Community philanthropy: the missing link between local communities and international development

This paper is based on the premise that local populations? engagement in development processes is a key factor to increase chances of sustainable economic and social development. In this context, we present collaboration with community philanthropy organizations as a viable strategy for international development organizations to engage civil society in the advancement and sustainability of development goals. This is done by presenting an overview of the development sector, as well as the added-value of community philanthropy. Then practical lessons and challenges are drawn from stories of different community philanthropy and international development organizations that have experience working together

Multicriteria decision support model for selection of tinplate suppliers

The evaluation and selection of suppliers has been an issue of great strategic importance over time. In this way, a structured evaluation is crucial, considering several criteria. This work reviews several multicriteria decision support methodologies explored in the literature to solve the supplier evaluation process based on CAN company specifications, strategies, and requirements. Considering the characteristics of each supplier and a set of criteria with different weights, the AHP method and the PROMETHEE method are applied to establish a ranking according to the performance in the selected criteria. In addition, to help the company make the best decision, an analysis of ranking stability is performed by varying the weights assigned to the criteria. The study and models developed were easy to apply and understand, meeting the specified objectives.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Community philanthropy: the missing link between local communities and international development

This article is based on the premise that local communities’ engagement in development processes is a key factor to increase the chances of long lasting success. In this context, we present community philanthropy as a viable strategy for international development organizations to engage civil society in the advancement and sustainability of development goals. To this end, we (a.) draw on the available international development and community philanthropy literature to establish background information and examine what makes collaboration feasible, (b.) present three cases of collaboration between community philanthropy and international development organizations, and (c.) conclude with lessons learned and recommendations. Real-life examples demonstrate that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach, but rather a set of good practices that can be established

Tradução E Adaptação Transcultural Do Índice De Vulnerabilidade Clínico-Funcional (Ivcf-20) Para Português Europeu

Introduction: A multidimensional clinical and functional assessment is essential for an adequate and personalized intervention for the elderly. The Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20) is a simple instrument that includes multidimensional aspects of the health of the elderly. This study aims to translate and cross-culturally adapt the IVCF-20. Methodology: The study carried out the translation of the original scale, back-translation and content validity (panel of experts and 2 elderly people). With the pre-test, the final version of the IVCF-20 in European Portuguese emerges. Throughout the process, the authors of the original scale were involved. Results: The correct linguistic and semantic equivalence in a clear and simple way. The expert panel instigates changes in 12 of the 20 items: 7 items with 100% agreement and 5 items with 75%. On pre-testing it was necessary  change a term and the IVCF-20 version in European Portuguese emerges. Discussion: The inclusion of elderly people in the process has become very advantageous. Procedure for changing the age classification range, according to the WHO and UN definition, the range of 65-74 years was considered instead of 60-74 years (original scale). In the application of the pre-test questions, it is more delicate to understand the questions (Q18 and Q19) and in the interpretation of the “normal health”. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the IVFC-20 is an instrument that is easy to understand, with simple language and can be used with confidence in clinical practice. It is then intended to carry out the psychometric study to ensure its validation.Introducción: La valoración clínica y funcional multidimensional es fundamental en la intervención adecuada y personalizada del adulto mayor. El Índice de Vulnerabilidad Clínica y Funcional (IVCF-20) es un instrumento sencillo que incluye aspectos multidimensionales de la salud de las personas mayores. Este estudio tiene como objetivo traducir y adaptar transculturalmente el IVCF-20. Metodología: En el estudio se realizó la traducción de la escala original, retrotraducción y validez de contenido (panel de expertos y 2 ancianos). Con la prueba previa, surge la versión final del IVCF-20 en portugués europeo. En todo el proceso estuvieron involucrados los autores de la escala original. Resultados: La equivalencia lingüística y semántica se produjo de forma clara y sencilla. En el panel de expertos se promovieron cambios en 12 de los 20 ítems: 7 ítems con acuerdo de todos (100%) y 5 ítems con 75%. En el pre-test surge la necesidad de cambiar un término, obteniendo la versión IVCF-20 en portugués europeo. Discusión: La inclusión de personas mayores en el proceso se ha vuelto muy ventajosa. Se cambió el rango de clasificación de edad, según la definición de la OMS y la ONU, se consideró el rango de 65-74 años en lugar de 60-74 años (escala original). En la aplicación del pre-test, hubo una leve dificultad en la comprensión de las preguntas más extensas (P18 y P19) y en la interpretación de la expresión “salud normal”. Conclusión: La versión portuguesa del IVFC-20 es un instrumento de fácil comprensión, con lenguaje sencillo y que puede ser utilizado con confianza en la práctica clínica. Se pretende entonces realizar el estudio psicométrico para asegurar su validación.Introdução: A avaliação multidimensional clínica e funcional é fundamental na intervenção adequada e personalizada da pessoa idosa. O Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico Funcional (IVCF-20) é um instrumento simples, que contempla aspetos multidimensionais da saúde do idoso. Este estudo tem como objetivo traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente o IVCF-20. Metodologia: No estudo foi realizada a tradução da escala original, retrotradução e validade de conteúdo (painel de peritos e 2 pessoas idosas). Com o pré-teste emerge a versão final do IVCF-20 em português europeu. Ao longo do processo houve envolvimento dos autores da escala original. Resultados: A equivalência linguística e semântica decorreu de forma clara e simples. No painel de peritos instigaram-se alterações em 12 dos 20 itens: 7 itens com a concordância de todos (100%) e 5 itens com 75%. No pré-teste emerge a necessidade da alteração de um termo, obtendo-se a versão do IVCF-20 em português europeu. Discussão: A inclusão de pessoas idosas no processo tornou-se muito vantajosa. Procedeu-se à alteração do intervalo da classificação da idade, de acordo com a definição da OMS e ONU, foi considerado o intervalo de 65-74 anos em vez de 60-74 anos (escala original). Na aplicação do pré-teste verificou-se ligeira dificuldade na compreensão das questões mais extensas (Q18 e Q19) e na interpretação da expressão “saúde normal”. Conclusão: A versão portuguesa do IVFC-20 é um instrumento de fácil compreensão, com linguagem simples e pode ser usado com confiança na prática clínica. Pretende-se de seguida, a realização do estudo psicométrico para assegurar a sua validação

