The Effects of a Group-Based Approach to Parent-Mediated Early Behavioral Intervention for Very Young Children with or At-Risk for Autism

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-08

Climbing Up the Leaderboard: An Empirical Study of Applying Gamification Techniques to a Computer Programming Class

Conventional taught learning practices often experience difficulties in keeping students motivated and engaged. Video games, however, are very successful at sustaining high levels of motivation and engagement through a set of tasks for hours without apparent loss of focus. In addition, gamers solve complex problems within a gaming environment without feeling fatigue or frustration, as they would typically do with a comparable learning task. Based on this notion, the academic community is keen on exploring methods that can deliver deep learner engagement and has shown increased interest in adopting gamification – the integration of gaming elements, mechanics, and frameworks into non-game situations and scenarios – as a means to increase student engagement and improve information retention. Its effectiveness when applied to education has been debatable though, as attempts have generally been restricted to one-dimensional approaches such as transposing a trivial reward system onto existing teaching materials and/or assessments. Nevertheless, a gamified, multi-dimensional, problem-based learning approach can yield improved results even when applied to a very complex and traditionally dry task like the teaching of computer programming, as shown in this paper. The presented quasi-experimental study used a combination of instructor feedback, real time sequence of scored quizzes, and live coding to deliver a fully interactive learning experience. More specifically, the “Kahoot!” Classroom Response System (CRS), the classroom version of the TV game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”, and Codecademy’s interactive platform formed the basis for a learning model which was applied to an entry-level Python programming course. Students were thus allowed to experience multiple interlocking methods similar to those commonly found in a top quality game experience. To assess gamification’s impact on learning, empirical data from the gamified group were compared to those from a control group who was taught through a traditional learning approach, similar to the one which had been used during previous cohorts. Despite this being a relatively small-scale study, the results and findings for a number of key metrics, including attendance, downloading of course material, and final grades, were encouraging and proved that the gamified approach was motivating and enriching for both students and instructors.

The Path between Pedagogy and Technology: Establishing a Theoretical Basis for the Development of Educational Game Environments

The power of computer game technology is currently being harnessed to produce “serious games”. These “games” are targeted at the education and training marketplace, and employ various key game-engine components such as the graphics and physics engines to produce realistic “digital-world” simulations of the real “physical world”. Many approaches are driven by the technology and often lack a consideration of a firm pedagogical underpinning. The authors believe that an analysis and deployment of both the technological and pedagogical dimensions should occur together, with the pedagogical dimension providing the lead. This chapter explores the relationship between these two dimensions, and explores how “pedagogy may inform the use of technology”, how various learning theories may be mapped onto the use of the affordances of computer game engines. Autonomous and collaborative learning approaches are discussed. The design of a serious game is broken down into spatial and temporal elements. The spatial dimension is related to the theories of knowledge structures, especially “concept maps”. The temporal dimension is related to “experiential learning”, especially the approach of Kolb. The multi-player aspect of serious games is related to theories of “collaborative learning” which is broken down into a discussion of “discourse” versus “dialogue”. Several general guiding principles are explored, such as the use of “metaphor” (including metaphors of space, embodiment, systems thinking, the internet and emergence). The topological design of a serious game is also highlighted. The discussion of pedagogy is related to various serious games we have recently produced and researched, and is presented in the hope of informing the “serious game community”.

From global advocacy to local resistance. Benin's experience of competency-based school curriculum

In the vein of the "Education for All" campaign to promote access to education, a wave of curriculum revision along the competency-based approach has swept francophone countries in sub-Sahara Africa, thus Benin. The current study documents local actors' various interactions with the curricular reform in the course of its implementation. Secondary data supplemented with qualitative research techniques such as semi-structured interviews with teachers, and focus group discussions with parents enable to relate the patterns of change, the challenges and resistance to change. The actors spectrum generated illustrates advocacy on one hand and resistance on the other. Advocacy of local actors reflects the global optimistic discourse on education and resistance is favoured by disappointing policy outcomes as well as contextual constraints. (DIPF/Orig.)

