IT/IS Outsourcing in Large Companies - Motivations and Risks

Companies can outsource Information Technologies (IT) /Information Systems (IS) at various scales, from a small percentage of services to the entire range of services that they need. Outsourcing is associated to a set of motivations related to perceived benefits, but it also has inherent risks. This paper discusses the main results of a survey carried out to determine several aspects of outsourcing practice in large companies. It presents the most frequently contracted services (application development and application maintenance), the most prevailing motivations (financial motives and access to world-class capabilities) and the main risks (loss of control, loss of intellectual capital, and unexpected costs), as perceived by companies.COMPETE: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007043 and FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2013info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Nuevos hábitos en la gestión fotográfica en smartphone

This article study the habits in the use and manage of smartphone images. Being smartphones the most universal product, and their camera a key element, this research is bases on the hypothesis that current photo habits exceed mobile photo manage tools. A survey to smartphone users sought a general view of current situation about their photographic habits in the taking, manage and store of photos inside their phones. The survey also has questions about the long term expectations. Results show lack of adequacy of current systems to smartphone pictures and open a discussion about how to adapt current photo manage systems to a long term vision.En este artículo se revisan los hábitos de uso y gestión de las fotografías en los teléfonos inteligentes. En un momento en que el smartphone es el producto tecnológico más universal siendo su cámara de fotos uno de sus elementos más importantes, se plantea la hipótesis de que los actuales hábitos fotográficos de los usuarios desbordan la capacidad de gestión de los sistemas operativos y las aplicaciones móviles. Para obtener una mejor visión de la situación actual se realizó una encuesta a usuarios de smartphone acerca de sus hábitos en la captura y gestión de las imágenes, propias y ajenas, dentro del teléfono, preguntando también sobre sus expectativas de futuro de cara al uso y almacenamiento a largo plazo de esas imágenes. Los resultados muestran una falta de adecuación de los actuales sistemas de gestión y almacenamiento de imágenes en smartphone al largo plazo, profundizando en los problemas que la llegada de la cámara compacta digital supuso en la gestión de la fotografía personal y familiar, y que están ampliamente documentados. Los resultados de este estudio invitan a una reflexión sobre cómo adaptar los actuales sistemas de gestión fotográfica a una visión a largo plazo en el ámbito personal

Healthy Men And High Mortality: Contributions From A Population-based Study For The Gender Paradox Discussion

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Background Inequalities between men and women in morbidity and mortality show a contrast, which has been called gender paradox. Most studies evaluating this paradox were conducted in high-income countries and, until now, few investigations have been performed in Brazil. This study aims to estimate the magnitude of inequalities between adult men and women in several dimensions: demographic and socioeconomic, health behaviors, morbidity, use of health services and mortality. Methods The data were obtained from population-based household survey carried out in Campinas (Campinas Health Survey 2008/09) corresponding to 957 people, and data from the Mortality Information System (MIS) between 2009 and 2011. Prevalences and prevalence ratios were analyzed in order to verify the differences between men and women regarding socioeconomic and demographic variables, health behaviors, morbidities and consultations in the last two weeks. Mortality rates and the ratio between coefficients considering the underlying causes of death were calculated. Results Women had a greater disadvantage in socioeconomic indicators, chronic diseases diagnosed by a health professional and referred health problems as well as make more use of health services, while men presented higher frequency of most unhealthy behaviors and excessive mortality for all causes investigated. Conclusions The findings contribute to the discussion of gender paradox and demonstrate the need to employ health actions that consider the differences between men and women in the various health dimensions analyzed. The premature male mortality from preventable causes was outstanding, making clear the need for more effective prevention and health promotion directed to this segment of the population.1012Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Ministry of Health and the Secretary of Health of Campinas (Partnership UNICAMP/Funcamp/SMS) [4300]Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)FAPESP [12/07970-2

Characterisation of Transient Transport In Dense Membranes Using On-line Mass Spectrometry

The work presented in this thesis aims at developing a new method for characterising the multi-component solute transport through dense membranes, both in the transient and in the steady state of gas separation and pervaporation systems, using a Mass Spectrometer (MS) as an on-line, real-time, monitoring tool. The study of the transient period of mass transport through a membrane, although more complex than the steady-state period, has attracted the attention of researchers because it may offer a route for a better understanding of the membrane material under study and how it interacts with the permeating species. In fact, noticeable structural membrane adjustments may occur during the transient period, from when the solute starts permeating, impacting directly on the membrane intrinsic transport properties in a structure-transport relationship. The greater the affinity of the solute to the membrane, the greater the modification it may cause in the membrane matrix and, consequently, the greater the impact on the transport properties. Therefore, estimation of diffusion coefficients during the time-course of the whole permeation process is critical. The goal of the work developed in this PhD thesis was to study the transport properties of different multi-component feed streams through different polymeric membrane materials and different permeation systems. This work includes a study ranging from “non-interacting” solutes, such as inert gases, to more complex systems where the solutes have strong affinity to the permeated material, such aroma compounds or water vapour. The transient behaviour of the selected membranes was followed when exposed to penetrating solvents and solutes through the on-line monitoring of the permeating species using mass spectrometry, which offers the possibility to acquire one data point per second. The transport properties (sorption and diffusion coefficients) were assessed for mixed gas permeation systems through the development of a novel time lag measurement, where both parameters can be determined in a single step. In this system, solute-membrane interactions are not relevant and a constant diffusion coefficient can be considered during the whole permeation process, because the membrane structure is not significantly altered when in contact with these gases. Otherwise, several phenomena may occur inside the membrane in non-ideal processes, leading to a change of the diffusivity of the permeant with its own local concentration and, consequently, the change of its diffusivity with time. From the on-line MS monitoring tool, a method for calculating time-dependent diffusion coefficients in non-ideal systems was developed, both for gas separation, humidified gas streams, and pervaporation systems, where the solute presented affinity to the membrane. Time-dependent diffusion coefficients of permeating solutes through different membranes were calculated, considering that the membrane structure is potentially modified, due to solute-membrane interactions. During solute transport in the transient period, permeating solutes with high affinity to the membrane may extensively solubilise within the membrane structure, causing membrane rearrangements. As a consequence, longer transient periods may be observed. Finally, based on the information acquired by mass spectrometry, namely the estimation of time-dependent diffusion coefficients, a mathematical model was developed in order to obtain solute concentration profiles inside the membrane and their evolvement along time. Two case-studies were selected, corresponding to different systems, using permeating solutes with different affinities towards the membranes under study. The transport properties of two different membrane materials were compared: a polymeric membrane, which may be prone to potential material rearrangements and a ceramic membrane with a rigid structure, where material rearrangements are not anticipated

Attitudes of trans and non-binary youth and parents of trans and non-binary youth toward parenting and fertility preservation

A investigação acerca da parentalidade em jovens trans e não-binários/as (TNB) apresenta, ainda, algumas lacunas relativamente ao desejo parental e à escolha de vias para a parentalidade desta população, bem como aos impactos de certos procedimentos de afirmação de género na sua capacidade reprodutiva. Destaca-se a preservação da fertilidade (PF), como procedimento que permite a esta população alcançar a parentalidade biológica, não deixando de ser um método que apresenta diferentes barreiras. Considerando que estes procedimentos podem ser realizados em idades cada vez mais precoces, a análise do papel dos/as pais e mães mostra-se preponderante. Assim, este estudo quantitativo propôs-se a explorar a existência de diferenças nas atitudes face à parentalidade e à PF em jovens TNB e em pais/mães de jovens TNB. Além disso, foram procuradas diferenças nestas atitudes entre adolescentes e jovens adultos/as e, por fim, entre jovens trans e jovens não-binários/as. Para este fim, foi aplicado o Questionário de Atitudes face à Fertilidade para Jovens Trans (TYFAQ) e recorreu-se a testes t de Student para amostras independentes. Participaram neste estudo 27 pais e mães de jovens TNB, com idades compreendidas entre os 38 e os 64 anos e 21 jovens trans e 12 jovens não-binários, com idades compreendidas entre os 13 e os 30 anos. Através da análise, concluímos que, embora os/as pais/mães revelem um desejo de que os/as seus/suas filhos/as optem pela parentalidade biológica, esta via não é considerada importante. Os/As pais/mães são, globalmente, apoiantes das decisões dos/as seus/suas filhos/as, incluindo na escolha de diferentes vias para a parentalidade, além da conceção biológica (como a adoção). Os/As jovens TNB deste estudo mostraram pouco interesse na realização da PF e tanto pais/mães como jovens mencionaram a falta de conhecimento sobre este procedimento como a principal razão para não realizar a PF. Finalmente, o desejo parental de jovens TNB parece aumentar com a idade e os/as participantes trans aparentam sentir-se mais apoiados e informados em relação às questões de fertilidade do que os/as participantes não-binários/as. Dada a escassez de literatura sobre os temas analisados, este estudo foi inovador, uma vez que aplicámos um questionário nunca antes utilizado em Portugal. Por este motivo, em contextos clínicos, as conversas entre profissionais de saúde, jovens TNB, e as suas famílias podem ser apoiadas pelos nossos resultados

Prevalencia de lesiones intraepiteliales en atipias de significado indeterminado en un servicio público de referencia para neoplasias cervicales

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of low and high grade intraepithelial lesions in women with Pap smear diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, in the city of Maceió, Alagoas. Knowing the influence of age and the etiological agents for sexually transmitted diseases on the risk of developing low and high grade intraepithelial lesions. METHODS: Cross sectional prevalence study at a public referral center for cervical cancer. We studied records of 253 women with atypical diagnoses of undetermined significance, in 2007. RESULTS: The prevalence of intraepithelial lesions was 23.7%; 26.7% were low grade and 73.3% high grade. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of high-grade intraepithelial lesions in women with Pap smear diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) was 23.7%; the increase in risk was directly proportional to the age and higher prevalence of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion associated with papillomavirus infection.OBJETIVOS: Determinar la prevalencia de lesiones intraepiteliales de bajo y alto grado, en mujeres con diagnóstico colpocitológico de atipias de significado indeterminado en el Municipio de Maceió, Alagoas. Conocer la influencia de la edad y de los agentes etiológicos para enfermedades sexualmente transmisibles sobre el riesgo de desarrollo de las lesiones intraepiteliales de bajo y alto grado. MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio transversal de prevalencia realizado en un servicio público de referencia para neoplasias cervicales. Fueron estudiadas 253 historias clínicas de mujeres con diagnóstico de atipias de significado indeterminado, en el año 2007. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de lesiones intraepiteliales fue del 23,7%, siendo 26,7% de bajo grado y 73,3% de alto grado. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de lesiones intraepiteliales de alto grado en mujeres con diagnóstico colpocitológico de atipias de significado indeterminado (ASCUS) fue del 23,7%, el aumento del riesgo fue directamente proporcional al de la edad y hubo mayor prevalencia de lesión intraepitelial de bajo grado, asociada a la infección por el Papilomavirus humano.OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência de lesões intraepiteliais de baixo e alto grau, em mulheres com diagnóstico colpocitológico de atipias de significado indeterminado no Município de Maceió, Alagoas. Conhecer a influência da idade e dos agentes etiológicos para doenças sexualmente transmissíveis sobre o risco de desenvolvimento das lesões intraepiteliais de baixo e alto grau. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de prevalência em um serviço público de referência para neoplasias cervicais. Foram estudados 253 prontuários de mulheres com diagnóstico de atipias de significado indeterminado, no ano de 2007. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de lesões intraepiteliais foi a de 23,7%, sendo 26,7% de baixo grau e 73,3% de alto grau. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de lesões intraepiteliais de alto grau em mulheres com diagnóstico colpocitológico de atipias de significado indeterminado (ASCUS) foi de 23,7%, o aumento do risco foi diretamente proporcional ao da idade e houve maior prevalência de lesão intraepitelial de baixo grau,associada à infecção pelo Papilomavirus humano.Faculdade Integrada TiradentesUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Rietveld Quantitative Phase Analysis of Oil Well Cement: in Situ Hydration Study at 150 Bars and 150 °C

Oil and gas well cements are multimineral materials that hydrate under high pressure and temperature. Their overall reactivity at early ages is studied by a number of techniques including through the use of the consistometer. However, for a proper understanding of the performance of these cements in the field, the reactivity of every component, in real‐world conditions, must be analysed. To date, in situ high energy synchrotron powder diffraction studies of hydrating oil well cement pastes have been carried out, but the quality of the data was not appropriated for Rietveld quantitative phase analyses. Therefore, the phase reactivities were followed by the inspection of the evolution of non‐overlapped diffraction peaks. Very recently, we have developed a new cell specially designed to rotate under high pressure and temperature. Here, this spinning capillary cell is used for in situ studies of the hydration of a commercial oil well cement paste at 150 bars and 150 °C. The powder diffraction data were analysed by the Rietveld method to quantitatively determine the reactivities of each component phase. The reaction degree of alite was 90% after 7 hours, and that of belite was 42% at 14 hours. These analyses are accurate, as the in situ measured crystalline portlandite content at the end of the experiment, 12.9 wt%, compares relatively well with the value determined ex situ by thermal analysis, i.e., 14.0 wt%. The crystalline calcium silicates forming at 150 bars and 150 °C are also discussed.This research was funded by Spanish MINECO, grant number BIA2017‐82391‐R which is co‐funded by FEDER. We thank Marc Malfois for his help during the experiment performed at NCD‐SWEET beamline at ALBA synchrotron. We also thank Marcus Paul (Dyckerhoff GmbH) for providing the OWC sample with its characterization and helpful discussions

Nefrite tubulointersticial e uveíte com granulomas não caseosos na biópsia óssea

Copyright © Ordem dos Médicos 2014The Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis syndrome is a very rare condition, probably under-diagnosed in clinical practice. It is characterized by the combination of an interstitial nephritis and uveitis, and is an exclusion diagnosis. Tissue non caseating granuloma can be rarely present, with only 6 cases reported on bone marrow. We present a case of a 55 year old female with a 3-month history of asthenia and weight loss. Blood tests showed anemia and renal insufficiency. Renal biopsy revealed interstitial nephritis and the bone marrow biopsy showed caseating granuloma. One month later anterior uveitis of the left eye appeared. An extensive exclusion of all possible causes allowed a diagnosis of Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis syndrome with caseating granuloma in bone marrow. As ocular and renal manifestations may not occur simultaneously, Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome should be systematically considered in cases of interstitial nephritis and/or uveitis, and tissue granulomas can be part of this rare syndrome.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Literature review of information technology adoption models at firm level

Today, information technology (IT) is universally regarded as an essential tool in enhancing the competitiveness of the economy of a country. There is consensus that IT has significant effects on the productivity of firms. These effects will only be realized if, and when, IT are widely spread and used. It is essential to understand the determinants of IT adoption. Consequently it is necessary to know the theoretical models. There are few reviews in the literature about the comparison of IT adoption models at the individual level, and to the best of our knowledge there are even fewer at the firm level. This review will fill this gap. In this study, we review theories for adoption models at the firm level used in information systems literature and discuss two prominent models: diffusion on innovation (DOI) theory, and the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework. The DOI found that individual characteristics, internal characteristics of organizational structure, and external characteristics of the organization are important antecedents to organizational innovativeness. The TOE framework identifies three aspects of an enterprise's context that influence the process by which it adopts and implements a technological innovation: technological context, organizational context, and environmental context. We made a thorough analysis of the TOE framework, analysing the studies that used only this theory and the studies that combine the TOE framework with other theories such as: DOI, institutional theory, and the Iacovou, Benbasat, and Dexter model. The institutional theory helps us to understand the factors that influence the adoption of interorganizational systems (IOSs); it postulates that mimetic, coercive, and normative institutional pressures existing in an institutionalized environment may influence the organization’s predisposition toward an IT-based interorganizational system. The Iacovou, Benbasat, and Dexter model, analyses IOSs characteristics that influence firms to adopt IT innovations. It is based on three contexts: perceived benefits, organizational readiness, and external pressure. The analysis of these models takes into account the empirical literature, and the difference between independent and dependent variables. The paper also makes recommendations for future research. (17) (PDF) Literature Review of Information Technology Adoption Models at Firm Level. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258821009_Literature_Review_of_Information_Technology_Adoption_Models_at_Firm_Level [accessed Aug 26 2020].publishersversionpublishe