Da harmonia do sorriso ao equilíbrio químico: proposta de situação de ensino e aprendizagem em química.

The aim of this work was to develop and evaluate a pedagogic moment based on teaching and learning situation (TLS) that could allow the interplay of concepts of chemical equilibrium and dental caries, as well as oral health education based on oral hygiene and the rationale use of fluoride. As secondary aims, it was surveyed the level of interest of high school students in Chemistry and also which topics were the most difficult for them to learn. Three TLS were planned just after it has been established the students´ profile: TLS-1 - sensitization carried out with pictures of famous people before fame (with dental problems) and after fame; TLS-2 – Experimentation and problematizing that was performed putting egg shell into vinegar to produce carbonic gas and allow discussion on chemical reactions. Part of the egg shell was exposed to fluoride to show its remineralizing effect in controlling dental caries; TLS-3 – Evaluation was carried out using a questionnaire. Ninety students from a high school of João Pessoa were enrolled. Most students showed low level of interest in studying Chemisty. They identified that Chemistry is more related to Biology and Physics than to Mathematics. Chemical equilibrium was regarded as a difficult topic to learn. After performing the TLS the students recognized that Chemistry can be important for their personal life. Finally, the TLS that were performed could present chemical concepts on chemical equilibrium linked to oral hygiene recommendations. The message of maintenance of oral health allowed the student to think and interpret chemical equilibrium and they could recognize that chemistry is present in their daily life.O objetivo desse trabalho foi de desenvolver e avaliar uma proposta pedagógica do tipo situação de ensino e aprendizagem (SEA) que permita a inter-relação de conceitos sobre “equilíbrio químico”, cárie dentária e orientação em saúde bucal com enfoque em escovação dentária e uso racional do flúor. Objetivou-se ainda mensurar o grau de interesse de estudantes do ensino médio no estudo de Química e identificar assuntos em Química que sejam considerados de difícil compreensão por parte dos alunos. Para tanto, três SEA foram programadas logo após o estabelecimento do perfil dos alunos: SEA-1 – Sensibilização, realizada com projeção de fotografias de pessoas famosas com problemas dentários antes da fama; SEA-2- Experimentação e Problematização – um experimento do ovo no vinagre foi montado a fim de permitir a reflexão sobre as reações químicas envolvidas na produção de gás carbônico durante a ação do ácido acético no carbonato de cálcio. Uma das partes da casca foi exposta ao flúor gel como indicativo de importante remineralizante para controle da cárie; SEA-3- Avaliação – um instrumento de avaliação de desempenho e da própria SEA foi aplicado. A amostra foi composta pelos alunos do terceiro ano do ensino médio de uma escola particular da cidade de João Pessoa. De um modo em geral, os alunos apresentaram baixo grau de interesse na Química. Esses alunos identificaram a Química como sendo uma ciência mais próxima da Biologia e da Física do que da Matemática. Equilíbrio químico foi um dos temas mais problemáticos de aprendizagem. O item de melhor evolução entre o antes e o depois do experimento foi o reconhecimento da Química como importante para a vida pessoal. Metade dos alunos não conseguiu expressar as reações químicas em termos de constante de equilíbrio. Finalmente as SEA desenvolvidas tiveram o mérito de ensinar conceitos de química associados com recomendações sobre a necessidade diária de medidas de autocuidado e manutenção da saúde bucal de uma maneira que permitiu ao aluno fazer interpretações e articular conhecimentos de química com o seu cotidiano

ISO 9001 and organizational excellence models in small and medium sized enterprises: current state and comparative analysis

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand the current state of quality management practices in Small and Medium Enterprises. The main concepts of Quality Management and its practices in Small and Medium Enterprises were reviewed from the literature in order to understand the key practices in these organizations, and a data analysis on their use was performed. Design/methodology/approach - Analysis was performed by consulting and understanding the evolution of Organizational Excellence Models and Quality Management Systems. This research incorporates data since the beginning of the 90's from the last century and allows us to comprehend how these models and management systems have evolved and if there is any correlation between the adoption of each one of them- evaluation of interdependencies. Findings - The findings suggest that while the number of ISO 9001 certified companies has increased over the years, the number of organizations accessing Business Excellence frameworks have been decreasing. The available data suggests that Small and Medium Enterprises seem to follow these trends. It is particularly noticed that there is a considerable gap between Small and Medium Enterprises and Large Enterprises in the usage of Business Excellence frameworks. Originality/value - This article offers a global perspective of the current state in the use of ISO 9001 and Organizational Excellence Models by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME's).INCT-EN - Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia para Excitotoxicidade e NeuroproteçãoThis work has been supported by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2019

Small and medium enterprises pursuing organizational excellence: a toolkit for improvement

