9 research outputs found
The GIST of Concepts
No full textA unified general theory of human concept learning based on the idea that humans detect invariance patterns in categorical stimuli as a necessary precursor to concept formation is proposed and tested. In GIST (generalized invariance structure theory) invariants are detected via a perturbation mechanism of dimension suppression referred to as dimensional binding. Structural information acquired by this process is stored as a compound memory trace termed an ideotype. Ideotypes inform the subsystems that are responsible for learnability judgments, rule formation, and other types of concept representations. We show that GIST is more general (e.g., it works on continuous, semi-continuous, and binary stimuli) and makes much more accurate predictions than the leading models of concept learning difficulty,such as those based on a complexity reduction principle (e.g., number of mental models,structural invariance, algebraic complexity, and minimal description length) and those based on selective attention and similarity (GCM, ALCOVE, and SUSTAIN). GIST unifies these two key aspects of concept learning and categorization. Empirical evidence from three\ud
experiments corroborates the predictions made by the theory and its core model which we propose as a candidate law of human conceptual behavior
Modal Similarity
No full textJust as Boolean rules define Boolean categories, the Boolean operators define higher-order Boolean categories referred to as modal categories. We examine the similarity order between these categories and the standard category of logical identity (i.e. the modal category defined by the biconditional or equivalence operator). Our goal is 4-fold: first, to introduce a similarity measure for determining this similarity order; second, to show that such a measure is a good predictor of the similarity assessment behaviour observed in our experiment involving key modal categories; third, to argue that as far as the modal categories are concerned, configural similarity assessment may be componential or analytical in nature; and lastly, to draw attention to the intimate interplay that may exist between deductive judgments, similarity assessment and categorisation
Aspectos teórico-jurídicos do risco ambiental no espaço urbano
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Jurídicas. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Direito.O presente trabalho tem como tema o risco ambiental contextualizado na ambiência urbana, com a investigação de seus aspectos teórico-jurídicos. Utiliza-se da categoria de modo a promover a verificação das possibilidades de incorporação das perspectivas ambientais às políticas de desenvolvimento das cidades. Tem-se como marco teórico a teoria da sociedade de risco, associada a considerações sobre a justiça ambiental. Traz-se alguns dos pressupostos conceituais implicados, como o conceito jurídico de meio ambiente, a concepção de meio ambiente urbano e de elementos de sua sustentabilidade. Empreende-se, também, abordagem das inter-relações estabelecidas entre as disciplinas do Direito Ambiental e do Direito Urbanístico. Promove-se, ainda, o trato da qualificação de um dever de gestão de riscos ambientais a partir do plano constitucional, bem como no âmbito das especificidades do espaço urbano. Por fim, com atenção às diretrizes urbanísticas de gestão e planejamento sob o prisma de sua contribuição nos processos de identificação/percepção, avaliação/classificação e prevenção do risco, identifica-se o estudo de impacto de vizinhança como instrumento apto a tal propósito
The anti-inflammatory effects of luminal Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG perfusion via regulation of JNK related pathway
No full textLactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a well studied and commercially available probiotic, known to be able to alleviate intestinal disorders. From previous research in Dr. Ferraris’s lab, we discovered that by direct perfusion of active LGG to the jejunum of the small intestine, we were able to promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL10, IL2, IL4, IL5, and IL6 (P1.5 fold with LGG perfusion compared to Saline Perfusion (P<0.05). From our qPCR results, downstream of RXR, when compared with saline perfused samples, the mRNA expression of 10 effectors (SOD3, FMO2, UGT, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, OATP2, CES, MAOA, MDR1) increased more than 1.2 fold with LGG perfusion (P<0.05). The phosphorylation of JNK decreased in LGG perfused samples when compared with the control. In conclusion, we have discovered strong evidence showing that LGG has the ability to increase xenobiotic metabolism in the small intestine through the inhibition of the “LPS/IL-1 Mediated Inhibition of RXR Function” pathway. More experiments are still needed to further prove this theory. However, EGFR (Epidermal growth factor receptor), increased in phosphorylation in LGG perfused samples when compared with the control. EGFR is known to be associated with the production of cytokines, hence this can be used for future experiments in explaining the reaction observed with LGG perfusion.M.S.Includes bibliographical referencesby Bowen Yan
Meiofauna metabarcoding in Lima estuary (Portugal) suggests high taxon replacement within a background of network stability
No full textMeiofauna organisms play an important role in ecological and sedimentary processes in estuarine ecosystems. Recently, the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) for investigating meiofauna in different environments, improved the accessibility to its diversity and composition in a scale, frequency and depth previously unattainable. Nevertheless, little attention has been given to the description of baseline patterns of coupled spatial and temporal dynamics of meiobenthic communities. In an earlier study conducted in Lima estuary (NW Portugal), using eDNA metabarcoding of sediment samples, high levels of meiofauna Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) turnover were recorded, between sampling points only a few metres apart, and among sampling stations along the estuary. In order to verify the consistency of these patterns, in the current study we re-assessed Lima estuary's meiofauna communities approximately 1 year after, applying the same methodological approach (targeting segments of the COI and 18S rRNA genes), and expanding HTS-data analyses through the use of association networks. A high degree of spatial turnover was found both within and between sampling stations and this was consistent for both markers and years. As a consequence, most of the beta-diversity was accounted by OTU replacement with only a minor contribution from OTU richness. Despite the high levels of OTU replacement, relatively stable network properties were found in meiofaunal communities, irrespective of the sampled year. Network properties appear to shift sharply from the downstream/high salinity area of the estuary to the mesohaline medium-upstream areas, suggesting high resilience and redundancy of meiofaunal communities along the estuarine gradient. The recognition of meiofauna's networks features may improve the understanding of the ecology and dynamics of these communities that apparently hold large portions of variable elements, thereby making difficult their analyses solely based on the OTU/species composition.This study was funded by the project "The NextSea: Next generation monitoring of coastal ecosystems in a scenario of global change'' (operacao NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000032), supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Maria Fais and Sofia Duarte were supported, respectively by a Ph.D. (SFRH/BD/113547/2015) and a post-doc fellowship (SFRH/BPD/109842/2015) from FCT. The authors would like to thank Prof. Jesus Troncoso (University of Vigo) and Prof. Pedro Gomes (University of Minho) for their availability and hospitality for the lab processing; Dr. Bruno Sampieri and Barbara Leite (University of Minho) for the great support during the implementation of the practical stage of the research. The authors would like also to thank the anonymous reviewers for critically reading the manuscript and suggesting substantial improvements
Modelo de implantação de informática na educação segundo uma visão sistêmica apoiada na gestão de mudanças
No full textTese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Produção.O CGI (Comitê Gestor da Internet no Brasil) (2006), PNAD (Pesquisa Nacional por Amostras de Domicílios) (2005) e Censo Escolar (2005) apontam para uma realidade onde, apesar dos recentes esforços de vários governos, aproximadamente, 54% da população brasileira nunca usou um computador e 67% nunca navegou na Internet. Apenas 19% dos domicílios possuem computador e somente 25% das escolas básicas possuem computadores ligados à Internet. A situação é ainda mais grave quando se identifica que, mesmo nas escolas com conexão e computadores, muitas das salas de informática ficam trancadas e tornam-se alvo de sucateamento e furto de equipamentos, em geral, pela falta de formação dos professores ou pela ausência de uma política educacional que pressuponha as tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC ) como instrumento pedagógico. A democratização do acesso aos produtos tecnológicos e a inclusão digital é um desafio para a sociedade atual e requer esforços e mudanças na área educacional. Este trabalho visa o desenvolvimento e experimentação de um modelo sistêmico de informatização educacional de escolas, que enfatize a implantação da informática educacional em uma abordagem de gestão de mudança, através de ações voltadas ao contexto especifico do ambiente de atuação, de maneira a gerir e integrar aspectos sociais, gerenciais e tecnológicos que contribuam, direta e indiretamente, para a mudança desejada. Nesse processo de integração, a estratégia de incorporação tecnológica leva em conta a visão social da organização, evidenciando o entendimento da escola como um sistema sócio-técnico. Nesta visão, é através da integração dos elementos da comunidade escolar que se viabiliza que as TIC consigam adquirir um estatuto de instrumento educacional, sendo internalizadas pelos atores do processo ensino-aprendizagem. Neste modelo, o enfoque sistêmico, pressupõe uma constante validação e atualização (auto-regulação), onde é possível recuperar defasagens oriundas de momentos anteriores do processo através de um constante feedback. O modelo e as nuances permitem balizar decisões no momento de definição, implantação, acompanhamento e repetição do processo. The CGI (Brazil Internet Management Committee) (2006), PNAD (National Research for Sample Home) (2005) e School Census (2005) point to a reality where, although the recent efforts of some governments, 54% of Brazilian people never used a computer and 67% never accessed the Internet. Only 19% of the homes have a computer and only 25% of the basic schools have computer with access to the Internet. The situation is even more serious when is identified that even in the schools with connection and computers, many of the computer rooms are locked and become target of trashing and equipment robery, usually, because the lack of formation of the teachers or the absence of educational politics that understand the technologies of computer science and communication as a pedagogical instrument. The democratization of the access to the technological products and the digital inclusion are a challenge to the current society and require efforts and changes in the educational area. This work aims at the development and experimentation of a systemic model of educational computerization of schools, that emphasizes the implantation of educational computer science in focus of change management, through actions faced to the specific context of the working environment, in way to manage and integrate social aspects, managemental and technological, that contribute direct and indirect ways, to the desired change. In this process of integration, the strategy of technological incorporation care about the social vision of the organization, evidencing the understanding of the school as a system partner-technician. In this vision, it is through the integration of the elements of the school community that makes possible that the technologies of computer science and communication achieve a statute of educational instrument, being internalized for the actors of the process teach-learning. In this model, the systemic approach, estimates a constant validation and update (self-regulation), where is possible to recover from imbalance derived from previous moments of the process through a constant feedback. The model and its variables allow to demarcate decisions in the definition moment, implantation, accompaniment and repetition of the process
Fatal outcome of chikungunya virus infection in Brazil
No full textFederal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil / Central Public Health Laboratory of Ceará State. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.University of São Paulo. Virology Research Center. Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.University of Oxford. Department of Zoology. oxford, United Kingdom.University of São Paulo. Virology Research Center. Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.University of Oxford. Department of Zoology. oxford, United Kingdom / Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies. Department of Research in Virology and Biotechnology. Panama City, Panama.Central Public Health Laboratory of Ceará State. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Central Public Health Laboratory of Ceará State. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil / Centro Universitário Christus. Faculdade de Medicina. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Central Public Health Laboratory of Ceará State. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.State Health Secretariat of Ceará. Death Verification Service Dr Rocha Furtado. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Centro Universitário Christus. Faculdade de Medicina. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Centro Universitário Christus. Faculdade de Medicina. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Centro Universitário Christus. Faculdade de Medicina. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Centro Universitário Christus. Faculdade de Medicina. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Centro Universitário Christus. Faculdade de Medicina. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil / Ministry of Health. Brasilia, DF, Brazil.Ministry of Health. Brasilia, DF, Brazil.Ministry of Health. Brasilia, DF, Brazil.Ministry of Health. Brasilia, DF, Brazil.Faculdade de Medicina São Leopoldo Mandic. Campinas, SP, Brazil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.University of Oxford. Department of Zoology. Oxford, United Kingdom.University of São Paulo. Virology Research Center. Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.University of Oxford. Department of Zoology. Oxford, United Kingdom / Imperial College London. Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. London, United Kingdom.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil / Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - Branch Ceará. Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) emerged in the Americas in 2013 and has caused approximately 2.1 million cases and >600 deaths. A retrospective investigation was undertaken to describe clinical, epidemiological, and viral genomic features associated with deaths caused by CHIKV in Ceará state, northeast Brazil. METHODS: Sera, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tissue samples from 100 fatal cases with suspected arbovirus infection were tested for CHIKV, dengue virus (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). Clinical, epidemiological, and death reports were obtained for patients with confirmed CHIKV infection. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify independent factors associated with risk of death during CHIKV infection. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using whole genomes from a subset of cases. RESULTS: Sixty-eight fatal cases had CHIKV infection confirmed by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (52.9%), viral antigen (41.1%), and/or specific immunoglobulin M (63.2%). Co-detection of CHIKV with DENV was found in 22% of fatal cases, ZIKV in 2.9%, and DENV and ZIKV in 1.5%. A total of 39 CHIKV deaths presented with neurological signs and symptoms, and CHIKV-RNA was found in the CSF of 92.3% of these patients. Fatal outcomes were associated with irreversible multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Patients with diabetes appear to die at a higher frequency during the subacute phase. Genetic analysis showed circulation of 2 CHIKV East-Central-South African (ECSA) lineages in Ceará and revealed no unique virus genomic mutation associated with fatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation of the largest cross-sectional cohort of CHIKV deaths to date reveals that CHIKV-ECSA strains can cause death in individuals from both risk and nonrisk groups, including young adults. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America
A critical assessment of the theology of Camilo Torres in the light of Latin American theology : a theological paradigm for peace with justice for Colombia
No full textThe thesis aims to provide a critical assessment of Camilo Torres’ concept of efficacious love in the light of a hermeneutics and ethics of liberation, to contribute theoretically to theological reflection upon the mission of the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches in Colombia, and generally in Latin America. It proposes the thesis that the theology of Camilo Torres, viewed from the perspective of a hermeneutics and an ethics of liberation, can be foundational for seeking, constructing, and sustaining peace with justice in a context of oppression and violence.
Based on the theological analysis, the academic and spiritual motivation should respond to two fundamental questions in our academic inquiry: what foundation exists in Camilo Torres’ theology for the construction of a just, peaceful, liberative society and to enable proximity to the excluded, victimized, and poor population in Colombia to be achieved? And how can we as Christians respond to the grace of God in living efficaciously the values of the Kingdom of God, in order to bring structural changes in Colombia? The implications of the answers to those questions would result in the possibility to execute an integrating theological proposal for peace with justice for the church in Colombia.
In an interpretative mode, we consider critically the multidisciplinary interaction of some of the theological foundations of liberation theology. Our task consists in clarifying and constructing theological presuppositions for a dialectical examination of the historical and current situation in Colombia, viewed in the light of the internal problems and realities. Thus, it is our intention in order to attempt a significant interdisciplinary juncture, to examine and interpret such relevant concepts as efficacious love, faith with works, kenosis, hypostatic union, hermeneutics and ethics of liberation, social justice, personal and collective socio-political conversion, and a praxis of faith as the church’s mission in response to the Colombian context of poverty and violence
Demilitarisation Nigeria and South Africa compared
No full textIn sub-Saharan African countries that have made democratic transition from military
rule and military-backed authoritarian regimes, state elites have embarked upon
strategies aimed at demilitarising the new democratic political process. Demilitarisation
of the state and politics has become an imperative because it is decisive for
consolidating democratic politics and for ensuring improvements in public safety and
security. Yet the process of such demilitarisation in these countries has often generated
a paradox, whereby the reduction of the political influence of state institutions of
violence has been associatedw ith rising civil militarism and the prevalenceo f organised
violence in the wider society.
In these circumstances, taking cognisance of the dangers of civil militarism and other
forms of private violence is a priority for designing and implementing demilitarisation
strategies and other security reforms in post-authoritarian African states. Reformminded
political elites and external supporters need to be sensitive to these dangers or
risk perpetuating the shell of electoral democracy that cannot deliver the goal of human
security in the region. This dissertation explored how the current approach to
demilitarisation is related to the problem of civil militarism by examining the case
studies of Nigeria and South Africa. It explains that given the condition of the state in
Africa, demilitarisation of politics after transition from military or military-backed
authoritarianism contributes to the emergence of civil militarism. Based on this finding,
it argues for a comprehensive approach to demilitarisation as a strategy that caters to
both state and societal violence in order to mitigate the risks of civil militarism in the
process
