirical research at the same research group in order to cover the remainder of the experimental cycle (for example, new experiments, results synthesis, etc.), (3) replicate the research process at other ESE research groups, and (4) update the tools of the proof of concept in order to meet the constraints and needs of a real research environment.

The combined effect of plastics and food waste accelerates the thermal decomposition of refuse-derived fuels and fuel blends

Mechanical treatments such as shredding or extrusion are applied to municipal solid wastes (MSW) to produce refuse-derived fuels (RDF). In this way, a waste fraction (mainly composed by food waste) is removed and the quality of the fuel is improved. In this research, simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) was used to investigate how different mechanical treatments applied to MSW influence the composition and combustion behaviour of fuel blends produced by combining MSW or RDF with wood in different ratios. Shredding and screening resulted in a more efficient mechanical treatment than extrusion to reduce the chlorine content in a fuel, which would improve its quality. This study revealed that when plastics and food waste are combined in the fuel matrix, the thermal decomposition of the fuels are accelerated. The combination of MSW or RDF and woody materials in a fuel blend has a positive impact on its decomposition.

Virtual reality exposure therapy: 150-degree screen to desktop PC

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) developed using immersive or semi-immersive virtual environments present a usability problem for practitioners. To meet practitioner requirements for lower cost and portability VRET programs must often be ported onto desktop environments such as the personal computer (PC). However, success of VRET has been shown to be linked to presence, and the environment's ability to evoke the same reactions and emotions as a real experience. It is generally accepted that high-end virtual environments ( VEs) are more immersive than desktop PCs, but level of immersion does not always predict level of presence. This paper reports on the impact on presence of porting a therapeutic VR application for Schizophrenia from the initial research environment of a semi-immersive curved screen to PC. Presence in these two environments is measured both introspectively and across a number of causal factors thought to underlie the experience of presence. Results show that the VR exposure program successfully made users feel they were present in both platforms. While the desktop PC achieved higher scores on presence across causal factors participants reported they felt more present in the curved screen environment. While comparison of the two groups was statistically significant for the PQ but not for the IPQ, subjective reports of experiences in the environments should be considered in future research as the success of VRET relies heavily on the emotional response of patients to the therapeutic program.

SINTOMAS DE BURNOUT EM PROFISSIONAIS DE ENFERMAGEM E SUA CORRELAÇÃO COM REAJUSTAMENTO SOCIAL E CONDIÇÕES DE TRABALHO

O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo correlacionar escalas psicométricas em trabalhadores da área de enfermagem de um Hospital de grande porte do Sudoeste do Paraná. Foram aplicados os seguintes instrumentos: Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey em suas três dimensões envolvimento pessoal do trabalho, despersonalização e exaustão emocional, os inventários IDATE TRAÇO e IDATE ESTADO, a escala de Reajustamento Social de Holmes e Rahe, além de um Inventário Específico de Eventos de Enfermagem que fora construído de forma experimental para a aplicação na amostra pesquisada. Foram abordados 240 profissionais da área de enfermagem no respectivo ambiente de pesquisa, obtiveram-se um n=192 sujeitos. Como resultados expressivos encontraram-se uma correlação de Pearson entre a Escala de Maslach e suas três dimensões, além do Inventário IDATE ESTADO correlacionado com a Escala de Reajustamento Social. Considerou-se ainda que existiu uma correlação entre o Inventário IDATE ESTADO e um Escore Combinado no programa estatístico empregado na tabulação dos dados coletados. Concluiu-se neste estudo que fatores de reajustamento social podem influenciar positiva ou negativamente em estados de ansiedade em trabalhadores da área de enfermagem hospitalar, considerando ainda as três dimensões avaliadas pelo Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Intellectual Communications and Contemporarly Technologies Alternatives of the Science Libraries

(Summary of: Varbanova-Dencheva, K. Intellectual communications and contemporarly technologies. Alternatives of the science libraries. Sofia, Marin Drinov academic publishing house. 2003, 114p. ) The new technologies and the globalization are the factors which have brought essential changes in human society and its environment. The unceasing dynamic changes imposed new strategies for survival and prosperity of institutions and people in the new conditions. The spheres with greatest potential for achieving competition priority are compatible to the fastness of research results implementation in each field of human activity. The extended knowledge requires narrower specialization as well as interdisciplinarity to solve the arising problems. The new research fields and trends are a synthesis of science and high technologies determined by the new discoveries. The present study aims at finding answers to the questions about the place of science library in the dynamic restructuring of research environment. The necessity of transformation of the scientific library’s genetically set functions from a guardian of the achieved knowledge to an active participant in the creation of new knowledge is a natural consequence of the processes and tendencies of the social medium. The priorities of Europe and USA for intensive creation of knowledge economics are at the first place and this requires intensification of that research an integral part of which are the new communications realized at a new technological level.