Purpose - This paper presents the development of a new organizational excellence tool specifically for use by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) while implementing business excellence models. A literature review was conducted to analyse the current state of business excellence models and their content and application around the world, including the identification of key principles that drive their creation and implementation. In this paper, we present a framework that has been validated by an Expert Panel of Organizational Excellence Professionals, considering the unique characteristics of SME and their industry contexts. It is hoped that this toolkit will allow these companies to strive for organizational excellence through a framework that is better suited to their context and needs. Design/methodology/approach - An initial extensive literature review was conducted on the topics of Excellence Frameworks, Excellence Programs, Excellence Awards and the different contextual environments between LE and SME. Based on the literature review, we began by reviewing several scientific articles aimed at understanding the different contexts of LE and SME. From this point of view, and with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, we emphasized the themes that offered a better fit to the needs of these organizations and that, as a result, should be integrated into this framework. The Quality and Organizational Excellence Framework for Small and Medium Enterprises (QOE-SME) was built based on the weaknesses and shortcomings found in the use and implementation of SME's excellence models. The model was then validated by a group of quality experts through an online survey. This group was chosen based on criteria for reaching out to people who, in both academia and industry, have carried out significant and appropriate research in the field of organizational excellence and/or in the field of quality promotion and superior performance in SME. Findings - Organizational excellence programs have created a catalyst and frameworks for improved success and productivity within large organisations. However, small and medium-sized organizations often try to achieve the same results using these same structures. However, evidence suggests that some of these frameworks are seen as unrealistic and difficult to implement. These implementation levels and records of positive implementation of OE models in SME are still small. The question is seen by both practitioners and researchers because of the various implementation difficulties faced by SME. Such perceived difficulties contributed to the development of the QOE-SME Framework.INCT-EN - Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia para Excitotoxicidade e NeuroproteçãoThis work has been supported by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the R&D Units Project Scope: UIDB/00319/2020

Prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among students from João Pessoa, PB, Brazil

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among 12-15-year-old students from João Pessoa, PB, Brazil before starting a program of artificial fluoridation of drinking water. The use of fluoridated dentifrice was also surveyed. A sample of 1,402 students was randomly selected. However, 31 students refused to participate and 257 were not permanent residents in João Pessoa, thus leaving a final sample of 1,114 students. Clinical exams were carried out by two calibrated dentists (Kappa = 0.78) under natural indirect light. Upper and lower front teeth were cleaned with gauze and dried, and then examined using the TF index for fluorosis. A questionnaire on dentifrice ingestion and oral hygiene habits was applied to the students. The results revealed that fluorosis prevalence in this age group was higher than expected (29.2%). Most fluorosis cases were TF = 1 (66.8%), and the most severe cases were TF = 4 (2.2%). The majority of the students reported that they had been using fluoridated dentifrices since childhood; 95% of the participants preferred brands with a 1,500 ppm F concentration, and 40% remembered that they usually ingested or still ingest dentifrice during brushing. It was concluded that dental fluorosis prevalence among students in João Pessoa is higher than expected for an area with non-fluoridated water. However, although most students use fluoridated dentifrices, and almost half ingest slurry while brushing, the majority of cases had little aesthetic relevance from the professionals' point of view, thus suggesting that fluorosis is not a public health problem in the locality

Fluoride in Bottled Waters Consumed in Northeastern Brazil

Objective: To assess the fluoride concentration of bottled waters from municipalities in northeastern Brazil. Material and Methods: Bottled mineral waters were purchased in two periods at different commercial places of four large municipalities (João Pessoa, Campina Grande, Patos, and Cajazeiras) in the Paraíba state. The municipalities selected to present the following annual average temperature: João Pessoa 26.5 °C, Campina Grande 23.3 °C, Patos and Cajazeiras 27.5 °C. Fluoride concentration was determined using a combined ion-specific electrode. Readings (in mV) were conducted in triplicates for each standard solution and converted into fluoride concentration (mg F/L) using the Excel® software. Results: A total of 72 samples from six brands of bottled water were analyzed. The fluoride concentrations of all samples were low (0.11-0.21mg/L) but higher than those reported on the label and varied among different batches of the same brand. Conclusion: The fluoride levels in bottled water vary among brands, and these actual values are not stated in the labels

