Self-actualization and B-values: Development and validation of two instruments in the Brazilian context.

Self-actualization is a complex psychological construct within Maslow's motivation theory, characterized by numerous gaps in the empirical and measurement spectrums. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to develop, validate, and cross-verify measures for self-actualization attributes and B-values, focusing on job context and theoretical congruence with innovative behavior and human values related to the self-actualization construct (suprapersonal subfunction). This study involved a diverse sample of 621 Brazilian participants from 25 different professions, indicating the broad applicability of the findings. The proposed instruments underwent content and semantic validity assessments, followed by verification of factor validity and internal consistency. Results showed satisfactory content, semantic and factor validity and internal consistency parameters. The study reveals that self-actualization attributes can be understood through achieving one's own potential and work meta-motivation, consistent with the adoption of B-values. Relationships with suprapersonal values (maturity, knowledge, and beauty) and innovative work behavior were also demonstrated, suggesting convergent validity evidence. The validation of SAAS and BVI contributes to understanding self-actualization and B-values in varied Brazilian contexts, offering insights for psychological assessment and intervention.

An Innovative Approach for Tailoring Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Biosensors-Application to Cancer Antigen 15-3.

This work presents a novel approach for tailoring molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with a preliminary stage of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), for a more precise definition of the imprinted cavity. A well-defined copolymer of acrylamide and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (PAAm-co-PMBAm) was synthesized by ATRP and applied to gold electrodes with the template, followed by a crosslinking reaction. The template was removed from the polymer matrix by enzymatic/chemical action. The surface modifications were monitored via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), having the MIP polymer as a non-conducting film designed with affinity sites for CA15-3. The resulting biosensor exhibited a linear response to CA15-3 log concentrations from 0.001 to 100 U/mL in PBS or in diluted fetal bovine serum (1000×) in PBS. Compared to the polyacrylamide (PAAm) MIP from conventional free-radical polymerization, the ATRP-based MIP extended the biosensor's dynamic linear range 10-fold, improving low concentration detection, and enhanced the signal reproducibility across units. The biosensor demonstrated good sensitivity and selectivity. Overall, the work described confirmed that the process of radical polymerization to build an MIP material influences the detection capacity for the target substance and the reproducibility among different biosensor units. Extending this approach to other cancer biomarkers, the methodology presented could open doors to a new generation of MIP-based biosensors for point-of-care disease diagnosis.

Electrochemically Mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Driven by Alternating Current.

Alternating current (AC) and pulsed electrolysis are gaining traction in electro(organic) synthesis due to their advantageous characteristics. We employed AC electrolysis in electrochemically mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (eATRP) to facilitate the regeneration of the activator CuI complex on Cu0 electrodes. Additionally, Cu0 served as a slow supplemental activator and reducing agent (SARA ATRP), enabling the activation of alkyl halides and the regeneration of the CuI activator through a comproportionation reaction. We harnessed the distinct properties of Cu0 dual regeneration, both chemical and electrochemical, by employing sinusoidal, triangular, and square-wave AC electrolysis alongside some of the most active ATRP catalysts available. Compared to linear waveform (DC electrolysis) or SARA ATRP (without electrolysis), pulsed and AC electrolysis facilitated slightly faster and more controlled polymerizations of acrylates. The same AC electrolysis conditions could successfully polymerize eleven different monomers across different mediums, from water to bulk. Moreover, it proved effective across a spectrum of catalyst activity, from low-activity Cu/2,2-bipyridine to highly active Cu complexes with substituted tripodal amine ligands. Chain extension experiments confirmed the high chain-end fidelity of the produced polymers, yielding functional and high molecular-weight block copolymers. SEM analysis indicated the robustness of the Cu0 electrodes, sustaining at least 15 consecutive polymerizations.

Recycling Polyethylene/Polyamide Multilayer Films with Poly(isoprene-g-Maleic Anhydride) Compatibilizer.