Fatores de risco para síndrome da morte súbita do lactente em um país em desenvolvimento

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether previously identified risk factors for sudden death syndrome have a significant impact in a developing country. METHODS: Retrospective longitudinal case-control study carried out in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Cases (N=39) were infants born between 1996 and 2000 who died suddenly and unexpectedly at home during sleep and were diagnosed with sudden death syndrome. Controls (N=117) were infants matched by age and sex who died in hospitals due to other conditions. Data were collected from postmortem examination records and questionnaires answers. A conditional logistic model was used to identify factors associated with the outcome. RESULTS: Mean age at death of cases was 3.2 months. The frequencies of infants regarding gestational age, breastfeeding and regular medical visits were similar in both groups. Sleeping position for most cases and controls was the lateral one. Supine sleeping position was found for few infants in both groups. Maternal variables, age below 20 years (OR=2, 95% CI: 1.1; 5.1) and smoking of more than 10 cigarettes per day during pregnancy (OR=3, 95% CI: 1.3; 6.4), significantly increased the risk for the syndrome. Socioeconomic characteristics were similar in both groups and did not affect risk. CONCLUSIONS: Infant-maternal and socioeconomic profiles of cases in a developing country closely resembled the profile described in the literature, and risk factors were similar as well. However, individual characteristics were identified as risks in the population studied, such as smoking during pregnancy and maternal age below 20 years.OBJETIVO: Analisar se fatores de risco previamente identificados para a síndrome da morte súbita do lactente têm impacto significativo em um país em desenvolvimento. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, longitudinal, de caso-controle pareado realizado em Porto Alegre, RS. Os casos (N=39) foram lactentes nascidos entre 1996 e 2000 que morreram subitamente e inesperadamente em casa, ao dormir, com diagnóstico final da síndrome; o grupo controle (N=117) foi composto de lactentes pareados por idade e sexo que morreram em hospitais, por outra doença. Os dados foram coletados de registros médicos postmortem e respostas a questionários. Utilizou-se modelo de regressão logística para identificar os fatores associados ao desfecho. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos casos no momento da morte dos lactentes foi de 3,2 meses. As freqüências de idade gestacional, amamentação e visitas regulares a unidades básicas de saúde foram similares nos dois grupos. A posição de dormir mais comum nos casos e controles foi a lateral. A posição supina foi encontrada em alguns lactentes em ambos grupos. As variáveis maternas idade inferior a 20 anos (OR=2, IC 95%:1,1;5,1) e consumo de mais de 10 cigarros/dia durante a gravidez (OR=3, IC 95%: 1,3;6,4) aumentaram significativamente o risco para a síndrome. As características socioeconômicas foram similares entre os grupos e não afetaram o risco. CONCLUSÕES: Os perfis lactente-materno e os fatores de risco foram similares aos encontrados em outros países. Todavia, foram identificadas características individuais quanto aos riscos de fumar durante a gravidez e da idade materna inferior a 20 anos

Disclosure of fair value measurement techniques of financial instruments: study applied to the portuguese banking Sector according to IFRS 13

IASB has defined in IFRS 7 ―Financial Instruments: Disclosures" and in IFRS 13 "Fair Value Measurement", the set of disclosures that a company must make regarding the fair value measurement techniques used. The fair value hierarchy concept, introduced in IFRS 7 in 2009, classifies the data used in the measurement according to three levels, of which two levels introduce some subjectivity in the measurement. IFRS 7 has been amended several times with the clear intention to improve the disclosure requirements about financial instruments. IFRS 13 defines fair value, sets out a single framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. Hence, this research aims to study the disclosure of fair value measurement techniques of the financial instruments, required by IFRS 13, of companies operating in the banking sector in Portugal from 2013 to 2015. Its purpose is to understand whether those financial instruments duly applied the accounting standards that define the required disclosures and analyse the fair value measurement techniques used for financial instruments. The results of the study allow us to conclude that companies operating in the banking sector in Portugal have not generally disclosed information on fair value measurement techniques of the financial instruments required by IFRS 13. It was also concluded that most financial instruments measured at fair value are classified at level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, which limits the degree of certainty about their values.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Toxicometabolomics: small molecules to answer big toxicological questions

Given the high biological impact of classical and emerging toxicants, a sensitive and comprehensive assessment of the hazards and risks of these substances to organisms is urgently needed. In this sense, toxicometabolomics emerged as a new and growing field in life sciences, which use metabolomics to provide new sets of susceptibility, exposure, and/or effects biomarkers; and to characterize in detail the metabolic responses and altered biological pathways that various stressful stimuli cause in many organisms. The present review focuses on the analytical platforms and the typical workflow employed in toxicometabolomic studies, and gives an overview of recent exploratory research that applied metabolomics in various areas of toxicology.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Correlation between volumetric CT scans and lung function in lower respiratory tract infection

Computed tomography(CT) is currently the gold standard to monitor lower respiratory tract infection(LRTI), however CT is expensive and involves considerable doses of radiation which prevents monitoring patients with the required frequency. As spirometry is a simple procedure that measures inhaled and exhaled volume of air as a function of time, it may have potential to overcome some of these difficulties. This study aimed to explore the correlation between spirometry and CT parameters in LRTI. Volumetric CT was performed in 34 outpatients with LRTI using a 64 MultiDetector CT. Tracheobronchial tree and lung parenchyma were segmented with Region Growing technique and Morphological Operations to obtain tracheobronchial and bronchial(left and right) trees and lung parenchyma volumes(LPV). Forced expiratory volume in the 1º second percentage predicted(FEV1pp), forced vital capacity percentage predicted(FVCpp) and FEV1/FVC ratio were also collected. Correlations were explored with Pearson’s Correlation(PASW 18.0). Participants’(47.1% males) mean age was 52.7±18.9y. Tracheobronchial tree volume correlated significantly with FEV1pp(r=0.357, p=0.038) and FVCpp(r=0.369, p=0.032). Left and right bronchial tree volumes also correlated significantly with FEV1pp(r=0.514, p=0.02 and r=0.507, p=0.02, respectively) and FVCpp(r=0.503, p=0.002 and r=0.436, p=0.010, respectively). Regarding the FEV1/FVC ratio, a negative and significant correlation with LPV was found(r=0.385, p=0.025). These findings suggest that spirometry should not be used alone to monitor LRTI as correlations found were mainly moderate. Further research is needed to explore other non-invasive measures, e.g., respiratory sound analysis.publishe

Comprometimento e Entrincheiramento na Carreira: um Estudo de suas Influências no Esforço Instrucional do Docente do Ensino Superior

The present study analyzes the dimensions of the links of commitment and entrenchment with the career development of higher education teachers in the private and public contexts of Brazilian universities. More specifically, an attempt is made to identify their relations with the institutional effort' construct, defined as persistent improvement of quality in their performance and the positive results of the educational process. The extensive and cross-sectional study involved a sample of 635 higher education teachers from different states through an applied questionnaire and on-line data collection. The data underwent descriptive analysis as well as multivariate analysis, using the Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0. After the exploratory analysis (evaluation of normality, outliers, analysis of linearity and analysis of multicolinearity), a quality analysis was conducted of the quality of the measurement of scales (dimensionality, trustworthiness and validity of the measures), followed by the modeling of structural equations to identify the impacts of the links with the career on the institutional effort. The model, with better adjustment, revealed that identity (dimension of commitment to career) makes an impact on the institutional effort in all its dimensions. Significant differences between public and private institutions of higher education were also found

Comparing reverse complementary genomic words based on their distance distributions and frequencies

In this work we study reverse complementary genomic word pairs in the human DNA, by comparing both the distance distribution and the frequency of a word to those of its reverse complement. Several measures of dissimilarity between distance distributions are considered, and it is found that the peak dissimilarity works best in this setting. We report the existence of reverse complementary word pairs with very dissimilar distance distributions, as well as word pairs with very similar distance distributions even when both distributions are irregular and contain strong peaks. The association between distribution dissimilarity and frequency discrepancy is explored also, and it is speculated that symmetric pairs combining low and high values of each measure may uncover features of interest. Taken together, our results suggest that some asymmetries in the human genome go far beyond Chargaff's rules. This study uses both the complete human genome and its repeat-masked version.Comment: Post-print of a paper accepted to publication in "Interdisciplinary Sciences: Computational Life Sciences" (ISSN: 1913-2751, ESSN: 1867-1462