Evidências desfavoráveis ao postulado de cargas fatoriais simples do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM) / Evidence contrary to the assumption of simple Factor loadings of the National High School Education Exam (ENEM) / Evidencias desfavorables al postulado de cargas factoriales Simples del Examen Nacional de Enseñanza Secundaria (ENEM)

O Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM) possui um modelo de medida restrito, caracterizado pelo postulado de que os itens marcadores de cada domínio se vinculam exclusivamente ao seus domínios-alvo. Estudos pregressos sugerem, por meio de evidências indiretas, que esse modelo não seria válido. No entanto, esse postulado ainda não foi diretamente avaliado. Neste estudo, investiga-se esse pressuposto por meio de análises fatoriais dos itens do ENEM de 2011. Dois modelos foram testados. O primeiro, chamado de estrutura simples de Thurstone, representa o modelo de medida do ENEM. O segundo, de cargas cruzadas, refuta esse modelo. O modelo das cargas cruzadas foi o único que apresentou bom ajuste aos dados de acordo com todos os índices empregados. As evidências encontradas são desfavoráveis ao postulado de cargas fatoriais simples do modelo de medida do ENEM, indicando problemas de validade e na qualidade dos escores produzidos. (AU)

The National High School Examination (ENEM) has a restricted measurement model characterized by the assumption that the marker items in each domain are exclusively linked to their target domain. Previous studies suggest, through indirect evidence, that this model may not be valid. However, this postulate has not yet been directly assessed. In this study, this assumption was investigated through factor analysis of the items of the ENEM 2011 edition. Two models were tested. The first, called Thurstone's simple structure, represents the measurement model of the ENEM. The second, of crossed loadings, refute this model. The crossed loadings model was the only one that presented a good fit to the data according to all the indices employed. The evidence found is unfavorable for the assumption of simple factor loadings of the measurement model of the ENEM, indicating issues of validity and in the quality of the scores produced. (AU)

El Examen Nacional de Enseñanza Secundaria (ENEM) tiene un modelo de medición restringido, caracterizado por el postulado de que los ítems marcadores en cada dominio están vinculados exclusivamente a su dominio objetivo. Estudios previos sugieren, a través de evidencia indirecta, que este modelo no sería válido. Sin embargo, este postulado aún no ha sido evaluado directamente. En este estudio se investiga este supuesto a través del análisis factorial de los ítems del ENEM 2011. Se probaron dos modelos. El primero, llamado estructura simple de Thurstone, representa el modelo de medición ENEM. El segundo, de cargas cruzadas, refuta este modelo. El modelo de carga cruzada fue el único que presentó un buen ajuste a los datos de acuerdo con todos los índices empleados. Las evidencias encontradas son desfavorables al supuesto de cargas factoriales simples del modelo de medición del ENEM, lo que indica problemas de validez y en la calidad de las puntuaciones producidas. (AU)

Creating an objective measurement for the Enem: an analysis using the Rasch Model / Criando uma medida verdadeira para o Enem: uma análise pelo Modelo Rasch / Creando una verdadera medida para Enem: un análisis por el Modelo Rasch

In the 1930s, a group of scientists argued that the empirical concatenation of observable elements was not possible in the human and social sciences and was, thus, not feasible to obtain objective measurements similar to those found in physics. To address this issue, mathematical theories that do not require concatenation were proposed in the 1960s, including the Additive Conjoint Measurement Theory (ACMT). In the same decade, George Rasch developed the simple logistic model for dichotomous data as a probabilistic operationalization of the ACMT. This study investigates the possibility of developing a fundamental measure for the National Exam of Upper Secondary Education (ENEM) that applies Rasch's model to students' performance on the 2011 ENEM exam. The results indicate an adequate model fit, demonstrating the viability of a fundamental measure using ENEM data. Implications are discussed.