Polymers generally form incompatible mixtures that make the process of recycling difficult, especially the mechanical recycling of mixed plastic waste. One of the most commonly used films in the packaging industry is multilayer films, mainly composed of polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA). Recycling these materials with such different molecular structures requires the use of compatibilizers to minimize phase separation and obtain more useful recycled materials. In this work, commercial polyisoprene-graft-maleic anhydride (PI-g-MA) was tested as a compatibilizer for a blend of PE and PA derived from the mechanical recycling of PE/PA multilayer films. Different amounts of PI-g-MA were tested, and the films made with 1.5% PI-g-MA showed the best results in terms of mechanical properties and dart impact. The films were also characterized thermally via thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and morphologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Other parameters, such as tearing and perforation, were analyzed.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese Flow State Scale Short (FSS-BR-S).

"Flow experience" is a term used to describe the state of being fully immersed in what you are doing. The Flow State Scale (FSS-2) was developed to assess how people feel when they are in the flow state while participating in certain sports activities. The goal of this study was to obtain a short adapted version of the FSS-2 for the Brazilian-Portuguese language and for general activities (FSS-BR-S). To do this, we translated it both ways (forwards and backwards) and verified that the translation was accurate. Methods: After getting answers from 396 Brazilian participants, we performed (1) the construct validity of the FSS-BR-S and (2) the psychometric item quality analysis. The confirmatory factorial analysis shows that a FSS-BR-S factorial model is the best fit for the data (χ2 = 44.36, p = .023, df = 27, χ2/df = 1.64, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, and RMSEA = 0.04). Reliability tests done in this structure show that the FSS-BR-S (which only has nine items) has good internal consistency. The item quality analysis reveals that its difficulty and differentiating parameters are good for estimating the overall flow state. The test information curve for the short version demonstrates that it is very useful for estimating the flow states of each disposition. Discussion and Conclusions: Based on these findings, we can conclude that the FSS-BR-S has demonstrated sufficient validity to be used with Brazilians.

Fast-Gelling Polyethylene Glycol/Polyethyleneimine Hydrogels Degradable by Visible-Light.

The treatment of burn wounds remains a clinical challenge due to the need for repeated dressings changes. Therefore, the development of a dressing system that can be atraumatically removed from the wound bed can be considered a breakthrough and improve treatment times. In this work, the development of an injectable, fast-gelling hydrogel is proposed that can change its mechanical properties when exposed to visible light. The hydrogels are prepared by a "click" amino-yne reaction between poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) functionalized with propiolic acid and the amino groups of poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI). The hydrogels exhibit a fast gelation time, which can be adjusted by changing the weight percentage and molecular weight of the precursors. They also exhibit good swelling ability and adhesion to living tissues. More importantly, their mechanical properties changed upon irradiation with green light. This loss of properties is achieved by a 1 O2 -mediated mechanism, as confirmed by the degradation of the ß-aminoacrylate linker. Moreover, the in vitro cell compatibility results of the hydrogels and their degradation products show good cytocompatibility. Therefore, it is believed that these hydrogels can be considered as materials with great potential for an innovative strategy for the treatment of burn wounds.

Replacing Harmful Flame Retardants with Biodegradable Starch-Based Materials in Polyethylene Formulations.

The addition of toxic flame retardants to commercially available polymers is often required for safety reasons due to the high flammability of these materials. In this work, the preparation and incorporation of efficient biodegradable starch-based flame retardants into a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix was investigated. Thermoplastic starch was first obtained by plasticizing starch with glycerol/water or glycerol/water/choline phytate to obtain TPS-G and TPS-G-CPA, respectively. Various LDPE/TPS blends were prepared by means of melt blending using polyethylene graft maleic anhydride as a compatibilizer and by varying the content of TPS and a halogenated commercial flame retardant. By replacing 38% and 76% of the harmful commercial flame retardant with safe TPS-G-CPA and TPS-G, respectively, blends with promising fire behavior were obtained, while the limiting oxygen index (LOI ≈ 28%) remained the same. The presence of choline phytate improved both the charring ability and fire retardancy of starch and resulted in a 43% reduction in fire growth index compared to the blend with commercial flame retardant only, as confirmed by means of cone calorimetry. Standard UL 94 vertical tests showed that blends containing TPS exhibited dripping behavior (rated V2), while those with commercial flame retardant were rated V0. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of starch as a natural flame retardant that could reduce the cost and increase the safety of polymer-based materials.