Three-dimensional brain fiber tracking modeling in diffusion tensor imaging

This dissertation establishes the foundation for a new 3-D visual interface integrating Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). The need for such an interface is critical for understanding brain dynamics, and for providing more accurate diagnosis of key brain dysfunctions in terms of neuronal connectivity. ^ This work involved two research fronts: (1) the development of new image processing and visualization techniques in order to accurately establish relational positioning of neuronal fiber tracts and key landmarks in 3-D brain atlases, and (2) the obligation to address the computational requirements such that the processing time is within the practical bounds of clinical settings. The system was evaluated using data from thirty patients and volunteers with the Brain Institute at Miami Children's Hospital. ^ Innovative visualization mechanisms allow for the first time white matter fiber tracts to be displayed alongside key anatomical structures within accurately registered 3-D semi-transparent images of the brain. ^ The segmentation algorithm is based on the calculation of mathematically-tuned thresholds and region-detection modules. The uniqueness of the algorithm is in its ability to perform fast and accurate segmentation of the ventricles. In contrast to the manual selection of the ventricles, which averaged over 12 minutes, the segmentation algorithm averaged less than 10 seconds in its execution. ^ The registration algorithm established searches and compares MR with DT images of the same subject, where derived correlation measures quantify the resulting accuracy. Overall, the images were 27% more correlated after registration, while an average of 1.5 seconds is all it took to execute the processes of registration, interpolation, and re-slicing of the images all at the same time and in all the given dimensions. ^ This interface was fully embedded into a fiber-tracking software system in order to establish an optimal research environment. This highly integrated 3-D visualization system reached a practical level that makes it ready for clinical deployment. ^

O laboratório de ensino de matemática temático centrado nos instrumentos de navegação: uma proposta para o IFRN de Mossoró-RN

This work presents a proposal to build a Mathematics Teaching Laboratory (MTL) whose main theme is the study, construction and use of instruments for navigation and location of mathematical content in an interdisciplinary way approach, and develop a notebook of activities focused on navigational instruments. For this it was necessary a literature review to understand the different conceptions of MTL and its pedagogical implications. The methodology used was literature research, construction and handling of instruments, and pedagogical experimentation. Lorenzato (2006) highlights the importance of an environment and suitable for a professional who can do a good job instruments. The implementation of an LEM can find some obstacles. The lack of support from other teachers or the management, the lack of a suitable place to store the materials produced, the lack of time in the workload of the teacher to prepare the lab activity, etc. Even in unfavorable or adverse conditions, according Lorenzato (2006), its implementation will benefit teachers and students. The lack of teacher training in their initial and continuing education, to use materials, and the lack of manuals with lab activities are also mentioned as factors that keep teachers from MTL. With propóposito assist the teacher of elementary or middle school in building a theme MTL prepared and we are providing a notebook of activities that provides a didactic sequence involving History and Mathematics. The book consists of four accompanied by suggestions for teachers activities, however the teacher has full autonomy to adapt the activities to the reality of your school. Among the instruments of navigation presented in this study chose to build the quadrant due to its simplicity, low cost of material and great teaching potential that this instrument has. But a theme lab is always being built and rebuilt as it is a research environment

Seismic Wave Velocity as a Means of In-Place Density Measurement, HR-114, Final Report, Part 2 of 2

As noted in Part 1 of this report, the objective of the investigation was to apply principles of first-arrival seismic refraction to the problem of more quickly determining in-place dry density in highway materials. Part 2 of the report, contained herein, presents the results of both additional laboratory development of test techniques, plus extensive field test data.

X-Ray Diffraction of Highway Materials, HR-128, 1969

X-ray diffraction data during adsorption of water vapor on Na- and Ca-montmorillonites show that interlayer expansion is continuous but nonuniform. X-ray and adsorption isotherm data indicate an ice-like configuration of water molecules is completed with the fourth layer of interlayer water for the Ca-clay; a fifth layer intrudes to give a less ordered structure. Data for the Na-clay indicate a laminar stacking arrangement for up to three layers of interlayer water. The Na-clay adsorbs more than twice as much water and undergoes four times as large a volume change than the Ca-clay. The free energy change during adsorption of water vapor on the Ca-clay is nearly twice that for the Na-clay. Free energy changes with increasing relative pressure reflect interlayer expansion increments.