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Abstract The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) has two scientific objectives of cosmological focus: to probe the expansion rate of the universe, and to understand stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds and their implications for early universe and particle physics, from the MeV to the Planck scale. However, the range of potential cosmological applications of gravitational-wave observations extends well beyond these two objectives. This publication presents a summary of the state of the art in LISA cosmology, theory and methods, and identifies new opportunities to use gravitational-wave observations by LISA to probe the universe.

Resumo Introdução: O curso de Medicina constitui uma jornada de formação profissional exigente, acentuando-se nos dois últimos anos, no período do internato. Ocorre a exposição a inúmeros fatores estressantes, como o contato com a morte. O morrer envolve aspectos biológicos, sociais, culturais, legais, religiosos e históricos, mas, na medicina, é visto como ato de falha médica por causa da ausência de treinamento para manejá-lo. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os fatores associados às atitudes perante a morte em estudantes internos de Medicina. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal analítico com abordagem quantitativa. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de questionários aplicados de modo digital a estudantes internos de Medicina de todo país. Utilizaram-se os seguintes instrumentos: um questionário sociodemográfico e de aspectos relacionados à vivência com a morte e a Escala de Avaliação do Perfil de Atitudes acerca da Morte (EAPAM). Resultado: A amostra investigada foi de 171 internos de Medicina, sendo 74,9% do sexo feminino, 45% da religião católica e idade média de 24 anos. No fator medo da morte, houve maior escore nos estudantes de religião católica (p = 0,0395) e nos que não se consideraram preparados para lidar com a morte (p = 0,0010). No fator evitar a morte, maior escore no estado civil casado (p = 0,0147) e nos estudantes que não se consideraram preparados para lidar com a morte (p = 0,0020). Na aceitação por escape, maior escore nos estudantes de religião protestante (p = 0,0270), nos que referiram ter atendido paciente que faleceu (p = 0,0030) e nos que afirmaram que não se consideram empáticos (p = 0,0261). Na aceitação neutra, maior escore nos estudantes adeptos de outras religiões (p = 0,0296) e nos que afirmaram ter orientação sexual homoafetiva (p = 0,0398). Na aceitação religiosa, maior escore nos estudantes do sexo feminino (p = 0,0490), de estado civil casado (p = 0,0006), de religião protestante (p < 0,0001), com forte envolvimento religioso (p < 0,0001) e que atenderam paciente que veio a falecer (p = 0,0150). Conclusão: Assim, conclui-se que a abordagem biopsicossocial da morte no ambiente acadêmico é fundamental, haja vista a evidência encontrada em relação ao despreparo dos estudantes de Medicina do internato em relação a esse fenômeno.

We derive an analytical approximation for the linear scaling evolution of the characteristic length L and the root-mean-squared velocity σv of standard frictionless domain wall networks in Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker universes with a power law evolution of the scale factor a with the cosmic time t (a∝tλ). This approximation, obtained using a recently proposed parameter-free velocity-dependent one-scale model for domain walls, reproduces well the model predictions for λ close to unity, becoming exact in the λ→1− limit. We use this approximation, in combination with the exact results found for λ=0, to obtain a fit to the model predictions valid for λ∈[0,1] with a maximum error of the order of 1%. This fit is also in good agreement with the results of field theory numerical simulations, especially for λ∈[0.9,1]. Finally, we explicitly show that the phenomenological energy-loss parameter of the original velocity-dependent one-scale model for domain walls vanishes in the λ→1− limit and discuss the implications of this result.

Abstract This article aims to interpret the most well-known theories of economic development based on the assumption that these theories are contemporary mythological tales and, consequently, the Brazilian 2000’s neo-developmentalism agenda as an inexact unique blend of them all. The study uses Roland Barthes’ semiotic interpretation on the social structure and roles of myths to argue that theories of development are rather a compound of ideologies than a scientific field of inquiry. In addition, the article draws a parallel between Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey and the five widely known narratives of development: Protectionist, Keynesian, Institutional, Entrepreneurial and Neoclassical.

We explore the dynamics and evolution of the Universe at early and late times, focusing on both dark energy and extended gravity models and their astrophysical and cosmological consequences. Modified theories of gravity not only provide an alternative explanation for the recent expansion history of the universe, but they also offer a paradigm fundamentally distinct from the simplest dark energy models of cosmic acceleration. In this review, we perform a detailed theoretical and phenomenological analysis of different modified gravity models and investigate their consistency. We also consider the cosmological implications of well motivated physical models of the early universe with a particular emphasis on inflation and topological defects. Astrophysical and cosmological tests over a wide range of scales, from the solar system to the observable horizon, severely restrict the allowed models of the Universe. Here, we review several observational probes—including gravitational lensing, galaxy clusters, cosmic microwave background temperature and polarization, supernova and baryon acoustic oscillations measurements—and their relevance in constraining our cosmological description of the Universe.

Objective.To evaluate the effects of educational software to improve first grade school students' knowledge about prevention of overweight and obesity. Methods. This non-controlled trial with a before-and-after evaluation was carried out in an school located in the municipality of Divinópolis (Brazil) among 71 students aged 6 to 10 years. The educational software about prevention of overweight and obesity was designed and then validated. The educational intervention comprised the use of the software. Before and after of the intervention we applied a questionnaire based on the Ten Steps to Healthy Eating for Children, proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Results. Comparing the times before and after application of the educational software, we observed statistically significant differences in proportion of questions answered correctly by first grade school students, mainly concerning daily eating of healthy and unhealthy food, adequate preparation of food and importance of exercise. Conclusion. This study highlights the importance of educational actions using software to build knowledge of first grade school students about prevention of overweight and obesity.