Nanotechnology-based techniques for hair follicle regeneration.

The hair follicle (HF) is a multicellular complex structure of the skin that contains a reservoir of multipotent stem cells. Traditional hair repair methods such as drug therapies, hair transplantation, and stem cell therapy have limitations. Advances in nanotechnology offer new approaches for HF regeneration, including controlled drug release and HF-specific targeting. Until recently, embryogenesis was thought to be the only mechanism for forming hair follicles. However, in recent years, the phenomenon of wound-induced hair neogenesis (WIHN) or de novo HF regeneration has gained attention as it can occur under certain conditions in wound beds. This review covers HF-specific targeting strategies, with particular emphasis on currently used nanotechnology-based strategies for both hair loss-related diseases and HF regeneration. HF regeneration is discussed in several modalities: modulation of the hair cycle, stimulation of progenitor cells and signaling pathways, tissue engineering, WIHN, and gene therapy. The HF has been identified as an ideal target for nanotechnology-based strategies for hair regeneration. However, some regulatory challenges may delay the development of HF regeneration nanotechnology based-strategies, which will be lastly discussed.

Transtornos do espectro autista: visão de discentes dos cursos de medicina e enfermagem de uma universidade pública / Autism spectrum disorders: students' view of medicine and nursing courses at a public university

Resumo O termo estigma é oriundo do grego, relacionado a identificação de pessoas através de marcação física. A literatura aponta quatro tipos de estigmas: púbico, institucional, autoestima e de cortesia. Pessoas com Transtornos do Espectro Autista são estigmatizadas em diversas culturas e sociedades. Este estudo descreve a visão sobre estigma em relação ao Transtorno do Espectro Autista entre estudantes dos cursos medicina e enfermagem. Estudo transversal, qualitativo, dados coletados por meio de dois grupos focais, um com estudantes de medicina, outro com enfermagem, de uma universidade pública, em Alagoas. Foi utilizado um roteiro com oito perguntas para discussão nos grupos focais. As falas foram gravadas, transcritas e analisadas no software IRAMUTEQ, embasada na análise de conteúdo. A Classificação Hierárquica Descendente apresentou cinco categorias relacionadas ao Transtorno, que foram: 1 - Abordagem da pessoa com o Transtorno; 2 - Vivência de Estigma; 3 - Segregação de Pessoas com Transtorno; 4 - Cuidado com a Pessoa com o Transtorno; e a Classe 5 - Desafios enfrentados pelas pessoas acometidas

Abstract The term stigma comes from Greek, being related to the identification of people through a physical mark, which can generate marginalization. The literature points out four types of stigmas: public, institutional, self-esteem, and courtesy. People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders are stigmatized in various cultures and societies. This study describes the view on stigma regarding Autistic Spectrum Disorder among undergraduate medical and nursing students. This is a cross-sectional study of a qualitative approach, whose data were collected through two focus groups, one with medical and another with nursing students, from a public university in Alagoas, Brazil. A script with eight questions for discussion in the focus groups was used. The speeches were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the IRAMUTEQ software, based on content analysis. The Descending Hierarchical Classification showed five categories related to the disorder, which were: 1 - Approach to the person with the disorder; 2 - Experience of Stigma; 3 - Segregation of People with Disorders; 4 - Care of the Person with the Disorder and Class; 5 - Challenges faced by the people affected.

Facile Synthesis of Highly Stretchable, Tough, and Photodegradable Hydrogels.

