O secretariado e a modernização da administração pública: a implementação de serviços eficientes

O presente artigo pretende evidenciar a necessária mudança de paradigma no que se refere à capacidade de um profissional qualificado em secretariado, no mundo contemporâneo, bem como à necessária abrangência dos seus conhecimentos e das suas competências. Pretende-se ainda apresentar um projeto de implementação do Balcão Único de Atendimento (BUA) na Câmara Municipal de Moimenta da Beira, no sentido de adequar os seus serviços ao atual paradigma competitivo, que exige da Administração Pública uma postura moderna e dinamizadora que incremente a melhoria constante dos seus serviços, de forma a responder às exigências de eficiência, eficácia, transparência e qualidade dos seus clientes

Effect of Nonionic Surfactants on the Crystallinity and Thermal Stability of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Film

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/surfactant films were prepared by casting technique. Two nonionic surfactants with different alkyl chain lenghts (Tween 20 and Tween 40) were used. PVA/Tween 20 and PVA/Tween 40 films were characterized by means of Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra of PVA/Tween films indicated the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between the Tween surfactants and PVA. XRD results showed that the incorporation of Tween 20 and 40 into the PVA film decreased the crystallinity of PVA.TGA curves revealed an increase in the thermal stability of PVA film in the presence of the surfactants. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v12i4.151

Effect of Nonionic Surfactants on the Crystallinity and Thermal Stability of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Film

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/surfactant films were prepared by casting technique. Two nonionic surfactants with different alkyl chain lenghts (Tween 20 and Tween 40) were used. PVA/Tween 20 and PVA/Tween 40 films were characterized by means of Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra of PVA/Tween films indicated the presence of hydrogen bond interactions between the Tween surfactants and PVA. XRD results showed that the incorporation of Tween 20 and 40 into the PVA film decreased the crystallinity of PVA.TGA curves revealed an increase in the thermal stability of PVA film in the presence of the surfactants. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v12i4.151

Distribution of mosquitoes in the South East of Argentina and first report on the analysis based on 18S rDNA and COI sequences

Although Mar del Plata is the most important city on the Atlantic coast of Argentina, mosquitoes inhabiting such area are almost uncharacterized. To increase our knowledge in their distribution, we sampled specimens of natural populations. After the morphological identification based on taxonomic keys, sequences of DNA from small ribosomal subunit (18S rDNA) and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes were obtained from native species and the phylogenetic analysis of these sequences were done. Fourteen species from the genera Uranotaenia, Culex, Ochlerotatus and Psorophora were found and identified. Our 18S rDNA and COI-based analysis indicates the relationships among groups at the supra-species level in concordance with mosquito taxonomy. The introduction and spread of vectors and diseases carried by them are not known in Mar del Plata, but some of the species found in this study were reported as pathogen vectors

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

25th annual computational neuroscience meeting: CNS-2016

The same neuron may play different functional roles in the neural circuits to which it belongs. For example, neurons in the Tritonia pedal ganglia may participate in variable phases of the swim motor rhythms [1]. While such neuronal functional variability is likely to play a major role the delivery of the functionality of neural systems, it is difficult to study it in most nervous systems. We work on the pyloric rhythm network of the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion (STG) [2]. Typically network models of the STG treat neurons of the same functional type as a single model neuron (e.g. PD neurons), assuming the same conductance parameters for these neurons and implying their synchronous firing [3, 4]. However, simultaneous recording of PD neurons shows differences between the timings of spikes of these neurons. This may indicate functional variability of these neurons. Here we modelled separately the two PD neurons of the STG in a multi-neuron model of the pyloric network. Our neuron models comply with known correlations between conductance parameters of ionic currents. Our results reproduce the experimental finding of increasing spike time distance between spikes originating from the two model PD neurons during their synchronised burst phase. The PD neuron with the larger calcium conductance generates its spikes before the other PD neuron. Larger potassium conductance values in the follower neuron imply longer delays between spikes, see Fig. 17.Neuromodulators change the conductance parameters of neurons and maintain the ratios of these parameters [5]. Our results show that such changes may shift the individual contribution of two PD neurons to the PD-phase of the pyloric rhythm altering their functionality within this rhythm. Our work paves the way towards an accessible experimental and computational framework for the analysis of the mechanisms and impact of functional variability of neurons within the neural circuits to which they belong

Investigation of Thermal Behavior of Layered Double Hydroxides Intercalated with Carboxymethylcellulose Aiming Bio-Carbon Based Nanocomposites

