Governmental surveillance system of healthcare-associated infection in Brazil


Objective: This study aimed to describe the structure of governmental surveillance systems for Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) in the Brazilian Southeastern and Southern States. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory study, with data collection by means of two-phases: characterization of the healthcare structure and of the HAI surveillance system. Results: The governmental teams for prevention and control of HAI in each State ranged from one to six members, having at least one nurse. All States implemented their own surveillance system. The information systems were classified into chain (n=2), circle (n=4) or wheel (n=1). Conclusion: Were identified differences in the structure and information flow from governmental surveillance systems, possibly limiting a nationwide standardization. The present study points to the need for establishing minimum requirements in public policies, in order to guide the development of HAI surveillance systems.


Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System Performance Report, FY 2007

Agency Performance Report

Retirement Investors' Club Plan Document; 401 (a) Employer Match Plan, 2005

This Plan is intended to be a qualified plan within the meaning of Code Section 401(a), a plan within the meaning of Code Section 401(a), and a governmental plan within the meaning of Code Section 414(d). This Plan may be referred to as “The State of Iowa’s 401(a) Employer Match Plan”, which is one of two plans that comprise the Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC).

Retirement Investors' Club Plan Document; 457 Employee Contribution Plan, 2005

This Plan is intended to satisfy the requirements for an “eligible deferred compensation plan” under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and all other applicable provisions of law and the regulations issued thereunder. This Plan may be referred to as “The State of Iowa’s 457 Employee Contribution Plan”, which is one of two plans that comprise the Retirement Investors’ Club (RIC).

Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System Performance Plan, FY 2009

Agency Performance Plan, Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System

Iowa Public Employees Retirement System Strategic Plan, 2007-2010

This report outlines the strategic plan for Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, goals and mission.

Variability of apparently homogeneous soilscapes in São Paulo state, Brazil: II. quality of soil maps

The quality of semi-detailed (scale 1:100.000) soil maps and the utility of a taxonomically based legend were assessed by studying 33 apparently homogeneous fields with strongly weathered soils in two regions in São Paulo State: Araras and Assis. An independent data set of 395 auger sites was used to determine purity of soil mapping units and analysis of variance within and between mapping units and soil classification units. Twenty three soil profiles were studied in detail. The studied soil maps have a high purity for some legend criteria, such as B horizon type (> 90%) and soil texture class (> 80%). The purity for the "trophic character" (eutrophic, dystrophic, allic) was only 55% in Assis. It was 88% in Araras, where many soil units had been mapped as associations. In both regions, the base status of clay-textured soils was generally better than suggested by the maps. Analysis of variance showed that mapping was successful for "durable" soil characteristics such as clay content (> 80% of variance explained) and cation exchange capacity (≥ 50% of variance explained) of 0-20 and 60-80 cm layers. For soil characteristics that are easily modified by management, such as base saturation of the 0-20 cm layer, the maps had explained very little (< 15%) of the total variance in the study areas. Intermediate results were obtained for base saturation of the 60-80 cm layer (56% in Assis; 42% in Araras). Variance explained by taxonomic groupings that formed the basis for the legend of the soil maps was similar to, often even smaller than, variance explained by mapping units. The conclusion is that map boundaries have been very carefully located, but descriptions of mapping units could be improved. In future mappings, this could possibly be done at low cost by (a) bulk sampling to remove short range variation and enhance visualization of spatial patterns at distances > 100 m; (b) taking advantage of correlations between easily measured soil characteristics and chemical soil properties and, (c) unbending the link between legend criteria and a taxonomic system. The maps are well suited to obtain an impression of land suitability for high-input farming. Additional field work and data on former land use/management are necessary for the evaluation of chemical properties of surface horizons.

Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System An Annual Summary for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2011, FY 2011

Report on the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) for the year ended June 30, 2011

Characterization of the soil fertility and root system of restinga forests

The Restinga vegetation consists of a mosaic of plant communities, which are defined by the characteristics of the substrates, resulting from the type and age of the depositional processes. This mosaic complex of vegetation types comprises restinga forest in advanced (high restinga) and medium regeneration stages (low restinga), each with particular differentiating vegetation characteristics. The climate along the coast is tropical (Köppen). Of all ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest, Restinga is the most fragile and susceptible to anthropic disturbances. Plants respond to soil characteristics with physiological and morphological modifications, resulting in changes in the architecture (spatial configuration) of the root system. The purpose of this study was to characterize the soil fertility of high and low restinga forests, by chemical and physical parameters, and its relation to the root system distribution in the soil profile. Four locations were studied: (1) Ilha Anchieta State Park, Ubatuba; (2) two Ecological Stations of Jureia-Itatins and of Chauás, in the municipality of Iguape; (3) Vila de Pedrinhas in the municipality of Ilha Comprida; and (4) Ilha do Cardoso State Park, Cananeia. The soil fertility (chemical and physical properties) was analyzed in the layers 0-5, 0-10, 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm. In addition, the distribution of the root system in the soil profile was evaluated, using digital images and the Spring program. It was concluded that the root system of all vegetation types studied is restricted to the surface layers, 0-10 and 10-20 cm, but occupies mainly the 0-10 cm layer (70 %); that soil fertility is low in all environments studied, with base saturation values below 16 %, since most exchange sites are occupied by aluminum; and that restinga vegetation is edaphic.

New IPERS Members Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System, February 2012

The IPERS plan is a defined benefit pension plan. The lifetime monthly benefit you receive is predictable and stable because it is calculated using a formula. Your benefits grow with you throughout your IPERS-covered employment. As your years of service and salary increase, your IPERS benefits grow too. IPERS, a public agency, was established for the sole purpose of providing a retirement plan to public employees throughout Iowa. As a public agency, IPERS’ goals are aligned with members’. IPERS benefits are designed to supplement personal savings and Social Security benefits in retirement. Benefits also offer financial protection for families in the event of death or disability.

Iowa's Public Employees Retirement System, Actuarial Valuation Report, June 2008

Report on the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) for the year ended June 30, 2008

Iowa Public Employees Retirement System Strategic Plan, 2012-2017

This report outlines the strategic plan for Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, goals and mission.

A legislator's guide to Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System : important information for IPERS' plan sponsors.

A guide to IPERS programs and services for Iowa state legislators.

Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System Performance Plan, FY2014

Agency Performance Plan, Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System

Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System An Annual Summary for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013, FY 2013

Report on the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) for the year ended June 30, 2013