Promoting social cohesion during blended learning in a Foundation Degree

This paper explores curriculum theory and principles, evaluates the social cohesion of curricula, and synthesises theory and policies related to education for sustainable development, whilst evaluating and enhancing a higher education blended learning module. Blended learning is defined as a ‘pedagogical approach that combines the opportunities of face-to-face learning with the opportunities of the online environment’ (Hew and Cheung, 2014, p. 3). The key challenge is social cohesion, specifically learner collaboration and social learning, which Lockhorst, Admiraal and Pilot (2010) break down into participation, interaction and the nature of the communication. To identify strategies to enhance the module, thereby maximising social cohesion and collaboration, this paper explores the module’s curriculum: the policy context, theoretical principles of curriculum design, social cohesion in the context of the parity of esteem between work-based and academic learning, and education for sustainable development. It concludes by proposing enhancements to the module curriculum to meet the demands of twenty-first century graduates (Ashwin et al., 2015, p. 159) and education for sustainable development

NOTE-TAKING IN INTERPRETING CLASS

Note-Taking is said to be helpful in undertaking interpreting task, particularly in consecutive interpreting. As research found out, note-taking was proved to be ‘a necessary helper’ in consecutive interpretation (Meifang, 2012). In informal research in two interpreting classes it was found out that for majority of the students note-taking was helpful. However, in consecutive interpreting practice some students found that it was distracting and made the interpreting task even more difficult because they had to do two tasks at the same time, i.e. listening to the speech to be interpreted and thinking about what to write. In addition, they also claimed that they had difficulties in using their notes for accomplishing the interpreting task. More practices were then given on how to take notes during the interpreting task. The factor which students claimed to be intimidating was also eliminated. This paper will present how the note-taking practice works in the interpreting classes. Keywords: note-taking, interpretin

The process of developing new competences : a case study at a family agricultural production unit

This article addresses the difficulties faced by farmers who implement new production methods on their land. We discuss the nature of the new competences that farmers must develop, highlighting the complexities of the means they use, the difficulties they confront in this process, and the strategies farmers develop in consonance with the practical knowledge of their profession. The method used includes elements of Ergonomic Work Analysis combined with a case study. Le Boterf's model of the process of constructing competences is used to support the data analysis. The discussion is organized based on an analysis of the evolution of consolidated competences that are re-elaborated for a new agricultural production. The analysis of the strategies and operational modes is introduced, and their contribution to the development of new competences is noted, thus enriching the model proposed by Le Boterf. It is essential to understand the cognitive processes, strategies, and operating modes involved in the development of competences. This procedure provides mechanisms that preserve the opportunity for observation of significant variables in managing variability to be included in the transformation or evolution of work situations and to define the activities that workers will perform

Architectural programming from the perspective of ergonomics : a case study in the public sector

A falta de correspondência entre os ambientes construídos e o uso de edifícios destinados ao Judiciário brasileiro sugerem a dificuldade dos arquitetos em atender, em seus projetos, os requisitos qualitativos e quantitativos das necessidades dos servidores e da organização. A associação da abordagem da ergonomia da atividade à programação arquitetônica foi realizada em resposta à demanda de um novo edifício-sede para um órgão judicial. Tendo uma dissertação de mestrado como referência empírica, este artigo pretende definir parâmetros, fundamentados em procedimentos metodológicos, como suporte para o processo de programação. A equipe multidisciplinar envolvida com a investigação facilitou a articulação das diferentes etapas da análise ergonômica do trabalho. A formação de grupos focais possibilitou a coleta dos dados por meio das representações dos servidores das diferentes unidades do órgão. A definição de módulos de áreas, fundamentada nos dados coletados, permitiu que elementos qualitativos fossem incorporados ao dimensionamento do projeto. Observações sistemáticas em um recorte da situação de estudo complementam a validação dos dados. Ressalta-se a importância do tema na expectativa de aproximação dos arquitetos aos edifícios projetados para o setor público, agregando a realidade de trabalho nos ambientes construídos por eles projetados.The lack of correspondence between the constructed environments and the use of Brazilian Judicial buildings suggests the difficult that architects have to deal, by their design, with the qualitative and the quantitative requirements of both employees and organization. The association of the activity ergonomic approach to architectural programming was done to answer the demand for a new headquarters building of a judicial agency. Taking into account a master dissertation as empirical reference, this paper intends to define parameters, based on methodological procedures, to support programming process. The multidisciplinary team involved in the research allowed connecting the diferent steps of the work ergonomic analysis. The implementation of focus groups made it possible to collect data from different employees' representations. The area modules definition, based on the collected data, added qualitative elements to the dimensioning process of the design. Systematic observations of a sample of this study completed the data validation. We enhance the importance of this subject expecting that architects could get closer to public buildings design adding the work reality to the constructed environments designed by them