Nos anos 1930, um grupo de cientistas argumentou que a concatenação empírica de elementos observáveis não seria possível nas Ciências Humanas e Sociais e por isso era inviável obter medidas verdadeiras nesses campos do conhecimento científico. Para lidar com este problema, foram propostas teorias matemáticas nas quais a concatenação empírica não seria necessária, como a Teoria de Medidas Aditivas Conjuntas (TMAC). No mesmo período, George Rasch desenvolveu o modelo logístico simples para dados dicotômicos, uma operacionalização probabilística da TMAC que viabiliza a análise empírica de pressupostos da medida verdadeira. Em nosso estudo, investigamos o desenvolvimento de uma medida verdadeira para o Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM), aplicando o modelo logístico simples em dados referentes à performance dos participantes da edição de 2011 do ENEM. Os resultados indicaram um ajuste adequado do modelo, apontando para a viabilidade da construção de uma medida verdadeira para o ENEM. Implicações são discutidas.

En los años 1930, un grupo de científicos argumentó que la concatenación empírica de elementos observables no sería posible en Ciencias Humanas y Sociales y por consiguiente sería inviable obtener medidas verdaderas similares a las de Física. Para abordar este problema, a partir de los años 1960 se proponían teorías en las cuales la concatenación empírica no es necesaria, como la Teoría de Medidas Aditivas Conjuntas (TMAC). Al mismo período, George Rasch desarrolló el modelo logístico simple para datos dicotómicos, una operacionalización probabilista de la TMAC. Este estudio investigó la posibilidad de desarrollar una medida verdadera para el Examen Nacional de la Secundaria Superior (ENEM), aplicando el modelo logístico simple en los datos referentes a la performance de los participantes en la prueba de 2011 del ENEM. Los resultados indicaron adecuado ajuste del modelo, asi como la viabilidad de una medida verdadera para el ENEM. Implicaciones son discutidas.

Fidedignidade dos escores do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (Enem) / Reliability of scores from the National Exam of Upper Secondary Education (Enem) / Fiabilidad de los escores del Examen Nacional De La Secundaria Superior (Enem)

O Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (Enem) gera uma pontuação para cada domínio que avalia: matemática, linguagens, ciências da natureza e ciências humanas. Reconhecendo a relevância do exame no acesso ao ensino superior e em outros aspectos da vida prática do estudante brasileiro, o presente estudo investiga a fidedignidade dos escores do Enem nos seus quatro domínios. Utilizou-se como amostra os escores dos estudantes que participaram da edição de 2011 do exame. As análises envolveram a estimação dos parâmetros de um modelo de quatro fatores correlacionados e de um modelo bifatorial por meio de análise fatorial confirmatória, além da estimação da fidedignidade composta e da fidedignidade omega dos quatro domínios e do fator geral de desempenho, no caso do modelo bifatorial. Utilizou-se como variáveis observáveis as 30 competências de cada domínio. Os resultados indicaram alta fidedignidade apenas para os escores provenientes do fator geral

The National Exam of Upper Secondary Education (ENEM) generates a score for each domains it assess: mathematics, languages, natural sciences, and humanities. Considering the relevance of the Exam in the access to higher education and in other practical aspects of Brazilian students' life, the present study investigates the reliability of the scores from the four domains. We used as a sample the scores of the students who participated in the 2011 edition of the Exam. The analyzes involved the estimation of the parameters of an oblique four-factor model and a bifactor model using confirmatory factor analysis, as well as the estimation of composite and omega reliability of the four domains and the general performance factor, in the case of the bifactor model. We used the 30 competences of each domain as observable variables. The results indicated high reliability only for the scores from the general factor

El Examen Nacional de la Secundaria Superior (ENEM) genera un puntaje para cada dominio que evalúa: matemática, lenguage, ciencias naturales y humanidades. Puesta la relevancia del Examen en el acceso a la educación superior y en otros aspectos prácticos de la vida de los estudiantes brasileños, el presente estudio investiga la fiabilidad de los puntajes de los cuatro dominios. Usamos como muestra los puntajes de los estudiantes que participaron en la edición 2011 del Examen. Los análisis incluyeron la estimación de los parámetros de un modelo oblicuo de cuatro factores y un modelo bifactorial utilizando análisis factorial confirmatorio, así como la estimación de la confiabilidad compuesta y omega de los cuatro dominios y el factor de desempeño general, en el caso del modelo bifactor. Usamos las 30 competencias de cada dominio como variables observables. Los resultados indicaron una alta fiabilidad solo para los puntajes del factor general

Validity evidence of two short scales measuring the Big Five personality factors.

