Organizational structure and ICT strategies in the Brazilian Judiciary System

In this case study, we analyze the influence of the organizational structure in the definition and implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) strategies in the Brazilian Judiciary System. The analysis shows that the existing organizational structure favors uncoordinated actions, though the role of the National Council of Justice (NCJ) as protagonist in the process of coordinating the strategic planning of the Brazilian Judiciary System (and strategic ICT planning) might change this reality, allowing the Brazilian Judiciary System to reap the full benefits of ICT.     

Protective effects of therapeutic cold and heat against the oxidative damage induced by a muscle strain injury in rats

Abstract

The mechanisms of action of physical agents commonly used to treat skeletal muscle lesions are not well understood. In this study, we examined whether the modulation of oxidative stress is involved in the beneficial effects of cold and heat on gastrocnemius muscle strain injury. Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to a strain injury and treated with therapeutic agents in an isolated or combined form. Strain damage caused an increase in muscle and blood oxidative damage. We suggest that this oxidative damage might be related to the impairment of the muscle cell structure, since we observed a significant positive correlation between increased plasma creatine kinase activity and both oxidized dichlorofluoresceine and lipid peroxidation levels in muscle and blood. The intensity of the inflammatory response appears also to be an important factor in the genesis of oxidative damage immediately following a muscle strain injury. Therapeutic cold seems to be more effective in preventing the damage induced by a strain injury, possibly due to its capacity to control the impairment of muscle cell structure and to modulate the intensity of the inflammatory response that follows a muscle strain injury.     

The acute effects of static stretching on peak force,peak rate of force development and muscle activity during single- and multiple-joint actions in older women

Abstract

The present study investigated the acute effects of static stretching on peak force, peak rate of force development and integrated electromyography (iEMG) in 27 older women (65 ± 4 years; 69 ± 9 kg; 157 ± 1 cm; 28 ± 4 kg · m^?2). The participants were tested during two exercises (leg press and knee extension) after two conditions: stretching and control. The data were collected on four days (counterbalanced with a 24-hour rest period). In the stretching condition, the quadriceps muscle was stretched (knee flexion) for three sets of 30 s with 30 s rest intervals. No significant difference was detected for peak force and peak rate of force development during the single- and multiple-joint exercises, regardless of the following interactions: condition (stretching and control) vs. time (pre x post x 10 x 20 x 30 minutes post; P > 0.05) and exercise vs. time (P > 0.05). Additionally, no significant interaction was found for the iEMG activity (condition vs. time; P > 0.05) in the single- and multiple-joint exercises. In conclusion, a small amount of stretching of an agonist muscle (quadriceps) did not affect the peak force, peak rate of force development and EMG activity in older women during single- and multiple-joint exercises.     

Validity and reliability of a 6-a-side small-sided game as an indicator of match-related physical performance in elite youth Brazilian soccer players

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were: (i) to compare the external and internal load during a 6-a-side small-sided game (6v6-SSG) according to age-group; (ii) to relate these parameters between the 6v6-SSG and official matches; and (iii) to test the reliability of the 6v6-SSG. A total of 51 Brazilian youth soccer players participated in this study (U11 [n = 16]; U13 [n = 10]; U15 [n = 9]; U17 [n = 8]; U20 [n = 8]). Three experiments were conducted. Experiment A: fifty-one U11 to U20 players were submitted to 6v6-SSGs (n = 10 games; two for each age-group). Experiment B: thirty-two players were randomized to also play official matches (n = 6 matches). Experiment C: thirty-five youth players played the 6v6-SSG twice for test and retest reliability analysis. External load was obtained using Global Positioning Systems and the internal load parameter was calculated through mean heart rate. Statistical approaches showed progressive increases in all parameters according to categories (U11< U13< U15< U17< U20; p < 0.05; ES = 0.42?23.68). Even controlling for chronological age, all parameters showed likely to almost certain correlations between 6v6-SSG and official matches (r = 0.25?0.92). Collectively, the proposed protocol indicates good reliability (CV% = 2.0?12.6; TE% = 2.3?2.7%; ICC = 0.78?0.90). This research suggests that the 6v6-SSG is an alternative tool to indicate match-related physical performance in youth soccer players.     