Working at call centers and searching for meaning in "meaningless" tasks

Este artigo apresenta uma discussão relativa a aspectos significativos do trabalho em centrais de atendimento estudadas sob o ponto de vista da ergonomia e da psicodinâmica do trabalho. A discussão se apóia nos estudos realizados em empresas situadas nas cidades de São Paulo e Brasília entre meados dos anos 1990 e início dos anos 2000. As centrais de atendimento em questão se dedicam sobretudo a atividades financeiras (cartões de crédito, bancos), serviço público e telefonia (celular e fixa). Os resultados apontam para a importância de se modificar os paradigmas que norteiam o projeto do trabalho dos atendentes visando reverter os processos de sofrimento e adoecimento no trabalho. Além disso, eles sugerem novos paradigmas nos quais o trabalho é considerado como uma ferramenta de desenvolvimento profissional. Portanto, um meio para a realização pessoal dos atendentes e também para atingir objetivos de produtividade e qualidade compatíveis com o desenvolvimento humano e das organizações.Based on ergonomics and psychodynamics of work, this article discusses some significant aspects of work at call centres. The results are based on research carried out in companies located in São Paulo and Brasília, between the 90s and the beginnings of the year 2000. The call centers under study are mainly in the area of finance (credit cards and banks), but they are also from public services and telephone companies. Other than showing the importance of changing paradigms that guide operators' work, in order to reduce suffering and illness, the results suggest new paradigms in which work is a tool for operators' professional growth. Therefore, work as a mean to personal fulfilment, as well as to achieve productivity and quality goals , respecting human development in organizations

Improving the Students' English Proficiency Through Literature: Language-based Approach

This article presents a library study of an approach of teaching literature that emphasizes on improving the students' English language proficiency through literature and a practice of the approach in the classroom by using a literary work written by Anton Chekhov entitled ‘A Marriage Proposal'. The study aims at discussing a theory of an approach for teaching literature which attempts to improve the students' linguistic competence through literary works. The approach is chosen in accordance to Van (2009)'s review of the approaches to literary analysis, in this case by emphasizing on the approach for improving the students' language skill through literature which is called Language-based Approach. This study also apply Lazar's (1993) procedures of language-based approach which cover the pre-reading, while-reading, and post-reading activities