The objective of this study was to obtain evidence of the convergent and factor validity of the Reduced Scale of Big Five Personality Factors (ER5FP), with 20 items, and of the Reduced Inventory of Big Five Personality Factors (IGFP-5R), with 32 items. The two Brazilian scales were administered to 554 participants aged 16-69 years (M = 30.6, SD = 8.6). The measurement model of each instrument was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Both scales showed an adequate adjustment of the measurement model to the data (root mean square error of approximation < .06; standardized root mean square residual < .06) after excluding a number of items. Correlations between the factors of both instruments were estimated. Moderate evidence of convergent validity was found for Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Openness to Experience (raw correlations ranging from .44 and .57, and disattenuated correlations from .60 to .80). For Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, weaker evidence was found (raw correlations of .33 and .29, and disattenuated correlations of .48 and .43, respectively).

Validity evidence of two short scales measuring the Big Five personality factors

The objective of this study was to obtain evidence of the convergent and factor validity of the Reduced Scale of Big Five Personality Factors (ER5FP), with 20 items, and of the Reduced Inventory of Big Five Personality Factors (IGFP-5R), with 32 items. The two Brazilian scales were administered to 554 participants aged 16­69 years (M = 30.6, SD = 8.6). The measurement model of each instrument was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Both scales showed an adequate adjustment of the measurement model to the data (root mean square error of approximation < .06; standardized root mean square residual < .06) after excluding a number of items. Correlations between the factors of both instruments were estimated. Moderate evidence of convergent validity was found for Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Openness to Experience (raw correlations ranging from .44 and .57, and disattenuated correlations from .60 to .80). For Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, weaker evidence was found (raw correlations of .33 and .29, and disattenuated correlations of .48 and .43, respectively).

Predictive modeling of Pseudomonas fluorescens growth under different temperature and pH values

Abstract Meat is one of the most perishable foods owing to its nutrient availability, high water activity, and pH around 5.6. These properties are highly conducive for microbial growth. Fresh meat, when exposed to oxygen, is subjected to the action of aerobic psychrotrophic, proteolytic, and lipolytic spoilage microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas spp. The spoilage results in the appearance of slime and off-flavor in food. In order to predict the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens in fresh meat at different pH values, stored under refrigeration, and temperature abuse, microbial mathematical modeling was applied. The primary Baranyi and Roberts and the modified Gompertz models were fitted to the experimental data to obtain the growth parameters. The Ratkowsky extended model was used to determine the effect of pH and temperature on the growth parameter µmax. The program DMFit 3.0 was used for model adjustment and fitting. The experimental data showed good fit for both the models tested, and the primary and secondary models based on the Baranyi and Roberts models showed better validation. Thus, these models can be applied to predict the growth of P. fluorescens under the conditions tested.

Predictive modeling of Pseudomonas fluorescens growth under different temperature and pH values.

Meat is one of the most perishable foods owing to its nutrient availability, high water activity, and pH around 5.6. These properties are highly conducive for microbial growth. Fresh meat, when exposed to oxygen, is subjected to the action of aerobic psychrotrophic, proteolytic, and lipolytic spoilage microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas spp. The spoilage results in the appearance of slime and off-flavor in food. In order to predict the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens in fresh meat at different pH values, stored under refrigeration, and temperature abuse, microbial mathematical modeling was applied. The primary Baranyi and Roberts and the modified Gompertz models were fitted to the experimental data to obtain the growth parameters. The Ratkowsky extended model was used to determine the effect of pH and temperature on the growth parameter µmax. The program DMFit 3.0 was used for model adjustment and fitting. The experimental data showed good fit for both the models tested, and the primary and secondary models based on the Baranyi and Roberts models showed better validation. Thus, these models can be applied to predict the growth of P. fluorescens under the conditions tested.

Estrutura fatorial do questionário de esquemas e crenças da personalidade / Factor structure of the personality schemas and beliefs questionnaire / Estructura factorial del cuestionario de esquemas y creencias de personalidad

Este estudo objetivou obter evidências de validade do Questionário de Esquemas e Crenças da Personalidade (QECP) e estimar a fidedignidade dos escores. Trata-se de um instrumento de autorrelato desenvolvido para avaliar perfis cognitivos de transtornos de personalidade de acordo com a teoria da terapia cognitiva. Participaram do estudo 437 pessoas com média de idade de 28,1 anos (DP=8,57), 75,7% do sexo feminino, e 88,3% universitários. Utilizou-se análise paralela como critério para o número de fatores a extrair-se na análise fatorial exploratória (AFE). A AFE com fatoração dos eixos principais e rotação Promax indicou uma solução com cinco fatores. Os índices de fidedignidade (Lambda 2 de Guttman) variaram entre 0,64 e 0,89. As correlações entre os fatores, corrigidas para atenuação, variaram entre 0,05 e 0,64. A AFE dos escores fatoriais apontou dois fatores de segunda ordem. Os resultados indicaram evidências satisfatórias de validade de construto e fidedignidade dos escores.

This study aimed to obtain validity evidence of the Personality Schemas and Beliefs Questionnaire (QECP) and to estimate the reliability of its scores. The QECP is a self-reported instrument developed to assess the cognitive profiles of personality disorders according to cognitive therapy theory. The sample of respondents was composed of 437 Brazilians with a mean age of 28.1 years (SD=8.57), 75.7% female and 88.3% university students. Parallel analysis was used as a criterion for the number of factors to extract in exploratory factor analysis (EFA). EFA with Principal Axis Factoring and Promax rotation indicated a five factor solution. Reliability coefficients (Guttman’s Lambda 2) of the five factors varied between .64 and .89. The correlations between the factors, corrected for attenuation, varied from .05 to .64. EFA of the factor scores indicated two second-order factors. The results indicated satisfactory evidence of construct validity and reliability of the QECP scores.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo obtener evidencia de validez del Cuestionario de Esquemas y Creencias de Personalidad (QECP) y estimar la confiabilidad de sus puntuaciones. El QECP es un instrumento de autoinforme desarrollado para evaluar los perfiles cognitivos de trastornos de personalidad, según la teoría de terapia cognitiva. Participaron 437 personas brasileñas con edad promedio de 28,1 años (DS=8,57), 75,7% de sexo femenino y 88,3% estudiantes universitarios. Se utilizó análisis paralelo como criterio para el número de factores a extraer en análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE). La AFE de ejes principales con rotación Promax indicó una solución de cinco factores. Los índices de confiabilidad (Lambda 2 de Guttman) oscilaron entre 0,64 y 0,89. Las correlaciones entre factores, corregidas por atenuación, variaron entre 0,05 y 0,64. La AFE de las puntuaciones factoriales indicó dos factores de segundo orden. Los resultados indicaron evidencia satisfactoria de validez de constructo y confiabilidad.

Estrutura fatorial do Questionário de Esquemas e Crenças da Personalidade / Factor structure of the Personality Schemas and Beliefs Questionnaire / Estructura factorial del Cuestionario de Esquemas y Creencias de Personalidad

Este estudo objetivou obter evidências de validade do Questionário de Esquemas e Crenças da Personalidade (QECP) e estimar a fidedignidade dos escores. Trata-se de um instrumento de autorrelato desenvolvido para avaliar perfis cognitivos de transtornos de personalidade de acordo com a teoria da terapia cognitiva. Participaram do estudo 437 pessoas com média de idade de 28,1 anos (DP=8,57), 75,7% do sexo feminino, e 88,3% universitários. Utilizou-se análise paralela como critério para o número de fatores a extrair-se na análise fatorial exploratória (AFE). A AFE com fatoração dos eixos principais e rotação Promax indicou uma solução com cinco fatores. Os índices de fidedignidade (Lambda 2 de Guttman) variaram entre 0,64 e 0,89. As correlações entre os fatores, corrigidas para atenuação, variaram entre 0,05 e 0,64. A AFE dos escores fatoriais apontou dois fatores de segunda ordem. Os resultados indicaram evidências satisfatórias de validade de construto e fidedignidade dos escores.

