How can packaging change children's eating habits from un-healthy food towards healthier options?

Field Lab: Children consumer behaviour

The impact of job insecurity on adaptive performance via burnout

Difficult and unpredictable times, due to economic instability, lead employees to feel high job insecurity. Organizations��� only way to subsistence is to search innovative ways of solving problems and find creative solutions. This study focuses on the impact that job insecurity has on adaptive performance, a recent measure integrating the response of creativity, reactivity in the face of emergencies, interpersonal adaptability, training effort, and handling work stress, and, mediated by burnout. From the responses of two questionnaires (????????1=252; ????????2=145), we conclude that job insecurity leads to exhaustion, but not to disengagement. In turn, it is the latter that demonstrates to have negative relations with some measures of adaptive performance. Thus, it is crucial to understand how organizations can minimize the inherent process.

Question��rio de satisfa����o do utente e do profissional : impacto num laborat��rio de an��lises cl��nicas

RESUMO: Temos assistido a uma evolu����o impressionante nos laborat��rios de an��lises cl��nicas, os quais precisam de prestar um servi��o de excel��ncia a custos cada vez mais competitivos. Nos laborat��rios os sistemas de gest��o da qualidade t��m uma import��ncia significativa nesta evolu����o, fundamentalmente pela procura da melhoria continua, que ocorre n��o s�� ao n��vel de processos e t��cnicas, mas tamb��m na qualifica����o dos diferentes intervenientes. Um dos problemas fundamentais da gest��o e um laborat��rio �� a elimina����o de desperd��cios e erros criando benef��cios, conceito base na filosofia LeanThinking isto �� ���pensamento magro���, pelo que �� essencial conseguir monitorizar fun����es cr��ticas sistematicamente. Esta monitoriza����o, num laborat��rio cada vez mais focalizado no utente, pode ser efetuada atrav��s de sistemas e tecnologias de informa����o, sendo poss��vel contabilizar n��mero de utentes, horas de maior aflu��ncia, tempo m��dio de perman��ncia na sala de espera, tempo m��dio para entrega de an��lises, resultados entregues fora da data prevista, entre outros dados de apoio �� decis��o. Devem igualmente ser analisadas as reclama����es, bem como a satisfa����o dos utentes quer atrav��s do feedback que �� transmitido aos funcion��rios, quer atrav��s de question��rios de satisfa����o. Usou-se principalmente dois modelos: um proposto pelo ��ndice Europeu de Satisfa����o do Consumidor (ECSI) e o outro de Estrutura Comum de Avalia����o (CAF). Introduziram-se igualmente dois question��rios: um apresentado em formato digital num posto de colheitas, atrav��s de um quiosque eletr��nico, e um outro na p��gina da internet do laborat��rio, ambos como alternativa ao question��rio em papel j�� existente, tendo-se analisado os dados, e retirado as devidas conclus��es. Prop��s-se e desenvolveu-se um question��rio para colaboradores cuja inten����o foi a de fornecer dados ��teis de apoio �� decis��o, face �� import��ncia dos funcion��rios na intera����o com os clientes e na garantia da qualidade ao longo de todo o processo. Avaliaram-se globalmente os resultados sem que tenha sido poss��vel apresent��-los por pol��tica interna da empresa, bem como se comentou de forma emp��rica alguns benef��cios deste question��rio. Os principais objetivos deste trabalho foram, implementar question��rios de satisfa����o eletr��nicos e analisar os resultados obtidos, comparando-os com o estudo ECSI, de forma a acentuar a import��ncia da an��lise em simult��neo de dois fatores: a motiva����o profissional e a satisfa����o do cliente, com o intuito de melhorar os sistemas de apoio �� decis��o. ------------------------ ABSTRACT: We have witnessed an impressive development in clinical analysis laboratories, which have to provide excellent service at increasingly competitive costs, quality management systems have a significant importance in this evolution, mainly by demanding continuous improvement, which does not occur only in terms of processes and techniques, but also in the qualification of the various stakeholders. One key problem of managing a laboratory is the elimination of waste and errors, creating benefits, concept based on Lean Thinking philosophy, therefore it is essential be able to monitor critical tasks systematically. This monitoring, in an increasingly focused on the user laboratory can be accomplished through information systems and technologies, through which it is possible to account the number of clients, peak times, average length of waiting room stay, average time for delivery analysis, delivered results out of the expected date, among other data that contribute to support decisions, however it is also decisive to analyzed complaint sand satisfaction of users through employees feedback but mainly through satisfaction questionnaires that provides accurate results. We use mainly two models one proposed by the European Index of Consumer Satisfaction (ECSI), directed to the client, and the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), used both in the client as the employees surveys. Introduced two questionnaires in a digital format, one in the central laboratory collect center, through an electronic kiosk and another on the laboratory web page, both as an alternative to survey paper currently used, we analyzed the results, and withdrew the conclusions. It was proposed and developed a questionnaire for employees whose intention would be to provide useful data to decision support, given the importance of employees in customer interaction and quality assurance throughout the whole clinical process, it was evaluated in a general way because it was not possible to show the results, however commented an empirical way some benefits of this questionnaire. The main goals of this study were to implement electronic questionnaires and analyze the results, comparing them with the ECSI, in order to emphasize the importance of analyzing simultaneously professional motivation with customer satisfaction, in order to improve decision support systems.