Cetamina y analgesia preemptiva

BACKAGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since the finding that ketamine blocks NMDA receptors in the neurons of spinal dorsal horn, it has been used to inhibit or decrease central sensitization triggered by nociceptive stimulations. This study aimed at presenting pharmacological aspects of racemic ketamine and its levogyrous compound, as well as its usefulness for preemptive analgesia. CONTENTS: Current preemptive analgesia concepts, pharmacological aspects of ketamine and its levogyrous compound, as well as experimental and clinical trials on ketamine and its use in preemptive analgesia are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of ketamine in inhibiting or decreasing central sensitization triggered by nociceptive stimulations is not totally confirmed, probably due to different study and statistical analysis methods.JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Desde la descubierta de que la cetamina bloquea los receptores NMDA en los neuronios del cuerno dorsal de la médula, ella ha sido usada para inhibir o reducir la sensibilización central provocada por estímulos nociceptivos. Así, este trabajo tiene por finalidad mostrar aspectos farmacológicos de la cetamina racemica y de su compuesto levogiro y su empleo en la analgesia preemptiva. CONTENIDO: Se presentan conceptos actuales sobre analgesia preemptiva, aspectos farmacológicos de la cetamina y su derivado levogiro, bien como estudios experimentales y clínicos sobre la cetamina y su uso en analgesia preemptiva. CONCLUSIONES: Aun no está totalmente comprobada la eficacia de la cetamina en inhibir o reducir la sensibilización central provocada por estímulos nociceptivos. Probablemente eso se deba al uso de diferentes métodos de estudio y de análisis estadística.JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Desde a descoberta de que a cetamina bloqueia os receptores NMDA nos neurônios do corno dorsal da medula, ela tem sido usada para inibir ou reduzir a sensibilização central provocada por estímulos nociceptivos. Assim, este trabalho visa mostrar aspectos farmacológicos da cetamina racêmica e de seu composto levogiro e seu emprego na analgesia preemptiva. CONTEÚDO: São apresentados conceitos atuais sobre analgesia preemptiva, aspectos farmacológicos da cetamina e seu derivado levogiro, bem como estudos experimentais e clínicos sobre a cetamina e seu uso em analgesia preemptiva. CONCLUSÕES: Ainda não está totalmente comprovada a eficácia da cetamina em inibir ou reduzir a sensibilização central provocada por estímulos nociceptivos. Provavelmente isso se deva ao uso de diferentes métodos de estudo e de análise estatística.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUniversidade Federal do MaranhãoUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Analgesia preemptiva

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pain control started to be more investigated in the last decade, when it has been observed that postoperative analgesia was inadequate. The word preemptive implies a type of analgesia which, induced before pain stimulation, prevents or minimizes subsequent pain. This study is an update on preemptive analgesia and provides new alternatives for postoperative pain relief. CONTENTS: Preemptive analgesia is recommended to prevent pain caused by central nervous system changes during surgery in consequence of the non-suppression of painful stimuli conduction to the brain. Many experimental studies in animals and humans have been performed to show a preemptive effect, but results are still unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Although some clinical evidences of the effects of preemptive analgesia, more studies are needed to determine the real value of this type of analgesia in controlling postoperative pain.JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El control del dolor pós-operatorio ha sido muy investigado en las últimas décadas, cuando se verificó que la analgesia pós-operatoria era inadecuada. El término preemptiva implica en una forma de analgesia que, iniciada antes del estímulo doloroso ser generado, previene o diminuye el dolor subsecuente. Este estudio tiene como objetivo una actualización sobre analgesia preemptiva posibilitando nuevas alternativas para el tratamiento del dolor pós-operatorio. CONTENIDO: La analgesia preemptiva fue recomendada para prevenir el dolor causado por cambios en el sistema nervioso central durante el acto operatorio, debido a la no supresión de la conducción del estímulo doloroso para el encéfalo. Varios estudios tanto laboratoriales como clínicos han sido realizados con el intento de demostrar efecto preemptivo de métodos de analgesia, sin embargo los resultados aun son discutibles y conflictantes. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de existir algunas evidencias clínicas del efecto de la analgesia preemptiva, hay necesidad de más estudios para elucidar el real valor de ese tipo de analgesia en el control del dolor pós-operatorio.JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O controle da dor pós-operatória tem sido muito investigado nas últimas décadas, quando se verificou que a analgesia pós-operatória era inadequada. O termo preemptiva implica em uma forma de analgesia que, iniciada antes do estímulo doloroso ser gerado, previne ou diminui a dor subseqüente. Este estudo tem como objetivo uma atualização sobre analgesia preemptiva possibilitando novas alternativas para o tratamento da dor pós-operatória. CONTEÚDO: A analgesia preemptiva foi recomendada para prevenir a dor causada por mudanças no sistema nervoso central durante o ato operatório, devido à não supressão da condução do estímulo doloroso para o encéfalo. Vários estudos tanto laboratoriais como clínicos têm sido realizados com o intuito de demonstrar efeito preemptivo de métodos de analgesia, porém os resultados ainda são discutíveis e conflitantes. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de existir algumas evidências clínicas do efeito da analgesia preemptiva, há necessidade de mais estudos para elucidar o real valor desse tipo de analgesia no controle da dor pós-operatória.Universidade Federal do MaranhãoUNIFESP-EPMUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Cannabidiol Attenuates Sensorimotor Gating Disruption and Molecular Changes Induced by Chronic Antagonism of NMDA receptors in Mice