This study aimed to obtain validity evidence of the Personality Schemas and Beliefs Questionnaire (QECP) and to estimate the reliability of its scores. The QECP is a self-reported instrument developed to assess the cognitive profiles of personality disorders according to cognitive therapy theory. The sample of respondents was composed of 437 Brazilians with a mean age of 28.1 years (SD=8.57), 75.7% female and 88.3% university students. Parallel analysis was used as a criterion for the number of factors to extract in exploratory factor analysis (EFA). EFA with Principal Axis Factoring and Promax rotation indicated a five factor solution. Reliability coefficients (Guttman's Lambda 2) of the five factors varied between .64 and .89. The correlations between the factors, corrected for attenuation, varied from .05 to .64. EFA of the factor scores indicated two second-order factors. The results indicated satisfactory evidence of construct validity and reliability of the QECP scores.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo obtener evidencia de validez del Cuestionario de Esquemas y Creencias de Personalidad (QECP) y estimar la confiabilidad de sus puntuaciones. El QECP es un instrumento de autoinforme desarrollado para evaluar los perfiles cognitivos de trastornos de personalidad, según la teoría de terapia cognitiva. Participaron 437 personas brasileñas con edad promedio de 28,1 años (DS=8,57), 75,7% de sexo femenino y 88,3% estudiantes universitarios. Se utilizó análisis paralelo como criterio para el número de factores a extraer en análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE). La AFE de ejes principales con rotación Promax indicó una solución de cinco factores. Los índices de confiabilidad (Lambda 2 de Guttman) oscilaron entre 0,64 y 0,89. Las correlaciones entre factores, corregidas por atenuación, variaron entre 0,05 y 0,64. La AFE de las puntuaciones factoriales indicó dos factores de segundo orden. Los resultados indicaron evidencia satisfactoria de validez de constructo y confiabilidad.

Analise de Modos e Efeitos de Falha na avaliacao dos impactos ambientais provenientes do abate animal / Failure Mode and Effect Analysis for the evaluation of environmental impacts of animal slaughter

A Análise de Modos e Efeitos de Falha (AMEF) é um método de análise de produto ou processo para detectar e eliminar problemas potenciais de forma sistemática e completa. Os abatedouros levam a significativos impactos sobre o meio ambiente, sendo que o maior problema nesses processos é a falta de equipamentos modernos para promover a remoção de gases fétidos e efluentes tóxicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar os formulários de aplicação do FMEA em um frigorífico de médio porte da região de Poços de Caldas (MG), o qual realiza abates de bovinos e suínos, cujo intuito foi diagnosticar os potenciais riscos gerados pelo frigorífico, e aos controles ambientais exercidos em relação à linha de abate e graxaria. Observou-se que a indústria frigorífica representa um grande potencial poluidor sobre os efluentes naturais, pois o sangue resultante do abate é um agente de grande impacto sobre o ecossistema hídrico.

The Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is a method of product or process analysis to detect and eliminate potential problems in a systematic and complete way. The abattoirs lead to significant impacts on the environment, which the major problem in those processes is the lack of modern equipment to promote the removal of malodorous gases and toxic effluents. The aim of this study was to elaborate the FMEA application forms in a medium-sized abattoir in the region of Poços de Caldas (MG), which performs the cattle and pig slaughter, with the purpose of diagnosing its potential risks caused, and the environmental controls exercised in relation to the slaughter line and rendering plant. It was observed that the meat industry represents a great potential pollution on the natural effluents, because the resulting blood of the slaughter is an agent of great impact on the water ecosystem.

Selection of patients with advanced-stage cervical cancer for para-aortic lymphadenectomy in the era of PET/CT.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the false-negative rate of positron-emission tomography (PET) /Computed Tomography (CT) for para-aortic (PA) lymph node (LN) metastasis and to examine if PA lymphadenectomy could be omitted when PET/CT of the pelvic area is negative. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients without evidence of extrapelvic disease on preoperative imaging or in the PA area were included. Each patient underwent a laparoscopic PA lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were included. Seven patients (11%) had PALN metastasis. The false-negative rate of PET/CT was 11%. When PET/CT was positive for pelvic nodes, the risk for PA metastasis was 18% versus 8% when PET/CT was negative in the pelvic area (p=0.24). CONCLUSION: The apparent low sensitivity of the PET/CT does not make it a relevant alternative to surgical LN staging when no uptake is visualized in the PA area. However, for patients in whom PET/CT is negative in the pelvic area, the risk of metastasis in the PA area is low.