Auto-conceito no pr��- escolar : Compara����o das auto-percep����es das crian��as e as heteropercep����es dos pais e educadores

Disserta����o de Mestrado apresentada ao ISPA - Instituto Universit��rio

Autoconceito profissional e satisfacao profissional de professores de 2�� e 3�� ciclo

Disserta����o de Mestrado apresentada ao ISPA - Instituto Universit��rio

How to engage low category users through social media- The case of the make-up sector in Portugal

Purpose: This work project should be inevitably deemed as a practical approach to a marketing problem; ���How to engage low category users through the social media ��� the case of the make-up sector in Portugal���. Design/methodology/approach: Online structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used. The questionnaire was answered by 110 women aged from 15 to 45 years old and the interviews were conducted with 14 women of the same age. The interviews provided key insights for the questionnaire formulation. Findings: Women are poorly informed on make-up properties and characteristics, feeling a genuine concern in regard to this subject. Lack of time, occasional usage and skin damage are the main barriers for make-up usage by low category users. Overcoming these aspects pass by demystifying the association of make-up with skin damage and emphasise the functional and emotional benefits of make-up. Further, brands need to create contents more consumer-oriented and ask directly to fans/followers suggestions and other insights. Resort to Portuguese ���common��� women for greater empathy in campaigns, promote online meetings between followers and make-up professionals on social media; and finally take advantage of the hybrid condition of Facebook, which incorporates multiple forms of content presentation, including videos, the most appealing format of make-up presentation for women. Research limitations/implications: Further studies addressing this topic, by using larger samples and study of specific make-up brands and campaign programs, over social media to reach a solid growth potential of make-up market evidences in Portugal. Originality/ value: Make-up brands are emphasising their interest in linking social media and marketing their promotional mix around social marketing.

How to promote healthy eating habits in children

Childhood���s overweight and obesity are a worrying issue in the world nowadays. The purpose of this study was to provide contributions to the promotion of healthy food by analyzing the impact of physical activity, parents��� influence and home meals frequency on children���s food choices. Structured questionnaires were used and were answered by 172 children between 10 and 14 years old and by their respective parents. Children and parents preferred healthy food vs. non-healthy food presenting the children���s healthy food choices a mean of 4.26 and the parent���s healthy food choices a mean of 4.47 in a scale ranging from 0 to 6. Our results also show that physical activity, parent���s education and home meals frequency did not have an impact on children���s food choices, contrasting to the sedentary behavior and parents��� choices which had a negative and positive correlation, respectively, with children���s food choices. Taking these results into account and using them to advise parents and companies, we underline that parents must guarantee an adequate children���s nutrition after doing physical efforts and control the time children watch TV and play computer games and companies may create marketing campaigns and educational programs in order to promote healthy food, improve children���s eating habits and reduce the childhood obesity prevalence.

Toxoplasma gondii infection: seroprevalence and associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in Lagos City, Southern Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasma gondii infection has been described as the most widespread zoonotic infection of humans and other animals. Information concerning T. gondii infection among schoolchildren is unavailable in Lagos City, Nigeria. METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among primary schoolchildren (PSC) from a community located in the center of Lagos, southern Nigeria, from November 2013 to March 2014. A total of 382 PSC were screened for the presence of sera anti-T. gondii antibodies using a latex agglutination test (TOXO Test-MT, Tokyo, Japan). A cutoff titer of ≥ 1:32 was considered positive, while titers ≥ 1:1,024 indicated high responders. Questionnaires were also used to obtain data on possible risk factors from parents/guardians. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence was 24% (91/382), and 83.5% (76/91) of seropositive PSC were classified as high responders. Among the risk factors tested, including contact with cats and soil, consumption of raw meat and vegetables, and drinking unboiled water, none showed statistical significance after multivariate adjustment. No associations were observed among age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and parents' occupation/educational level. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study show evidence of active infection, and hence, there is need for urgent preventive measures in this city. Further investigation is required to clarify the transmission routes. Policy makers also need to initiate prevention and control programs to protect pregnant women and immunocompromised patients in particular because they are more severely affected by T. gondii infection.