Background: Preclinical and clinical data suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychotomimetic compound from Cannabis sativa, induces antipsychotic-like effects. However, the antipsychotic properties of repeated CBD treatment have been poorly investigated. Behavioral changes induced by repeated treatment with glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists have been proposed as an animal model of schizophrenia-like signs. In the present study, we evaluated if repeated treatment with CBD would attenuate the behavioral and molecular modifications induced by chronic administration of one of these antagonists, MK-801. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received daily i.p. injections of MK-801 (0.1, 0.5, or 1mg/kg) for 14, 21, or 28 days. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, animals were submitted to the prepulse inhibition (PPI) test. After that, we investigated if repeated treatment with CBD (15, 30, and 60mg/kg) would attenuate the PPI impairment induced by chronic treatment with MK-801 (1mg/kg; 28 days). CBD treatment began on the 6th day after the start of MK-801 administration and continued until the end of the treatment. Immediately after the PPI, the mice brains were removed and processed to evaluate the molecular changes. We measured changes in FosB/ΔFosB and parvalbumin (PV) expression, a marker of neuronal activity and a calciumbinding protein expressed in a subclass of GABAergic interneurons, respectively. Changes in mRNA expression of the NMDAR GluN1 subunit gene (GRN1) were also evaluated. CBD effects were compared to those induced by the atypical antipsychotic clozapine. Results: MK-801 administration at the dose of 1mg/kg for 28 days impaired PPI responses. Chronic treatment with CBD (30 and 60mg/kg) attenuated PPI impairment. MK-801 treatment increased FosB/ΔFosB expression and decreased PV expression in the medial prefrontal cortex. A decreased mRNA level of GRN1 in the hippocampus was also observed. All the molecular changes were attenuated by CBD. CBD by itself did not induce any effect. Moreover, CBD effects were similar to those induced by repeated clozapine treatment

Estudio comparativo entre levobupivacaína a 0,5% y bupivacaína racémica a 0,5% asociadas al sufentanil en la anestesia peridural para cesáre