Rates of upgrade to malignancy for 271 cases of flat epithelial atypia (FEA) diagnosed by breast core biopsy.

Flat epithelial atypia (FEA) is a borderline lesion that might represent an early stage in the development of certain low-grade carcinomas in situ and invasive cancers. There are no guidelines on its management. Our objectives were to determine the upgrade to malignancy rate and identify a subpopulation of patients that might undergo just mammographic surveillance. We retrospectively reviewed the data for 271 FEA cases among 5,555 breast core biopsies obtained over a 7-year period (January 2003-2010). We collated clinical data (age, history of cancer, menopausal status), radiological data (lesion type, size, Bi-Rads category), technical data (number of biopsies, needle gauge, excision quality) and histological data and sought correlations between these factors and upgrade rate. The 271 FEA comprised 128 cases of pure FEA, 135 cases of FEA + atypical ductal hyperplasia, and 8 cases of FEA + atypical lobular hyperplasia. Overall, 184 patients underwent surgery and 46 mammographic surveillance. Surgery detected 34 cases of malignancy (23 CIS, 7 invasive cancers, and 4 mixed cases) giving a 15% upgrade rate. Quality of excision was the only factor associated with under-diagnosis. The presence of FEA at biopsy warrants surgery.

Discrepância entre método convencional de odontometria com referência padrão / Discrepancy between the conventional method of tooth length with standard reference

Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar a discrepância entre método convencional de odontometria com a referência padrão determinada visualmente. Foram utilizadas 57 raízes de dentes humanos extraídos, sendo 17 anteriores, 20 pré-molares e 20 molares. Os dentes selecionados apresentavam ápices completos, ausência de fraturas apicais, coroas em bom estado de conservação, ausência de tratamento endodôntico e canais acessíveis até o forame apical. Antes de qualquer procedimento, foi realizada uma radiografa inicial. O dente foi medido com paquímetro digital (ponta de cúspide ou borda incisal até vértice apical) e os dados anotados. Após abertura coronária, exploração, esvaziamento dos canais radiculares e preparo do terço cervical foi realizada a odontometria visual do dente, através da visualização da lima tipo K-file pelo forame apical seguido de recuo de 1mm. Após, foi realizada uma radiografia de confirmação da odontometria, com uso de tela milimetrada. Os dados referentes à distância entre o zero apical e a ponta da lima na radiografia foram analisados e tabulados, e finalmente determinada a discrepância entre o limite apical determinado visualmente e radiograficamente. Concluiu-se que apenas 50,5% das raízes apresentam a odontometria visual coincidente com odontometria radiográfica. Os pré-molares foram o grupo de maior discrepância, seguidos pelos molares e anteriores.

This study aimed to compare the discrepancy between the conventional method of tooth length with a reference standard determined visually. We studied 57 extracted human tooth roots, being 17 previous, 20 premolars and 20 molar ones. The selected teeth had presented complete apexes, absence of apicais fractures, crowns in good condition of conservation, absence of endodontic treatment and canals accessible to the forame. Before any procedure, an initial periapical x-ray was performed. We measure the tooth with digital caliper (cusp tip or incisal edge until apical vertex) and we noted the data. After coronary opening, exploration, emptying of the root canals and preparation of third cervical was performed the visual odontometry of the tooth, that is the visualization of the K-file type for the followed apical forame of jib of 1mm. After this as performed a periapical radiography of confirmation of the odontometry, using screen millimeter. The referring data in the distance between the apical zero and the end of the file in the radiography, had been analyzed and tabulated, and finally determined the discrepancy between apical limit determined visually and radiographically. It was concluded that only 50.5% of the dental roots presents visual odontometry coincides with dental radiography odontometry. The premolars were the largest group of discrepancy, followed by molars and earlier.