Search

In educational data mining (EDM), preprocessing is an arduous and complex task and must promote an appropriate treatment of data to solve each specific educational problem. In the same way, the parameters used in the evaluation of postprocessing results are decisive in the interpretation of the results and decision-making in the future. These two steps have as much influence on obtaining good results in EDM as the algorithms used. However, in the dissemination of the results of studies on this topic, emphasis is placed only on the evaluation of the algorithms used. Thus, the present study sought to carry out a systematic review of the literature on this topic, focusing on the exploration of the preprocessing performed and on the metrics for evaluating the results. It is observed in many studies that the description and evaluation of the preprocessing and the use of several metrics to evaluate the algorithms used are negligible. However, without a proper explanation of the meaning of each metric to reach the proposed objective.

Augmented reality (AR) technology is increasingly present in chemistry teaching and learning processes. It is seen as an important pedagogical resource that allows enhancing the understanding of complex concepts at most educational levels. However, even though numerous benefits related to AR in education have been reported, no systematic review has been conducted specifically addressing the use of this technology in chemistry education. Thus, a systematic literature review was carried out in order to grasp the particularities of this scenario, such as those related to the main topics in chemistry in which AR is used, the most frequently used devices and the main advantages and challenges of this technology. Forty-nine papers were analysed, recovered from five databases, between the years 2011 and 2020. Among the results, an increase in publications was identified in the last three years, with smartphones and tablets being the predominant devices. Molecular structures were the topic of chemistry to which AR has been most frequently applied for teaching and learning, and the advantages of using this technology were concentrated in the affective learning domain. Regarding the challenges identified, they were related to students' difficulty of use, distraction and technical problems. The research conclusions also address gaps in research and present suggestions and directions for future work.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to characterize hearing symptoms, habits, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) of personal audio system (PAS) used by young adults; estimate the risk of developing hearing loss and assess whether instructions given to users led to behavioral changes; and propose recommendations for PAS users. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed in 50 subjects with normal hearing. Procedures included questionnaire and measurement of PAS SPLs (real ear and manikin) through the users' own headphones and devices while they listened to four songs. After 1 year, 30 subjects answered questions about their usage habits. For the statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, Lin and Spearman coefficients, the chi-square test, and logistic regression were used. Results: Most subjects listened to music every day, usually in noisy environments. Sixty percent of the subjects reported hearing symptoms after using a PAS. Substantial variability in the equivalent music listening level (Leq) was noted (M = 84.7 dBA; min = 65.1 dBA, max = 97.5 dBA). A significant difference was found only in the 4-kHz band when comparing the real-ear and manikin techniques. Based on the Leq, 38% of the individuals exceeded the maximum daily time allowance. Comparison of the subjects according to the maximum allowed daily exposure time revealed a higher number of hearing complaints from people with greater exposure. After 1 year, 43% of the subjects reduced their usage time, and 70% reduced the volume. A volume not exceeding 80% was recommended, and at this volume, the maximum usage time should be 160 min. Conclusions: The habit of listening to music at high intensities on a daily basis seems to cause hearing symptoms, even in individuals with normal hearing. The real-ear and manikin techniques produced similar results. Providing instructions on this topic combined with measuring PAS SPLs may be an appropriate strategy for raising the awareness of people who are at risk.