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the widespread use of local anesthetics in surgery and obstetrics, racemic bupivacaine is associated to potentially fatal cardiotoxicity. Data suggest that levobupivacaine has local anesthetic effects similar to racemic bupivacaine with the advantage of less central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity. Studies have shown that epidural anesthesia with racemic bupivacaine and sufentanil for cesarean sections results in a better quality of anesthesia. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of 0.5% racemic bupivacaine and 0.5% levobupivacaine, both associated to sufentanil, for epidural anesthesia in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery. METHODS: Participated in this double-blind study 52 obstetric patients submitted to elective cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia. Patients were randomized to receive 27 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 30 µg sufentanil (Group I n=26) or 27 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 30 µg sufentanil (Group II n=26). Characteristics of sensory and motor block, time for analgesics request in the postoperative period and the incidence of side effects were investigated. RESULTS: Sensory and motor block, time for analgesics request and adverse effects did not differ between groups. However, motor block was significantly longer with levobupivacaine as compared to racemic bupivacaine (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although a longer motor block duration with 0.5% epidural levobupivacaine associated to sufentanil, the efficacy of both local anesthetics associated to sufentanil for cesarean delivery was similar.JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: A pesar del uso frecuente de anestésicos locales en procedimientos quirúrgicos y obstétricos, la bupivacaína racémica es asociada a la cardiotoxicidad potencialmente fatal. Estudios sugieren que la levobupivacaína presenta acción anestésica local semejante a la bupivacaína racémica, con la ventaja de menor toxicidad tanto en el sistema nervioso central como cardiovascular. Los trabajos han demostrado mejor calidad anestésica con el uso de bupivacaína racémica asociada al sufentanil, vía peridural para cesárea. El presente estudio compara la eficacia de la bupivacaína racémica 0,5% con levobupivacaína 0,5%, ambas asociadas al sufentanil, vía peridural, en parturientas sometidas a cesárea. MÉTODO: Fueron investigadas 52 mujeres embarazadas, sometidas a anestesia peridural para cesárea electiva. En este estudio duplamente encubierto, las pacientes fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en dos grupos: Grupo I (n = 26): recibieron 27 ml de levobupivacaína 0,5% y 30 µg de sufentanil, Grupo II (n = 26) recibieran 27 ml de bupivacaína 0,5% y 30 µg de sufentanil. Fueron evaluadas las características de los bloqueos motor y sensorial, el tiempo necesario para solicitación de analgésicos y la incidencia de efectos adversos en el período pós-operatorio. RESULTADOS: Los bloqueos motor y sensorial, el tiempo para solicitación de analgésicos y los efectos adversos no divergieron entre los grupos. Entretanto, cuando se comparó la duración del bloqueo motor de la levobupivacaína con el de la bupivacaína racémica, se observó duración significantemente prolongada para levobupivacaína (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de la duración del bloqueo motor ser más prolongado para la levobupivacaína asociada al sufentanil, la eficacia anestésica de ambos anestésicos locales investigados, asociados al sufentanil en cesárea por vía peridural, fueron iguales.JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Apesar do uso freqüente de anestésicos locais em procedimentos cirúrgicos e obstétricos, a bupivacaína racêmica é associada à cardiotoxicidade potencialmente fatal. Estudos sugerem que a levobupivacaína apresenta ação anestésica local semelhante à bupivacaína racêmica, com a vantagem de menor toxicidade tanto no sistema nervoso central como cardiovascular. Os trabalhos têm demonstrado melhor qualidade anestésica com uso de bupivacaína racêmica associada à sufentanil, via peridural para cesariana. O presente estudo compara a eficácia da bupivacaína racêmica 0,5% com levobupivacaína 0,5%, ambas associadas o sufentanil, via peridural, em parturientes submetidas a cesariana. MÉTODO: Foram investigadas 52 gestantes, submetidas à anestesia peridural para cesariana eletiva. Neste estudo duplamente encoberto, as pacientes foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: Grupo I (n = 26): receberam 27 ml de levobupivacaína 0,5% e 30 µg de sufentanil, Grupo II (n = 26) receberam 27 ml de bupivacaína 0,5% e 30 µg de sufentanil. Foram avaliados as características dos bloqueios motor e sensorial, o tempo necessário para solicitação de analgésicos e a incidência de efeitos adversos no período pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Os bloqueios motor e sensorial, o tempo para solicitação de analgésicos e os efeitos adversos não diferiram entre os grupos. Entretanto, quando se comparou a duração do bloqueio motor da levobupivacaína com da bupivacaína racêmica, observou-se duração significantemente prolongada para levobupivacaína (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar da duração do bloqueio motor ser mais prolongado para a levobupivacaína associada ao sufentanil, a eficácia anestésica de ambos os anestésicos locais investigados associados ao sufentanil em cesariana por via peridural, foram iguais.UFMAUFMA Hospital Universitário Materno InfantilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL