A Plastic Surgeon’s Perspective on Stereotyping and the Perception of Beauty

In the world of plastic surgery, misconceptions may lead to irrational requests or outcomes not appreciated by patients. Those who manage aesthetics should always listen and recognize the variability of cultural identities, desires, attitudes, anxieties and uncertainties of the patient. Emerging from a diversity of cultures and its transforming trends, the scope of cosmetic surgery and its practice reflect not only the individual’s personality, but also the culture as a whole. When counseling an individual, one has to recognize that even in groups of seemingly identical social or cultural standards; there are subtle differences in expectations. To illustrate the potential for inaccuracy of ethnic profiling in the field of plastic surgery authors quote their own work on Asian subjects and facial beauty and resort to experience of others. To reaffirm their opinion and to exemplify how sometimes “fine” differences in the perception of beauty exist, an original study that evaluates the preferences among selected groups of Latina women in respect to buttock aesthetics has been included. This dissertation will focus on how cultural factors influence beauty perception; strengthen the fact that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and how variable differences exist even between small subgroups

The Influence of Patient Exposure to Breast Reconstruction Approaches and Education on Patient Choices in Breast Cancer Treatment.

BackgroundThe landscape of surgical and medical management and patient choices for breast cancer treatment changes as breast reconstruction and oncoplastic approaches improve and diversify. Increased access to breast reconstruction, in addition to patient education, influences the breast cancer patient. Therefore, the examination of the possible impact of reconstructive surgery on all stages of the breast cancer management per se seemed timely.MethodsPlastic surgery consults were arranged for 520 new patients diagnosed with breast cancer (2012-2016) including patients with noninvasive breast cancer but at high risk of further cancer development. To test the plastic surgery impact on patient choices regarding the management of the cancer, a subset of 90 patients was identified to test the plastic surgery impact on patient choices. These patients were referred to plastic surgery, following the first round of consultations by surgical and medical oncologists with only the preliminary oncological management plan defined. After a plastic surgery consultation, but prior to finalization of the overall oncological management plan, they were surveyed on the subject of modification of their personal choices and requests pertaining to their cancer management.ResultsIn this subset of 90 patients 40 (44%) returned to their surgical or medical oncologist considering changes of the primary management plan after their plastic surgery consultation. Twenty-six (28%) ultimately altered their plan, and the following patient-driven changes were made: mastectomy as opposed to lumpectomy (18 patients [20%]), contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (11 patients [12%]), nipple/areola removal as opposed to nipple/areola sparing suggested by the oncologists (5 patients [6%]), oncoplastic breast reduction as part of lumpectomy (5 patients [6%]), and other modifications (3 patients [3%]).ConclusionsDecisions for altering the preliminary oncologic plan or choosing a specific alternative (eg, lumpectomy plus radiation vs mastectomy) resulted from patient education on (1) reconstructive options, (2) aesthetic pitfalls and results. and (3) their interfacing with the oncological outcomes. Ultimately, plastic surgeons influence the multispecialty breast cancer management and patient decision-making process. Therefore, oncological literacy for plastic surgeons is essential to provide state-of-the-art breast cancer care and avoidance of suboptimal patient decisions

A geostationary equivalent Polar observation system

Various potential polar observation systems are evaluated and compared against a set of requirements to develop a system capable of providing geostationary equivalent coverage of the Earth‟s high-latitude regions. Consideration is given to Non-Keplerian orbits, where it is found that the orbit altitudes are restrictively high, and traditional highly-elliptical Molniya orbits where it is found that no single spacecraft can provide observations „over the pole‟ to 55 degrees latitude of equal quality to those produced by geostationary systems. Subsequent analysis of the Taranis concept reveals the ability of these systems to adequately view the target region with a reduction in the required number of spacecraft. Mass budget analysis reveals a possible payload mass of 151 – 379 kg for a single platform launched using the Soyuz launcher to a 16 hour, 90 degree inclination Taranis orbit for an 8.5 year mission. Four spacecraft, capable of observing continuously to 55 degrees latitude using single imagery, can be launched on the Ariane 5, which results in a payload mass range of 193 – 482 kg for an 8.5 year mission

Do Telemedicine Wound Care Specialist Consults Meet the Needs of the Referring Physician? A Survey of Primary Care Providers

The purpose of our study was to determine the factors that influence the use of telemedicine consultation by primary care physicians (PCPs) in the management of patients with problem wounds. A short questionnaire was administered to thirty-six PCPs who referred to our Wound Care Program within one year. Participants were asked to rate the importance of specific concerns and benefits regarding the role of wound care surgical specialist (WCSS) and the use of telemedicine consults prior to possible face-to-face consultation. Sixty percent of respondents felt comfortable with telemedicine consultation based on recommendations alone. The total number of patients referred for telemedicine consult was 230, and face-to-face consultation with a WCSS was offered and arranged for 30% of patients. The perception of shared decision making, streamlining patient care, and an opportunity for followup were all highly ranked benefits. The majority of PCPs (93%) agreed that telemedicine wound care consult is a useful tool in their practice and would continue to use the telemedicine consult service

Investigação financeira : métodos, técnicas e ferramentas aplicadas

A presente dissertação visa a identificar e analisar métodos, técnicas e ferramentas que podem contribuir para o resultado da investigação financeira aplicada notadamente no enfrentamento da criminalidade organizada reditícia. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com analistas e coordenadores de Laboratórios de Tecnologia contra Lavagem de Dinheiro e presenciais com integrantes do Gabinete de Recuperação de Ativos, da Unidade de Inteligência Financeira e da Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários de Portugal, e pesquisas bibliográfica e documental sobre o tema. Constata ausência de regulamentação e abordagem específicas sobre a temática em descompasso com o apregoado por organismos internacionais e sedimentado no ordenamento jurídico estrangeiro. Destaca medidas assecuratórias, autorização de uso e alienação antecipada de bens constritos como medidas coadunadas à recuperação de ativos e descapitalização da macrocriminalidade e, consequentemente, relacionadas à perda ampliada. Conceitua investigação financeira, classificada em gênero e espécie, refere os vieses tático e estratégico que pode assumir e as diferenças entre investigação tradicional. Analisa métodos de produção do conhecimento, meios de produção da prova, em especial Técnicas Especiais de Investigação referidas na Lei de organizações criminosas, ferramentas e sistemas de análise de dados relacionados à investigação financeira. Trata da recuperação e administração de ativos com destaque para a existência e o funcionamento de unidades especializadas, a exemplo do Gabinete de Recuperação de Ativos e Gabinete de Administração de Bens de Portugal, utilizados como parâmetro na análise, e de ações e metas da Estratégia Nacional de Combate à Corrupção e à Lavagem de Dinheiro sobre bens constritos. Demonstra a amplitude da investigação financeira e a possibilidade de auxiliar na produção da prova, comprovação da autoria e da materialidade, recuperação de ativos e aplicação da perda ampliada ou por equivalente, e destaca a necessidade de foco no produto e proveito do crime como forma de ser eficaz e efetiva nesta seara. Sugere a regulamentação da investigação financeira e criação de setores especializados na recuperação e administração de ativos.The present dissertation aims to identify and analyze methods, techniques and tools that can contribute to the result of financial investigation applied notably in the fight against organized crime. To this end, semi-structured interviews were carried out with analysts and coordinators of Laboratories of Technology Against Money Laundering and face-to-face with members of the Asset Recovery Office, the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Portuguese Securities Exchange Commission, and bibliographic and documentary research on the theme. It notes the absence of specific regulation and approach on the theme that is out of step with the advocated by international organizations and based on the foreign legal system. It highlights preservative measures, authorization of use and early disposal of confiscated assets as measures to recover assets and decapitalize macro-criminality, and, consequently, related to extended forfeiture. Conceptualizes financial investigation, classified into genus and species, mentions the tactical and strategic biases it can take and the differences between traditional investigation. It analyzes methods of knowledge production, means of producing evidence, in particular Special Investigation Techniques referred to in the Law on criminal organizations, tools and data analysis systems related to financial investigation. It deals with the recovery and management of assets with emphasis on the existence and functioning of specialized units, such as the Asset Recovery Office and the Asset Management Office of Portugal, used as a parameter in the analysis, and actions and goals of the National Strategy to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering on constrained assets. It demonstrates the breadth of the financial investigation and the possibility of assist in the production of evidence, proof of authorship and materiality, asset recovery and the application of extended forfeiture or equivalent, and highlights the need to focus on the proceeds and advantage from crime as a way to be efficient and effective in this aspect. It suggests the regulation of financial investigation and creation of specialized sectors in the recovery and management of assets

Concepts for a geostationary-like polar missions

An evidence-led scientific case for development of a space-based polar remote sensing platform at geostationary-like (GEO-like) altitudes is developed through methods including a data user survey. Whilst a GEO platform provides a near static perspective, multiple platforms are required to provide circumferential coverage. Systems for achieving GEO-like polar observation likewise require multiple platforms however the perspective is non-stationery. A key choice is between designs that provide complete polar view from a single platform at any given instant, and designs where this is obtained by compositing partial views from multiple sensors. Users foresee an increased challenge in extracting geophysical information from composite images and consider the use of non-composited images advantageous. Users also find the placement of apogee over the pole to be preferable to the alternative scenarios. Thus, a clear majority of data users find the “Taranis” orbit concept to be better than a critical inclination orbit, due to the improved perspective offered. The geophysical products that would benefit from a GEO-like polar platform are mainly estimated from radiances in the visible/near infrared and thermal parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is consistent with currently proven technologies from GEO. Based on the survey results, needs analysis, and current technology proven from GEO, scientific and observation requirements are developed along with two instrument concepts with eight and four channels, based on Flexible Combined Imager heritage. It is found that an operational system could, mostly likely, be deployed from an Ariane 5 ES to a 16-hour orbit, while a proof-of-concept system could be deployed from a Soyuz launch to the same orbit

TERRITÓRIOS E RELAÇÕES SOCIAIS DE PODER NA REGIÃO FRONTEIRIÇA ENTRE BRASIL E URUGUAI: OS CASOS DOS GENERAIS JOCA TAVARES E APARÍCIO SARAIVA

RESUMOO presente artigo tem por finalidade demonstrar o quanto as relações sociais de poder desenvolvidas na região fronteiriça entre o Brasil e o Uruguai conformaram um território de poder a fins do século XIX, transformando determinados agentes em irradiadores desta força. Tomamos por base para este estudo, especialmente, as atuações do General João Nunes da Silva Tavares (Joca Tavares) no contexto da Revolução Federalista (1893-1895) no Brasil e do General Aparício Saraiva durante o ciclo de revoltas que ficaram conhecidas como Revoluções Saraivistas (1896-1904) no Uruguai. Neste sentido, procuramos compreender como as relações sociais de poder junto à territorialização deste mesmo poder, foram fundamentais para a construção destes agentes políticos/militares em meio ao convulsionado fim do século XIX e início do XX.ABSTRACTThe purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the social power relations developed in the border region between Brazil and Uruguay formed a territory of power at the end of the 19th century, transforming certain agents into promoters of this force. We take as a basis for this study, especially, the actions of General João Nunes da Silva Tavares (Joca Tavares) in the context of the Federalist Revolution (1893-1895) in Brazil and General Aparício Saraiva during the cycle of revolts that became known as Saraivista Revolutions (1896-1904) in Uruguay. In this sense we have tried to understand how the social power relations together with the territorialization of this same power were fundamental for the construction of these political/military agents in the midst of the convulsed end of the 19th and early 20th centuries

Dieter Roth’ Solo Scenes and the Comics Art World

<span>Damon Herd offers a discussion of Dieter Roth’s Solo Scenes, a multimedia presentation that echoes the form of a comic. In his discussion, Herd compares Roth’s work to autobiographical comics, raising the evocative question of whether a work created outside of the comics world can still be considered a comic.</span