Recently, highly stretchable and tough hydrogels that are photodegradable on-demand have been reported. Unfortunately, the preparation procedure is complex due to the hydrophobic nature of the photocrosslinkers. Herein, a simple method is reported to prepare photodegradable double-network (DN) hydrogels that exhibit high stretchability, toughness, and biocompatibility. Hydrophilic ortho-nitrobenzyl (ONB) crosslinkers incorporating different poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) backbones (600, 1000, and 2000 g mol-1 ) are synthesized. These photodegradable DN hydrogels are prepared by the irreversible crosslinking of chains by using such ONB crosslinkers, and the reversible ionic crosslinking between sodium alginate and divalent cations (Ca2+ ). Remarkable mechanical properties are obtained by combining ionic and covalent crosslinking and their synergistic effect, and by reducing the length of the PEG backbone. The rapid on-demand degradation of these hydrogels is also demonstrated by using cytocompatible light wavelength (λ = 365 nm) that degrades the photosensitive ONB units. The authors have successfully used these hydrogels as skin-worn sensors for monitoring human respiration and physical activities. A combination of excellent mechanical properties, facile fabrication, and on-demand degradation holds promise for their application as the next generation of substrates or active sensors eco-friendly for bioelectronics, biosensors, wearable computing, and stretchable electronics.

In Vitro Evaluation of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds Derived from Cuttlefish Bone Coated with Poly(ester urea) for Bone Tissue Regeneration.

This study investigates the osteogenic differentiation of umbilical-cord-derived human mesenchymal stromal cells (hUC-MSCs) on biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds derived from cuttlefish bone doped with metal ions and coated with polymers. First, the in vitro cytocompatibility of the undoped and ion-doped (Sr2+, Mg2+ and/or Zn2+) BCP scaffolds was evaluated for 72 h using Live/Dead staining and viability assays. From these tests, the most promising composition was found to be the BCP scaffold doped with strontium (Sr2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) (BCP-6Sr2Mg2Zn). Then, samples from the BCP-6Sr2Mg2Zn were coated with poly(ԑ-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(ester urea) (PEU). The results showed that hUC-MSCs can differentiate into osteoblasts, and hUC-MSCs seeded on the PEU-coated scaffolds proliferated well, adhered to the scaffold surfaces, and enhanced their differentiation capabilities without negative effects on cell proliferation under in vitro conditions. Overall, these results suggest that PEU-coated scaffolds are an alternative to PCL for use in bone regeneration, providing a suitable environment to maximally induce osteogenesis.

Autism spectrum disorders: students' view of medicine and nursing courses at a public university. / Transtornos do espectro autista: visão de discentes dos cursos de medicina e enfermagem de uma universidade pública.

The term stigma comes from Greek, being related to the identification of people through a physical mark, which can generate marginalization. The literature points out four types of stigmas: public, institutional, self-esteem, and courtesy. People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders are stigmatized in various cultures and societies. This study describes the view on stigma regarding Autistic Spectrum Disorder among undergraduate medical and nursing students. This is a cross-sectional study of a qualitative approach, whose data were collected through two focus groups, one with medical and another with nursing students, from a public university in Alagoas, Brazil. A script with eight questions for discussion in the focus groups was used. The speeches were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the IRAMUTEQ software, based on content analysis. The Descending Hierarchical Classification showed five categories related to the disorder, which were: 1 - Approach to the person with the disorder; 2 - Experience of Stigma; 3 - Segregation of People with Disorders; 4 - Care of the Person with the Disorder and Class; 5 - Challenges faced by the people affected.