Debate on global warming as a socio-scientific issue: science teaching towards political literacy

The focus of this response to the original article by Tom G. H. Bryce and Stephen P. Day (Cult Stud Sci Educ. doi:10.1007/s11422-012-9407-1, 2013) is the use of empirical data to illustrate and expand the understanding of key points of their argument. Initially, I seek to discuss possible answers to the three questions posed by the authors related to: (1) the concerns to be addressed and the scientific knowledge to be taken into account in the climate change debate, (2) the attention to be paid to perspectives taken by “alarmists” and “deniers,” and (3) the approaches to be used to conduct controversial global warming debate. In this discussion, I seek to contribute to the debate proposed by the original paper, illustrating various points commented on by the authors and expanding to other possibilities, which highlight the importance of political issues in the debate. Therefore, I argue that socio-political issues must be taken into account when I aim for a scientific literacy that can enhance students’ political education. Likewise, I extend the debate presented in the original article, emphasizing the attention that should be paid to these aspects and approaching science education from a critical perspective. Highlighting only the confirmation bias without considering political implications of the debate can induce a reductionist and empiricist view of science, detached from the political power that acts on scientific activity. In conclusion, I support the idea that for a critical science education, the discussion of political issues should be involved in any controversial debate, a view, which goes beyond the confirmation bias proposed by Bryce and Day for the global warming debate. These issues are indeed vital and science teachers should take them into account when preparing their lessons for the debate on climate change.     

Michel Serres’ Le Parasite and Martin Buber’s I and Thou: Noise in Informal Education Affecting Dialogue Between Communities in Conflict in the Middle East

Abstract

One issue that is often ignored in political theory is the problem of means and modes of communication affecting dialogue between parties. In this age of hyper communication, this is something particularly relevant. The point here is that, despite the ease with which we have access to both means and modes of communication, there remains the problem of truly communicating and truly dialoguing with the Other. Michel Serres’ work Le Parasite is a seminal work on this issue. According to him, in means and modes of communication, the parasite is an unwanted entity that interferes with what would otherwise be a clear connection between a sender and a receiver. But messages must pass through means and modes of communication, and this necessarily interferes with the message. The noise is therefore a constitutive feature of any form of communication. In this article, I assess the implications of Serres’ theory for Buber’s views on dialogue and for conflict resolution between individuals and communities in conflict. My discussion will be centred on informal education and will make reference to concrete instances of Anti-Semitism in the Middle-Eastern media, and how it affects relations between communities in the region.     

Through the fingers: Use of plastinated anatomical specimens for visually impaired students

The plastination technique produces non-toxic human tissues, ensuring their safe handling in educational settings. This investigation aimed to understand if visually impaired students profit from the use of plastinated anatomical specimens in learning the anatomy of the nervous system. For this purpose, their learning performance was compared to sighted and blindfolded students recruited from three primary schools in Fortaleza city, in the state of Ceará. Initially, a questionnaire was applied before carrying out the pedagogical practice, followed by an anatomy lecture with practical components with the use of plastinated anatomical specimens and synthetic anatomical models of the nervous system. After these steps, the students answered the questionnaire previously applied. Our results showed that the tactile perception of the visually impaired participants was significantly more developed compared to sighted (p < 0.001) and the blindfolded (p < 0.0001) students. The average of correct answers in the reapplied questionnaire was higher in the groups that used plastinated specimens (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of plastinated specimens has proven to be an effective tool in promoting a better understanding of anatomical structures, mainly for students with or without visual impairments, making it a valuable asset in anatomy teaching.     

高水平乒乓球运动员正手回击不同状态来球时动作的调整

本研究旨在调查当高水平乒乓球运动员被要求对付不同状态来球时,如何调整他们的动作.研究对象与方法前巴西国家队高水平乒乓球男女运动员7名,均为右手持拍.运动员(平均年龄27.85±5.36岁、训练年限平均为19.14±5.24年,运动员身体状况良好,每周训练3次.运动员分别在4种状况下,对发球机发出的乒乓球进行正手击球(1)两次反弹(一次过网前一次过网后)的上旋球;(2)两次反弹的侧旋球;(3)一次反弹(过网后)的上旋球;(4)一次反弹的侧旋球.研究结果(1)乒乓球运动员采用包括动作的绝对和相对的修正以促进正手对击球的适应;(2)动作修正的本质受不同状况的约束;(3)细微动作(触球和随拍)比宏观动作(准备姿态和向前挥拍)更容易受外界状况的影响.分析与讨论(1)回击一次和两次反弹的侧旋球,运动员几乎不用调整,但侧旋球会造成成功率不高.在引拍、迎球挥拍阶段动作模式没有改变,但球拍触球、随势挥拍阶段稍有不同,此动作有利于还原部分;(2)击球动作前的选位和对手的动作趋势也会影响动作模式,但变化却是使整个动作结构的改变.