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a polymer derived from biomass, was intercalated into layered double hydroxides (LDH) composed by M2+/Al3+ (M2Al-CMC, M = Mg or Zn) and evaluated as precursors for the preparation of biocarbon-based nanocomposites by pyrolysis. M2Al-CMC hybrids were obtained by coprecipitation and characterized by X ray diffraction (XRD), vibrational spectroscopies, chemical analysis, and thermal analysis coupled to mass spectrometry. Following, pyrolyzed materials obtained between 500–1000 °C were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Above 600 °C, Raman spectra of all samples showed the presence of graphitic carbon, which plays a role in the degree of crystallinity of produced inorganic phases (for comparison purposes, M2Al-CO3 materials were investigated after calcination in the same experimental conditions). XRD patterns of Mg2Al-CMC pyrolyzed between 600–1000 °C showed poorly crystallized MgO and absence of spinel reflections, whereas for Zn2Al-CMC, it was observed well crystallized nanometric ZnO at 800 °C, and ZnAl2O4 and γ-Al2O3 phases at 1000 °C. Above 800 °C, the carbothermic reaction was noticed, transforming ZnO to zinc vapour. This study opens perspectives for nanocomposites preparation based on carbon and inorganic (mixed) oxides through precursors having organic-inorganic interactions at the nanoscale domain

Bacterial cellulose as a template for preparation of hydrotalcite-like compounds

Bacterial cellulose (BC) was used as a template for preparation of Hydrotalcite-type compounds or layered double hydroxides (LDHs) by co-precipitation method, and submitted to three aging times. Isolated composites containing LDH supported on BC (BC-LDH) were calcined to remove the organic matrix. Mixed metal oxides formed after thermal decomposition underwent reconstruction reaction in Na2CO3 solution producing again hydrotalcite-like materials (RBC-LDH). To evaluate the influence of BC on the LDH formation, it was also analyzed LDH fractions not attached to the BC fibers and LDH synthesized in absence of the polymeric membrane. XRD pattern of BC-LDH composites show broadened peaks related to the organic semi-crystalline matrix, indicating a deep level of interaction between organic and inorganic phases. Interaction is also evidenced by changes in the composites thermal decomposition profiles compared to pristine polymer. SEM images revealed formation of submicrometrical round-shaped LDH particles after removal of membrane (RBC-LDH), differently from the plate-habit exhibited by pristine LDH. Aging plays a key role in growth of all LDHs samples, leading to the formation of larger inorganic particles as time is increased. RBC-LDH aging for three days shows significant improvement in the surface area (more than three times) if contrasted to LDH prepared in BC absence.Celulose bacteriana (BC) foi utilizada nesse estudo como molde na preparação de compostos do tipo hidrotalcita ou hidróxidos duplos lamelares (LDHs) pelo método da co-precipitação e submetida a três tempos de envelhecimento distintos. Os compósitos isolados contendo LDH suportado na BC (BC-LDH) foram calcinados para remoção da matriz orgânica. Os óxidos metálicos mistos formados após a decomposição térmica sofreram reação de reconstrução na presença de uma solução de Na2CO3 para produzirem novamente materiais do tipo hidrotalcita (RBC-LDH). Para avaliar a influência da BC na formação do LDH, também foram analisadas as frações de LDH que não aderiram às fibras da BC e, também, o LDH sintetizado na ausência da membrana polimérica. Os difratogramas de raios X dos compósitos BC-LDH exibem picos alargados relacionados com a matriz orgânica semi-cristalina, indicando um grande nível de interação entre as fases orgânica e inorgânica. A interação também é evidenciada pelas mudanças nos perfis de decomposição dos compósitos com relação ao polímero prístino. As imagens de microscopia eletrônica de varredura mostraram a formação de partículas arredondadas submicrométricas de LDH após a remoção da membrana (RBC-LDH), diferentemente do hábito de rosetas exibido pelo LDH prístino. O envelhecimento é uma componente chave no processo de crescimento de todas as amostras de LDH produzidas, resultando na formação de partículas inorgânicas maiores à medida que o tempo aumenta. O compósito RBC-LDH envelhecido por três dias apresenta um aumento significativo na área superficial (mais do que três vezes) se comparado ao LDH preparado na ausência de BC.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

The (Self-)Funding of Intangibles

In response to technological change, U.S. corporations have been investing more in intangible capital. This transformation is empirically associated with lower leverage and greater cash holdings, and commonly explained as a precautionary response to reduced debt capacity. We model how firms' payout and cash holding policies are affected by this shift. Our insight is that the creation of intangibles is largely achieved by human capital investment and requires lower upfront outlays. Firms can self-finance the retention of human capital by granting deferred equity compensation. Interestingly, retaining cash and repurchasing shares enhances the value of unvested equity, thereby facilitating retention and reducing equity dilution. Our empirical evidence confirms that firms with higher intangible investment have lower upfront investment needs. They make similar payouts as tangible investment firms, suggesting they are not on average more financially constrained. They also tend to grant more deferred equity and prioritize repurchases over dividends in particular when their stock volatility is high, in line with our model's predictions