Identification of protein targets of nevirapine reactive metabolites using click chemistry and mass spectrometry-based differential proteomics

Abstract : Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are undesirable effects caused after administration of a single dose or prolonged administration of drug or result from the combination of two or more drugs. Idiosyncratic drug reaction (IDR) is an adverse reaction that does not occur in most patients treated with a drug and does not involve the therapeutic effect of the drug. IDRs are unpredictable and often life-threatening. Idiosyncratic reaction is dependent on drug chemical characteristics or individual immunological response. IDRs are a major problem for drug development because they are usually not detected during clinical trials. In this study we focused on IDRs of Nevirapine (NVP), which is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections. The use of NVP is limited by a relatively high incidence of skin rash. NVP also causes a rash in female Brown Norway (BN) rats, which we use as animal model for this study. Our hypothesis is that idiosyncratic skin reactions associated with NVP treatment are due to post-translational modifications of proteins (e.g., glutathionylation) detectable by MS. The main objective of this study was to identify the proteins that are targeted by a reactive metabolite of Nevirapine in the skin. The specific objectives derived from the general objective were as follow: 1) To implement the click chemistry approach to detect proteins modified by a reactive NVP-Alkyne (NVP-ALK) metabolite. The purpose of using NVP-ALK was to couple it with Biotin using cycloaddition Click Chemistry reaction. 2) To detect protein modification using Western blotting and Mass Spectrometry techniques, which is important to understand the mechanism of NVP induced toxicity. 3) To identify the proteins using MASCOT search engine for protein identification, by comparing obtained spectrum from Mass Spectrometry with theoretical spectrum to find a matching peptide sequence. 4) To test if the drug or drug metabolites can cause harmful effects, as the induction of oxidative stress in cells (via protein glutathionylation). Oxidative stress causes cell damage that mediates signals, which likely induces the immune response. The results showed that Nevirapine is metabolized to a reactive metabolite, which causes protein modification. The extracted protein from the treated BN rats matched 10% of keratin, which implies that keratin was the protein targeted by the NVP-ALK.

Oncology research and clinical decisions based on immunohistochemistry: the importance of the technical aspects that support a complex method

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the group of techniques that use antibodies as specific reagents to identify and demonstrate several cell and tissue components that are antigens. This linking allows locating and identifying the in situ presence of various substances by means of color that is associated with the formed antigen-antibody complexes. The practical value of this biotechnology area, widely used in Pathology and Oncology, in diagnostic, prognostic, theranostic and research context, results from the possibility of combining a colour marker with an antibody without causing any damage to specific binding established between antibody and antigen. This provides the microscopic observation of the target locations where the antibody and hence the antigen are present. IHC is presented as a powerful means for identification of several cellular and tissue structures that can be associated with pathologies, and of the consequences, at functional and morphological level, of these same elements action.

Discurso científico na Rede Nacional de Educação e Ciência: modos de produzir ciência na atualidade

A ciência, alicerçada por seu método, suas técnicas, suas demonstrações e suas descobertas, desde sua emergência no século XVII, tem estado em pauta nas discussões sobre a produção do conhecimento. Por suas características – dogmática, quantificável, experimental e determinista –, a ciência constitui o campo de conhecimento que foi o grande regime de verdade na episteme da modernidade. Diferentes formas de conceber a ciência foram produzidas por estudiosos, filósofos e cientistas, como René Descartes, Francis Bacon, Paul Feyerabend, entre outros. Como campo teórico utilizamos os estudos de Michel Foucault. Partindo desses entendimentos, essa tese tem como objetivo investigar e problematizar o discurso de ciência produzido por seis grupos de cinco universidades do Rio Grande do Sul pertencentes à Rede Nacional de Educação e Ciência: Novos Talentos da Rede Pública (RNEC/NT). Essa Rede existe há quase 20 anos e é composta por grupos de pesquisadores de diferentes universidades, instituições de pesquisa e institutos federais do país e visa a melhoria das condições de ensino de ciências a jovens carentes de todo o país, desenvolvendo metodologias que facilitam o aprendizado e desmistifiquem a ciência. Os grupos dessa Rede desenvolvem atividades como cursos para professores e estudantes da Educação Básica e estágios em laboratórios de pesquisa para o mesmo público alvo. Para a produção dos dados, foram realizadas visitas aos seis grupos analisados, nas quais foram feitas entrevistas com coordenadores e monitores dos grupos e foi feito o acompanhamento de um curso para professores e/ou estudantes de Educação Básica de cada grupo. Essas entrevistas e o curso observado foram gravados em vídeo e transcritos na forma de texto. Como metodologia de análise utilizamos conceitos da análise de discurso foucaultiano como discurso, enunciado e enunciação. Verificamos que há um discurso inicial de ciência na emergência da RNEC/NT pautado em três enunciados: fazer ciência envolve um caminho e a geração de produtos “novos” publicáveis; a formação do cientista na díade inatismo e empirismo; formação de cientistas pela inclusão social. Esse discurso inicial é atualizado nos grupos pesquisados por meio de diferentes enunciações que enfocam tanto um entendimento de ciência pelo uso do método científico, do empirismo e da razão, quanto um afrouxamento no entendimento de ciência ao vinculá-la à educação e ao questionamento do que é dado como naturalizado e verdadeiro, o que parece ter afinidade com as configurações ditas líquidas da contemporaneidade. Em relação aos cursos, para a maioria dos grupos, o discurso científico é vinculado aquele produzido no espaço do laboratório com suas técnicas e padrões, típico do entendimento moderno. Nesses cursos vemos ainda aparecer um modo de trabalhar, ensinar e apresentar essa ciência para os professores ou estudantes participantes, mostrando a presença de um discurso pedagógico atrelado ao científico. Como resultado, defendemos a tese de que há uma diversidade discursiva sobre a ciência nos grupos do sul da RNEC/NT que, ao ser atualizada e colocada em operação, é interpelada por elementos de um discurso pedagógico.

Parental involvement in sport: psychometric development and empirical test of a theoretical model

The purposes of the present multistudy were to develop and provide initial construct validity for measures based on the model of parental involvement in sport (Study 1) and examine structural relationships among the constructs of the model (Study 2). In Study 1 (nparents = 342, nathletes = 223), a confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify the psychometric properties of the measures. Content and construct validity were evaluated, as well individual and composite reliability. Multi-group analysis with two independent samples provided evidence of factorial invariance. In Study 2 (nparents = 754, nathletes = 438), structural equation modeling analysis supported the hypothesised model in which athletes’ perceptions of parents’ behaviours mediated the relationship between parents’ reported behaviours and the athletes’ psychological variables conducive to their achievement in sport. The findings provide support for the parental involvement in sport model and demonstrate the role of perceptions of parents’ behaviours on young athletes’ cognitions in sport.

Detection of mesoscale thermal fronts from 4km data using smoothing techniques: Gradient-based fronts classification and basin scale application

In order to optimize frontal detection in sea surface temperature fields at 4 km resolution, a combined statistical and expert-based approach is applied to test different spatial smoothing of the data prior to the detection process. Fronts are usually detected at 1 km resolution using the histogram-based, single image edge detection (SIED) algorithm developed by Cayula and Cornillon in 1992, with a standard preliminary smoothing using a median filter and a 3 × 3 pixel kernel. Here, detections are performed in three study regions (off Morocco, the Mozambique Channel, and north-western Australia) and across the Indian Ocean basin using the combination of multiple windows (CMW) method developed by Nieto, Demarcq and McClatchie in 2012 which improves on the original Cayula and Cornillon algorithm. Detections at 4 km and 1 km of resolution are compared. Fronts are divided in two intensity classes (“weak” and “strong”) according to their thermal gradient. A preliminary smoothing is applied prior to the detection using different convolutions: three type of filters (median, average and Gaussian) combined with four kernel sizes (3 × 3, 5 × 5, 7 × 7, and 9 × 9 pixels) and three detection window sizes (16 × 16, 24 × 24 and 32 × 32 pixels) to test the effect of these smoothing combinations on reducing the background noise of the data and therefore on improving the frontal detection. The performance of the combinations on 4 km data are evaluated using two criteria: detection efficiency and front length. We find that the optimal combination of preliminary smoothing parameters in enhancing detection efficiency and preserving front length includes a median filter, a 16 × 16 pixel window size, and a 5 × 5 pixel kernel for strong fronts and a 7 × 7 pixel kernel for weak fronts. Results show an improvement in detection performance (from largest to smallest window size) of 71% for strong fronts and 120% for weak fronts. Despite the small window used (16 × 16 pixels), the length of the fronts has been preserved relative to that found with 1 km data. This optimal preliminary smoothing and the CMW detection algorithm on 4 km sea surface temperature data are then used to describe the spatial distribution of the monthly frequencies of occurrence for both strong and weak fronts across the Indian Ocean basin. In general strong fronts are observed in coastal areas whereas weak fronts, with some seasonal exceptions, are mainly located in the open ocean. This study shows that adequate noise reduction done by a preliminary smoothing of the data considerably improves the frontal detection efficiency as well as the global quality of the results. Consequently, the use of 4 km data enables frontal detections similar to 1 km data (using a standard median 3 × 3 convolution) in terms of detectability, length and location. This method, using 4 km data is easily applicable to large regions or at the global scale with far less constraints of data manipulation and processing time relative to 1 km data.

Antimony-based type-II superlattice infrared detectors

Numerous applications within the mid- and long-wavelength infrared are driving the search for efficient and cost effective detection technologies in this regime. Theoretical calculations have predicted high performance for InAs/GaSb type-II superlattice structures, which rely on mature growth of III-V semiconductors and offer many levels of freedom in design due to band structure engineering. This work focuses on the fabrication and characterization of type-II superlattice infrared detectors. Standard UV-based photolithography was used combined with chemical wet or dry etching techniques in order to fabricate antinomy-based type-II superlattice infrared detectors. Subsequently, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and radiometric techniques were applied for optical characterization in order to obtain a detector's spectrum and response, as well as the overall detectivity in combination with electrical characterization. Temperature dependent electrical characterization was used to extract information about the limiting dark current processes. This work resulted in the first demonstration of an InAs/GaSb type-II superlattice infrared photodetector grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. A peak detectivity of 1.6x10^9 Jones at 78 K was achieved for this device with a 11 micrometer zero cutoff wavelength. Furthermore the interband tunneling detector designed for the mid-wavelength infrared regime was studied. Similar results to those previously published were obtained.

The renormalization group via statistical inference

In physics, one attempts to infer the rules governing a system given only the results of imperfect measurements. Hence, microscopic theories may be effectively indistinguishable experimentally. We develop an operationally motivated procedure to identify the corresponding equivalence classes of states, and argue that the renormalization group (RG) arises from the inherent ambiguities associated with the classes: one encounters flow parameters as, e.g., a regulator, a scale, or a measure of precision, which specify representatives in a given equivalence class. This provides a unifying framework and reveals the role played by information in renormalization. We validate this idea by showing that it justifies the use of low-momenta n-point functions as statistically relevant observables around a Gaussian hypothesis. These results enable the calculation of distinguishability in quantum field theory. Our methods also provide a way to extend renormalization techniques to effective models which are not based on the usual quantum-field formalism, and elucidates the relationships between various type of RG.

As variedades linguísticas do espanhol e os desafios ao seu ensino/aprendizagem

O Espanhol é, cada vez mais, uma língua de destaque no panorama mundial. Daí que surja a necessidade de garantir a qualidade e constante aprimoramento do ensino/aprendizagem desta língua. Um dos nossos propósitos, com o presente estudo, foi aprofundar e refletir sobre os conhecimentos dos alunos acerca da diversidade (intra)linguística do Espanhol, promovendo, deste modo, a sua valorização. Elaborámos, como ponto de partida, um enquadramento teórico que sustenta a investigação onde abordamos a dimensão atual do Espanhol e das suas variedades, bem como a questão dos estereótipos relacionada com o ensino das variedades (intra)linguísticas espanholas. De seguida, procedemos à implementação de um estudo de caso, tendo em conta o Espanhol como língua internacional e pluricêntrica, com variedades distintas. O referido estudo apresenta contornos de investigação-ação e foi desenvolvido num agrupamento de escolas da região de Aveiro, no ano letivo 2014/2015. No decurso do nosso projeto, socorremo-nos de diversas técnicas e instrumentos de recolha de dados, nomeadamente um inquérito por questionário e fichas de atividades para identificar e descrever os estereótipos dos alunos. Neste projeto, analisamos os resultados de uma investigação onde destacamos, por um lado, os estereótipos que alunos portugueses, do 8.º ano de escolaridade, têm sobre a realidade da língua espanhola e das suas variedades, no mundo; por outro lado, a presença/ausência dessa diversidade (intra)linguística nos manuais escolares que acompanharam a turma-alvo do estudo. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foi realizada ainda uma sessão de sensibilização às variedades do Espanhol. Os resultados demonstram que os manuais escolares analisados contêm visões estereotipadas e redutoras sobre a diversidade linguística espanhola, sobrevalorizando, em certa medida, a norma peninsular. Os dados recolhidos através do inquérito por questionário, permitiram-nos concluir que os alunos possuíam visões estereotipadas sobre o Espanhol e as suas variedades. No entanto, mediante a sessão de sensibilização para a valorização da diversidade linguística espanhola, concluímos que foi criado um espaço de reflexão que permitisse quer a reconstrução de estereótipos quer ainda um espaço de diálogo e debate coletivo sobre como as diferenças da língua a podem enriquecer.

Um percurso do docente generalista: a complementaridade entre a educação Pré-Escolar e o 1º ciclo do Ensino Básico

Relatório de estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação de Paula Frassinetti para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Educação Pré-Escolar e Ensino do 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico

Relatório de estágio de qualificação profissional

Relatório EPE - Relatório de estágio em Educação Pré-Escolar: O presente relatório de estágio de qualificação profissional, elaborado no âmbito da formação da mestranda em Educação Pré-Escolar, visa a descrição e reflexão da ação educativa desenvolvida ao longo deste processo formativo, explanando, também, as competências profissionais e pessoais construídas pela mesma. Este perspetiva a mobilização de pressupostos teóricos e legais que fundamentaram a prática pedagógica da mestranda, com recurso a estratégias que visam uma educação inclusiva e equitativa, atendendo às características das crianças, encaradas como co-construtoras das suas aprendizagens. Com base numa visão socioconstrutivista, são apresentadas as perspetivas pedagógicas que se propuseram a dar resposta às necessidades e interesses evidenciados, tendo em consideração a capacidade de pensar e agir no contexto educativo em que foi desenvolvido o estágio. Assim, revelou-se fundamental o recurso ao método de investigação-ação, em que o educador é investigador da sua ação, sendo um profissional crítico e reflexivo, que está aberto à mudança. Este relatório pretende dar a conhecer as técnicas e estratégias utilizadas para alcançar os objetivos e desafios propostos todos os dias, tendo em vista a melhoria da praxis educativa desenvolvida pela mestranda, conforme os dados observados, recolhidos e analisados. Procurase, também, expressar as suas aprendizagens, pensar sobre as mesmas e como estas influenciaram a prática profissional. O educador de infância deve manter uma postura atenta em relação ao grupo de crianças com quem exerce a sua profissionalidade, intervindo de forma adequada e ponderada e, assim, desenvolvendo competências pessoais e profissionais. Considerando os princípios apresentados no perfil geral de desempenho profissional do educador de infância, este deve realizar formação ao longo da vida e avaliar constantemente a sua ação e adaptá-la, conduzindo a uma flexibilidade na tomada de decisões.

Analysis of N-nitrosames in water using micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) and development of online and offline methods of extraction and enrichment of neutral polar analytes

Evaluation of the quality of the environment is essential for human wellness as pollutants in trace amounts can cause serious health problem. Nitrosamines are a group of compounds that are considered potential carcinogens and can be found in drinking water (as disinfection byproducts), foods, beverages and cosmetics. To monitor the level of these compounds to minimize daily intakes, fast and reliable analytical techniques are required. As these compounds are relatively highly polar, extraction and enrichment from environmental samples (aqueous) are challenging. Also, the trend of analytical techniques toward the reduction of sample size and minimization of organic solvent use demands new methods of analysis. In light of fulfilling these requirements, a new method of online preconcentration tailored to an electrokinetic chromatography is introduced. In this method, electroosmotic flow (EOF) was suppressed to increase the interaction time between analyte and micellar phase, therefore the only force to mobilize the neutral analytes is the interaction of analyte with moving micelles. In absence of EOF, polarity of applied potential was switched (negative or positive) to force (anionic or cationic) micelles to move toward the detector. To avoid the excessive band broadening due to longer analysis time caused by slow moving micelles, auxiliary pressure was introduced to boost the micelle movement toward the detector using an in house designed and built apparatus. Applying the external auxiliary pressure significantly reduced the analysis times without compromising separation efficiency. Parameters, such as type of surfactants, composition of background electrolyte (BGE), type of capillary, matrix effect, organic modifiers, etc., were evaluated in optimization of the method. The enrichment factors for targeted analytes were impressive, particularly; cationic surfactants were shown to be suitable for analysis of nitrosamines due to their ability to act as hydrogen bond donors. Ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO) also showed remarkable results in term of peak shapes and number of theoretical plates. It was shown that the separation results were best when a high conductivity sample was paired with a BGE of lower conductivity. Using higher surfactant concentrations (up to 200 mM SDS) than usual (50 mM SDS) for micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) improved the sweeping. A new method for micro-extraction and enrichment of highly polar neutral analytes (N-Nitrosamines in particular) based on three-phase drop micro-extraction was introduced and its performance studied. In this method, a new device using some easy-to-find components was fabricated and its operation and application demonstrated. Compared to conventional extraction methods (liquid-liquid extraction), consumption of organic solvents and operation times were significantly lower.