Cream cheese is a type of fresh cheese with a thin consistency with great potential for adding probiotics. However, artificial thickeners have been used in its production, decreasing consumer satisfaction. This study suggests natural mucilage, specifically from the Cactaceae Opuntia ficus-indica, as a replacement for artificial thickeners due to its thick gelatinous properties. This study evaluated different cream cheese formulations by adding varying concentrations of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage and the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). Four formulations were created: formulation C (control, without mucilage), F1 (containing 1 mL/kg mucilage), F2 (2 mL/kg), and F3 (3 mL/kg mucilage). The physicochemical characteristics (pH, 4.90–5.57; 0.15–0.20% acidity; 1.78–2.42% protein; 29.98–30.88% fat; 38.27–41.63% moisture; and 1.25–1.63% ash) and microbiological analysis met the quality standards required by Brazilian legislation, and the cream cheese showed probiotic potential, with L. acidophilus counts above 108 CFU/mL within four weeks of storage. Regarding sensory evaluation, the texture received one of the highest scores (7.89), followed by aroma (7.11). Therefore, the Cactaceae mucilage has proven to be a viable alternative to replace artificial thickeners in cream cheese, making it an excellent option for probiotic supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital Information and Communication Technologies act as partners in the educational context, making it more dynamic through Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). The adaptive system is based on technological solutions/tools, which allow the customization of teaching processes according to the student's singularities. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to elucidate which educational performance indicators best guide adaptive learning in virtual learning environments. To this end, we adopted the principles of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) as a systematic review protocol, and as operational support, we used the online tool Parsifal. The initial database search - IEEE, ACM, and Scopus - returned 276 articles. After filtering based on the protocol, 16 articles remained part of the analysis and discussion corpus. The RSL results indicate that most of the indicators used to guide activities are based on the correctness and error of the questions. This shows that there is still much to be implemented in learning adaptability in virtual environments; for a more holistic assessment of learning, it is necessary to consider an integrated set of these indicators and not just individualized analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Portomesenteric Venous Thrombosis (PMVT) is a rare but serious complication of Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS). Although more frequently reported after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), the risk factors for PMVT remain unclear. This study aims to compare the incidence and determinants of PMVT between LSG and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of 5235 MBSs conducted at our institution between 2015 and 2023 identified five cases of PMVT. Additionally, a systematic review in March 2023, covering PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, was performed. Several data were analyzed regarding risk factors. (3) Results: In our case series, the incidence of PMVT was 0.1%. The five cases described involved four females with a BMI between 39.7 and 56.0 kg/m2. Their comorbidities were associated with metabolic syndrome, all women used oral contraceptive and two patients were diagnosed with thrombophilia or pulmonary embolism. Per protocol, thromboprophylaxis was administered to all patients. Diagnosis was made at a median of 16 days post-surgery, with abdominal pain being the main presenting symptom. Acute cases were managed with enoxaparin, unfractionated heparin and fibrinolysis. One patient required surgery. Ten studies were included in the systematic review and 205 patients with PMVT were identified: 193 (94.1%) post-LSG and 12 post-LRYGB. The most common comorbidities were dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and liver disorders; (4) Conclusions: PMVT is a potentially life-threatening complication after MBS, requiring preventive measures, timely diagnosis and several treatments. Our findings suggest a higher occurrence in women with an elevated BMI and post-LSG. Tailored thromboprophylaxis for MBS patients at risk of PMVT may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is an emerging technique for delivering chemotherapy directly to the peritoneum via a pressurized aerosol. Its growing attention stems from its effectiveness in treating peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) originating from various primary tumors, with gastric cancer (GC) being among the most prevalent. This study aimed to systematically investigate PIPAC's therapeutic role in gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis (GCPM). Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searching Pubmed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. The meta-analysis of relative risks and mean differences compared patients undergoing one or two PIPAC sessions with those completing three or more, assessing various outcomes. Results: Eighteen studies underwent qualitative analysis, and four underwent quantitative analysis. Patients with three or more PIPAC procedures had shorter hospital stays (MD = −1.2; 95%CI (−1.9; −0.5); p < 0.001), higher rates of histopathological response (RR = 1.77, 95%CI 1.08; 2.90; p = 0.023), and significantly improved overall survival (MD = 6.0; 95%CI 4.2; 7.8; p < 0.001). Other outcomes showed no significant differences. Conclusions: PIPAC demonstrated efficacy in carefully selected patients, enhancing histopathologic response rates and overall survival without prolonging hospital stays. This study underscores the necessity for randomized controlled trials and precise selection criteria to refine PIPAC's implementation in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore and investigate the potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially ChatGPT, in assisting foreign students in their cultural adaptation in a new country. The research involved immigrants from Venezuela and Haiti in a short-term vocational course in 2023, in the city of Porto Alegre/RS. The results highlight the important role of ChatGPT in providing support and information for the cultural adaptation of foreign students and integrating them through generative technologies. It is important to highlight that AI complements, rather than replaces, human support and welcoming, expanding learning opportunities and enriching the experience of foreign students in their cultural adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RDBCI: Revista Digital de Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação is the property of Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Portal de Periodicos Eletronicos Cientificos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

O presente artigo volta-se à reflexão da participação e do controle social no processo de democratização da gestão pública. Para tanto, debruça-se sobre a análise da política de assistência social e sobre seu sistema de organização, destacando alguns modelos de participação, reproduzidos no cotidiano social, que se antagonizam à participação política e ao controle social efetivo, entendidos como pilares concretos para a implementação de uma gestão efetivamente democrática e sintonizada com a consolidação da política de assistência social e do SUAS nos moldes constitucionais democráticos.

Este artigo analisa o projeto Premio Escola Nota 10, criado em 2009 pelo Estado do Ceará, Brasil, com o objetivo de servir como uma política indutora da melhoria dos resultados das escolas públicas nos índices de desempenho escolar do Sistema Permanente de Avaliação da Educação Básica do Ceará (SPAECE). O prêmio se destina a um total de 300 escolas da educação básica, sendo 150 escolas do 2.º ano e 150 escolas do 5.º ano, que apresentam, entre outros requisitos, elevado desempenho escolar. As escolas premiadas recebem recursos financeiros para aplicá-los em projetos educacionais. O valor do prêmio é entregue a cada escola premiada em duas parcelas: a primeira, de 75% do valor total, e a segunda, de 25%. A transferência da segunda parcela está condicionada, principalmente, à realização de ações de cooperação técnico-pedagógica que contribuam para a melhoria de uma das escolas que teve baixo desempenho. O diferencial deste projeto, além de reconhecer o trabalho realizado pelas escolas que alcançaram alto desempenho, é sua capacidade de induzir relações de cooperação por meio da transferência de conhecimentos e experiências entre uma escola de alto e outra de baixo desempenho.

Methylene blue and safranin orange dyes, which are used in the textile and pharmaceutical industries, can severely damage the environment and human health. This study investigated the use of okara residue as an alternative biosorbent for the removal of methylene blue and safranin orange dyes. Substantial amounts of okara residue are generated daily during the processing of soy milk in the agro‐industrial sector. Dye adsorption was not affected by pH. An adsorption study identified the optimal experimental conditions as: 298 K, 0.03 g of adsorbent in 30 mL of dye solution at a concentration of 50 mg L−1, and a contact time of 300 min for methylene blue dye, and 298 K, 0.02 g of adsorbent in 30 mL of dye solution at a concentration of 50 mg L−1, and a contact time of 200 min for safranin orange dye; the maximum adsorption capacities were 93.201 ± 0.01 and 184 592 ± 0.02 mg g−1, respectively. Okara has considerable advantages over other natural materials as an alternative for the treatment of industrial effluents. Because it is easily obtained and does not require any physicochemical treatment, adsorption does not require any specific operation temperature. In addition, okara exhibited a high adsorption capacity compared to other natural materials that require chemical and physical processing for adsorbent preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]