O termo estigma é oriundo do grego, relacionado a identificação de pessoas através de marcação física. A literatura aponta quatro tipos de estigmas: púbico, institucional, autoestima e de cortesia. Pessoas com Transtornos do Espectro Autista são estigmatizadas em diversas culturas e sociedades. Este estudo descreve a visão sobre estigma em relação ao Transtorno do Espectro Autista entre estudantes dos cursos medicina e enfermagem. Estudo transversal, qualitativo, dados coletados por meio de dois grupos focais, um com estudantes de medicina, outro com enfermagem, de uma universidade pública, em Alagoas. Foi utilizado um roteiro com oito perguntas para discussão nos grupos focais. As falas foram gravadas, transcritas e analisadas no software IRAMUTEQ, embasada na análise de conteúdo. A Classificação Hierárquica Descendente apresentou cinco categorias relacionadas ao Transtorno, que foram: 1 - Abordagem da pessoa com o Transtorno; 2 - Vivência de Estigma; 3 - Segregação de Pessoas com Transtorno; 4 - Cuidado com a Pessoa com o Transtorno; e a Classe 5 - Desafios enfrentados pelas pessoas acometidas.

Targeted downregulation of MYC mediated by a highly efficient lactobionic acid-based glycoplex to enhance chemosensitivity in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

The chemosensitization of tumor cells by gene therapy represents a promising strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. In this regard, HCC-specific and highly efficient gene delivery nanocarriers are urgently needed. For this purpose, novel lactobionic acid-based gene delivery nanosystems were developed to downregulate c-MYC expression and sensitize tumor cells to low concentration of sorafenib (SF). A library of tailor-made cationic glycopolymers, based on poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride) (PAMA) and poly(2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate) (PLAMA) were synthesized by a straightforward activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization. The nanocarriers prepared with PAMA114-co-PLAMA20 glycopolymer were the most efficient for gene delivery. These glycoplexes specifically bound to the asialoglycoprotein receptor and were internalized through the clathrin-coated pit endocytic pathway. c-MYC expression was significantly downregulated by MYC short-hairpin RNA (MYC shRNA), resulting in efficient inhibition of tumor cells proliferation and a high levels apoptosis in 2D and 3D HCC-tumor models. Moreover, c-MYC silencing increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to SF (IC50 for MYC shRNA + SF 1.9 µM compared to 6.9 µM for control shRNA + SF). Overall, the data obtained demonstrated the great potential of PAMA114-co-PLAMA20/MYC shRNA nanosystems combined with low doses of SF for the treatment of HCC.

Glycopolymers Mediate Suicide Gene Therapy in ASGPR-Expressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Tandem with Docetaxel.

Cationic glycopolymers stand out as gene delivery nanosystems due to their inherent biocompatibility and high binding affinity to the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), a target receptor overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, their synthesis procedure remains laborious and complex, with problems of solubilization and the need for protection/deprotection steps. Here, a mini-library of well-defined poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride-co-poly(2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate) (PAMA-co-PLAMA) glycopolymers was synthesized by activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) ATRP to develop an efficient gene delivery nanosystem. The glycoplexes generated had suitable physicochemical properties and showed high ASGPR specificity and high transfection efficiency. Moreover, the HSV-TK/GCV suicide gene therapy strategy, mediated by PAMA144-co-PLAMA19-based nanocarriers, resulted in high antitumor activity in 2D and 3D culture models of HCC, which was significantly enhanced by the combination with small amounts of docetaxel. Overall, our results demonstrated the potential of primary-amine polymethacrylate-containing-glycopolymers as HCC-targeted suicide gene delivery nanosystems and highlight the importance of combined strategies for HCC treatment.

Effectiveness of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in advanced chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Thiazide diuretics are first-line drugs for the treatment of hypertension, but hypertension treatment guidelines have systematically discouraged their use in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). For the first time, a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis were performed to assess the effectiveness of thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics to treat hypertension in patients with stages 3b, 4, and 5 CKD. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis that included a literature search using the following databases were performed: MEDLINE through PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) through the Cochrane Library, Embase, and ISI - Web of Science (all databases). Prospective studies that evaluated the effectiveness of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in individuals with a GFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included. RESULTS: Five clinical trials, totaling 214 participants, were included, and the mean GFR ranged from 13.0 ± 5.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 26.8 ± 8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2. There was evidence of a reduction in mean blood pressure and in GFR, as well as in fractional sodium excretion and fractional chloride excretion. CONCLUSION: Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics seem to maintain their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. These findings should spur new prospective randomized trials and spark discussions, particularly about upcoming hypertension guidelines.

pH-responsive nanoparticles based on POEOMA-b-PDPA block copolymers for RNA encapsulation, protection and cell delivery.

The use of gene-based products, such as DNA or RNA, is increasingly being explored for various innovative therapies. However, the success of these strategies is highly dependent on the effective delivery of these biomolecules to target cells. Therefore, the development of pH-responsive nanoparticles comprises the creation of intelligent delivery systems with high therapeutic efficiency. In this work, the pH-responsiveness of the poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate)) (PDPA) block was investigated for the encapsulation and delivery of small RNAs (sRNA) to cancer cells. The pH responsiveness was dependent on the protonation profile of the tertiary amines of PDPA, which directly affected the electrostatic interactions established with RNA. Thus, block copolymers based on poly(oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate) (POEOMA) and PDPA, POEOMA-b-PDPA, were synthesized by supplemental activator and reducing agent atom transfer radical polymerization (SARA ATRP). The structure of the block copolymers was characterized by size exclusion chromatography and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The copolymers allowed effective complexation of model sRNAs and a pre-miRNA with efficiencies of about 89 % and 91 %, respectively. The characterization by dynamic light scattering revealed that these systems had sizes between 76 and 1375 nm. It was also found that the morphology of the polyplexes depended on the pH, since the preparation at a pH lower than the pKa of the copolymers resulted in spherical but polydisperse particles, while higher pH values resulted in nanoparticles with more homogeneous size, but altered morphology. Moreover, due to pH-responsiveness, it was achieved the release of RNA at pH higher than the pKa of the copolymers, while maintaining its integrity. The polyplexes also showed a high potential to protect RNA from RNases. The transfection of a lung cancer model (A549) and fibroblast cell lines showed that these polyplexes did not cause cell toxicity. In addition, the polyplexes enabled the effective transfection of the A549 cell line with pre-miRNA-29b and miRNA-29b, resulting in a decrease of expression levels of the target DNMT3B gene by approximately 51 % and 47 %, respectively. Overall, the POEOMA-b-PDPA copolymers proved to be a promising strategy for developing responsive delivery systems, that can play a critical role in some diseases, such as cancer, where pH varies between the intra and extracellular environments.

Jeitinho Brasileiro: desenvolvimento de uma medida ipsativa baseada em historietas / Brazilian jeitinho: developing an ipsative measure based on daily stories / Jeitinho brasileño: desarrollo de una evaluación ipsativa basada en historias diarias

Este estudo teve por objetivo desenvolver um instrumento para identificação de padrões comportamentais, baseado em situações reais do cotidiano relacionadas ao Jeitinho Brasileiro, que mapeia a tomada de decisão em diferentes contextos sociais. Foram desenvolvidos dois estudos que exploraram o fenômeno. No estudo 1, descreve-se a construção de uma escala de medida ipsativa, de escolha forçada, composta por 11 historietas de situações cotidianas e desfechos que exigem tomadas de decisão. No estudo 2, testa-se o instrumento desenvolvido em uma amostra de 480 participantes. A análise confirmatória de escalonamento multidimensional evidenciou um modelo bidimensional de duas dimensões polarizadas: (1) orientação positivo-negativo (assertivo/malandro) e (2) disposição passivo-ativo (negligente/criativo). A operacionalização de uma medida ipsativa demonstrou uma opção funcional alternativamente à escala tipo Likert, possibilitando a mensuração psicológica para comparação inter-individual. O estudo, portanto, fornece uma ferramenta empírica complementar em uma perspectiva específica para os comportamentos cotidianos sob a ótica do Jeitinho Brasileiro

This study aimed to develop an instrument to identify behavioural patterns based on real everyday situations related to the Brazilian Jeitinho, which maps decisionmaking in different social contexts. Two studies were developed to explore the phenomenon. In study 1, the construction of an ipsative measurement scale (forced-choice) is described, composed of 11 daily stories about real situations and outcomes that require decisionmaking. In study 2, the instrument developed was tested in a sample of 480 participants. Confirmatory multidimensional scaling was carried and showed a two-dimensional model with 2 polarized dimensions: (1) positive-negative orientation (assertive/malandro or rascal) (malandro is like slippery and naughty people) and (2) passive-active disposition (negligent/creative). The operationalization of an ipsative measure demonstrated a functional option as an alternative to the Likert-type scale, enabling psychological measurement for inter-individual comparison. The study, therefore, provides a complementary empirical tool in a specific perspective for everyday behaviours from the perspective of the Brazilian Jeitinho

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar un instrumento para identificar patrones de comportamiento, basado en situaciones cotidianas relacionadas con el "jeitinho" brasileño, que mapee la toma de decisiones en diferentes contextos sociales. Se desarrollaron dos estudios que exploraron el fenómeno. El estudio 1 describe la construcción de una escala de evaluación ipsativa (elección forzada), compuesta de 11 histórias de situaciones cotidianas y desenlaces que requieren la toma de decisiones. El estudio 2 prueba el instrumento desarrollado en una muestra de 480 participantes. El escalamiento multidimensional mostró un modelo bidimensional con 2 dimensiones polarizadas: (1) orientación positiva-negativa (asertivo/bribón) y (2) disposición pasivoactiva (negligente/creativa). La operacionalización de una medida ipsativa demostró una opción funcional alternativamente a la escala tipo Likert, permitiendo la medición psicológica para la comparación interindividual. El estudio, por lo tanto, proporciona una herramienta empírica complementaria en una perspectiva específica para los comportamientos cotidianos desde la perspectiva del "jeitinho" brasileño

ECG Tutor: desenvolvimento e avaliação de um sistema tutor inteligente gamificado para ensino de eletrocardiograma / ECG Tutor: a gamified intelligent tutoring system for electrocardiogram teaching

Resumo: Introdução: Novas abordagens metodológicas têm sido sugeridas na tentativa de aprimorar a aquisição de habilidades em interpretação de eletrocardiograma (ECG), comprovadamente complexa e de difícil assimilação. Diante da expansão das metodologias ativas e do estímulo às inovações tecnológicas para o ensino médico, o uso de tecnologias de internet (e-learning) ganha força, destacando a utilização de plataformas com inteligência artificial, como os sistemas tutores inteligentes (STI), por sua capacidade de promover instrução adaptativa. Pesquisadores têm utilizado gamificação (técnicas de design de jogos) em conjunto com os STI, reportando maior engajamento. Objetivo: Buscando melhorar o desempenho de aprendizagem em ECG entre graduandos de Medicina por meio do desenvolvimento de novas metodologias e considerando os benefícios dos STI e do uso da gamificação na educação médica, o presente estudo objetivou explorar o interesse e a motivação dos acadêmicos de Medicina na utilização conjunta de tais tecnologias para estudar ECG. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória e quantitativa, na qual protótipos do design gráfico de STI gamificado instrutor de ECG foram idealizados por professores do curso médico e avaliados por acadêmicos de Medicina de uma universidade pública e outra particular após aprimoramento para um formato interativo, com a contribuição de uma equipe interdisciplinar. Resultado: No primeiro momento, participaram da pesquisa 53 graduandos do quinto ao 11º período do curso. Reduziu-se esse número para 14 na segunda etapa. A análise mostrou aprovação nos aspectos relacionados à facilidade de uso percebida, à utilidade percebida, à atitude em direção ao uso e à intenção de uso. Evidenciou-se a premência de adaptação também para dispositivos móveis e aperfeiçoamento nos elementos de gamificação e estética. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que os alunos de Medicina demonstraram intenção de uso futuro do ECG Tutor, implicando a necessidade de desenvolvimento de uma solução computacional do sistema e mensuração do seu impacto no aprendizado dos estudantes.

Abstract: Introduction: New methodological approaches have been suggested in an attempt to improve the acquisition of skills in electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, known to be complex and difficult to assimilate. Considering the expansion of active methodologies and the encouragement of technological innovations for medical education, the use of internet technologies (e-learning) has gained strength, highlighting the use of artificial intelligence platforms, such as intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), for their capacity to promote adaptive instruction. Researchers have used gamification (game design techniques) in conjunction with ITS, reporting greater engagement. Objective: Seeking to improve ECG learning performance among medical students through the development of new methodologies and considering the benefits of ITS and the use of gamification in medical education, the present study aimed to explore the interest and motivation of medical students in the use joint use of these technologies to study ECG. Method: This is an exploratory, quantitative study, in which graphic design prototypes of a gamified ECG instructor ITS were created by teachers of the medical course and evaluated by medical students from a public university and another private university after improvement into an interactive format, with the contribution of an interdisciplinary team. Result: At first, 53 undergraduate students from the 5th to the 11th semesters of the course participated in the study. That number was reduced to 14 in the second stage. The analysis showed approval of aspects related to perceived easy-to-use format, perceived usefulness, attitude towards use and intention to use. On the other hand, an urgent need to adapt to mobile devices and improve gamification and aesthetic elements was observed. Conclusion: The obtained results allowed us to conclude that medical students intend to use the ECG Tutor in the future, implying the need to develop a computational solution for the system and measure its impact on student learning.

IoT Clusters for Enhancing Multimedia Applications.

In this paper, we present a framework for exploring the spare capacity of IoT devices for clustered execution of multimedia applications. Applications of this type are usually framed with specific quality parameters that enable a desirable level of service. This means that the IoT cluster must guarantee strict quality ranges of service to work as expected. The framework is totally customizable, and QoS dimensions can be easily added or removed given their relevance in the application scenario. The achieved results clearly demonstrate the utility of using the spare capacity of IoT devices, otherwise unused, to cooperatively execute servies within the desired quality of service levels.

Watch and wait, worth It?

Background: The surgery with total mesorectal excision recommended by R. J. Heald in 1982 is the gold standard. Rectal cancer (RC) surgery has a morbidity rate ranging from 6 to 35%, and it can cause functional issues such as sexual, urinary, and bowel dysfunction in the long term. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been gaining ground in patients with lesions in the middle and lower rectum. The aim of the present study is to present the experience of a reference service in the treatment of RC. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study involving 53 patients diagnosed with RC between January 2017 and December 2019 with follow-up until December 2020. We examined tumor location, disease stage, digital rectal exam findings, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), therapeutic modality offered, and follow-up time. Results: A total of 32% of the patients were men and 68% were women, with a mean age of 60 years old. Location: upper rectum in 6 cases, middle rectum in 21 cases, and lower rectum in 26 cases with evolution from 9.8 to 13.5 months. The most frequent complaints were hematochezia and constipation. A total of 36 patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy: 11 complete clinical response (CCR) (30.5%), 20 (55.5%) partial clinical response (PCR), and no response in 5 patients (14%). The follow-up ranged from 12 to 48 months, with a mean of 30.5 months. A total of 25% of the patients had RC that went beyond the mesorectal fascia, and 22.64% had metastases in other parts of the body when they were diagnosed. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant radio and chemotherapy present themselves as an alternative in the treatment of rectal cancer. In 36 patients, 30.5% had a complete clinical response, 55.5% had a partial clinical response, and 14% had no response. It was worth doing the "Watch and Wait" (W&W) to sample. A definitive colostomy was avoided. However, it is necessary to expand the study to a larger follow-up and more patients. Additionally, it is necessary to implement a multicenter study. (AU)