Fluoride intake from drinking water and dentifrice by children living in a tropical area of Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess fluoride (F-) intake from water and toothpaste by children aged 18 to 36 months and to monitor the F- concentrations in the drinking water system in a tropical city of Brazil. METHODS: Children (n=58) aged 18-36 months, all lifetime residents of Penedo, state of Alagoas, Brazil, participated in this study. Water F- analyses were carried out in 7 different occasions at least a week apart. For 2 days all the water drunk by each child was accounted for. Fluoride intake from water for each child was estimated using the mean F- concentration of water in 7 different occasions. Fluoride intake from toothpaste was estimated by subtracting the recovered post-brushing F- from the original amount placed in the toothbrush. The F- intake from water and toothpaste was estimated by dividing the total amount of F- ingested by the weight of each child. RESULTS: The mean F- concentration in the drinking water was 0.94 ppm (mean range 0.78-1.1 ppm), which is above the 0.7 ppm recommended for this area of Brazil. Mean total F- intake from water and toothpaste was 0.128 mg F-/Kg Body Weight/day. The daily means of F- intake from water and toothpaste were 0.021 and 0.107 mg F-/Kg Body Weight, respectively. Ninety six percent of children showed F- intake above 0.07 mg F-/Kg Body Weight/day. CONCLUSIONS: Children in Penedo are at risk for developing dental fluorosis due to high F- intake from fluoridated toothpastes. Water fluoridation showed low contribution to the total F- intake. However, high water F- concentrations in the water indicate the need of surveillance of the artificial water fluoridation system.OBJETIVOS: determinar a ingestão de flúor (F-) pela água e creme dental em crianças de 18 a 36 meses de idade que moram em uma cidade de clima tropical no Brasil e monitorar as concentrações de F- no sistema de água potável. MATERIAIS MÉTODOS: participaram deste estudo crianças (n=58), 18-36 meses, todas residentes vitalícias de Penedo (Alagoas), Brasil. As análises de F- em amostras de água foram realizadas em 7 ocasiões diferentes em semanas separadas. Durante 2 dias toda a água bebida por cada criança foi considerada. A ingestão de fluoreto para cada criança foi calculada pela média de flúor na água nas 7 ocasiões diferentes. A ingestão de F- pelo creme dental foi calculada subtraindo a saliva recuperada do expectorado pela quantidade de F- colocada na escova dental. A ingestão de F- de água e pasta de dentes foi calculada dividindo a quantia de F ingerida pelo peso de cada criança. RESULTADOS: A concentração média de F- em água potável foi de 0,94 ppm (variando de 0.78-1.12 ppm) estando acima do recomendado para esta área do Brasil que é de 0,7 ppm. A ingestão de F- total (água + creme dental) foi de 0,128 mg de F/Kg peso/dia. As médias diárias de ingestão de F- pela água e creme dental foram de 0,021 e 0,107 mg F-/Kg de peso corporal dia, respectivamente. Noventa que seis por cento das crianças demonstraram ingestão de F- superior a 0,07 mg de F-/Kg peso/dia. CONCLUSÕES: crianças em Penedo estão sob risco de desenvolver fluorose dental devido a elevada ingestão de F- pelo creme dental fluoretado. Adição de flúor à água de água mostrou baixa contribuição ao flúor total ingerido. Porém, altas concentrações de F- na água indicam a necessidade de vigilância do sistema de fluoretação artificial das águas

Investigation of the Erosive Potential of Different Types of Alcoholic Beverages

Objective: To evaluate the erosive potential of different alcoholic beverages according to pH, titratable acidity and buffering capacity. Material and Methods: Thirteen industrialized alcoholic beverages of different brands were selected and divided into five groups according to their type and composition. The pH measurement and titratable acidity for pH 5.5 and 7.0 were performed in triplicate in 50 mL of each beverage. The buffering capacity was calculated based on pH and titratable acidity for pH 7.0. ANOVA, Tukey, and Pearson correlation, with p<0.05, were used for data analysis. Results: Data showed normal distribution by Shapiro-Wilk test. The pH of alcoholic beverages ranged from 2.49 (Miks Ice Tea - Green Fruits) to 7.64 (Smirnoff). The highest values of acid titration (4.68) and buffer capacity (19.97) were observed in Smirnoff Ice. The following correlations (p<0.01) were noted between: pH and titratable acidity; buffering capacity and pH; buffering capacity and titratable acidity. Conclusion: Some beers and alcopops presented erosive potential due to their lower pH associated with high acid titration values. The whisky and sugarcane liquor examined were not potentially erosive

Tooth loss in middle-aged adults with diabetes and hypertension : social determinants, health perceptions, oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) and treatment need

This study aimed to explore the association between tooth loss and social determinants, health self-perceptions, OIDP and self-concept of dental treatment need in middle-aged adults with diabetes and hypertension. A cross-sectional study was developed with 212 hypertensive and diabetic middle-aged adults (50-65 years). Data were collected from clinical examinations (DMFT) and a questionnaire regarding socioeconomic status, dental health assistance, self-perceptions of oral and general health, OIDP, and the self-concept of dental treatment need. Tooth loss was dichotomized considering the cutoff point of 12 (Model I) or 24 missing teeth (Model II). Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher?s exact test and logistic regression (p?0.05). Tooth loss was significantly associated with variables such as last dental visit, reason for dental visit, OIDP, perception of dental treatment need, and general self-perception (Model I). Schooling, last dental visit, oral health self-perception and perception of dental treatment need were significantly associated with tooth loss in the Model II. When Model 1 and 2 were adjusted, they demonstrated that last dental visit and perception of dental treatment need were predictor variables. The annual dental visit and the self-concept of dental treatment need were associated with tooth loss, demonstrating that these variables reduce the tooth loss prevalence