Effects of corporate social responsibility on brand reputation and brand identification with children

This study aims to understand children���s perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and its effect on the brand, namely Reputation and Identification. Moreover, it analyzes if the use of Cartoons helps to increase these effects. Differences among gender, age and social class, will also be considered. 292 children from the 3rd and 6th grades from 5 schools with different social backgrounds participated in this study. The research made use of a real brand targeting children. Drawings and questionnaires were used as the main research tools. Results suggest that CSR actions have a positive effect on Reputation and Identification and that Cartoons do not lead to greater positive effects.

Estudo sobre o Grau de Integra����o de Organiza����es de Sa��de ��� EGIOS II

RESUMO - O movimento de integra����o dos cuidados de sa��de tem como objectivo a procura de modelos de presta����o de cuidados mais compreensivos, integrados e continuados. A determina����o do grau de integra����o de cuidados pode ser realizada a partir da percep����o dos profissionais de sa��de, sendo os inqu��ritos por question��rios uma fonte comummente utilizada neste tipo de estudos. O presente estudo, designado por EGIOS II, tem como objetivos: a) determinar o grau de percep����o de integra����o, dos profissionais das Unidades Locais de Sa��de; b) comparar a percep����o do grau de integra����o dos profissionais entre 2010 e 2015; c) comparar a percep����o do grau de integra����o dos profissionais que trabalham nas Unidades Locais de Sa��de e em institui����es n��o organizadas em Unidades Locais de Sa��de; e d) identificar as ��reas de maior e menor percep����o de integra����o. O instrumento de recolha de dados utilizado, foi um inqu��rito por question��rio, que pretende avaliar a percep����o do grau de integra����o dos profissionais de acordo com as dimens��es cl��nica, informa����o, normativa, administrativa, financeira e sist��mica, em 53 itens. O inqu��rito foi estruturalmente adaptado do Health System Integration Study, tendo apresentado validade e fiabilidade. O inqu��rito foi aplicado em 22 institui����es, a n��vel nacional, Unidades Locais de Sa��de e a Centros Hospitalares / Hospitais e Agrupamentos de Centros de Sa��de. A carateriza����o EGIOS II dividiu-se em quatro fases: prepara����o e envio dos of��cios; identifica����o dos interlocutores; envio dos inqu��ritos; e avalia����o dos resultados. O inqu��rito apresentou uma taxa de resposta de 27%, representando 2085 respostas ao inqu��rito. Pode afirmar-se que globalmente o estudo apresenta representatividade estat��stica, com um intervalo de confian��a de 95%. Os resultados indicam que os profissionais das Unidades Locais de Sa��de em 2015 reportam maiores n��veis de percep����o de integra����o, quando comparados os dados com o estudo de 2010. Acrescenta-se que os profissionais das Unidades Locais de Sa��de t��m um maior grau de percep����o de integra����o, do que os profissionais dos Centros Hospitalares / Hospitais e Agrupamentos de Centros de Sa��de, n��o organizados em ULS. As dimens��es administrativa, financeira e cl��nica s��o as que apresentam um menor grau de percep����o de integra����o e as dimens��es normativa e informa����o uma maior percep����o de integra����o. Os ��rg��os de administra����o e ��rg��os de gest��o interm��dia apresentam uma percep����o de integra����o superior comparativamente aos m��dicos e enfermeiros dos servi��os hospitalares e cuidados de sa��de prim��rios. Foram identificadas nove recomenda����es que poder��o servir como base para um plano de a����o subsequente do presente estudo ou para aplica����o em futuros estudos. Este estudo pode auxiliar no diagn��stico de problemas e barreiras da integra����o de cuidados, em que servi��os atuar e ainda, identificar quais as estrat��gias e processos a priorizar de forma a melhorar a integra����o de cuidados de sa��de.

Acceptance and potential barriers to effective use of diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis in an urban area in Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Acceptance of the IT LEISH(r) and direct agglutination test- made in the Laborat��rio de Pesquisas Cl��nicas (DAT-LPC) by healthcare professionals and patients suspected of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Ribeir��o das Neves was evaluated. METHODS: Ninety-two patients and 47 professionals completed three questionnaires. RESULTS: Eighty-eight (96%) patients considered fingertip blood collection a positive test feature, and 86% (37) and 91% of professionals considered the IT LEISH(r) easy to perform and interpret, respectively. All professionals classified the DAT-LPC as simple and easy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and healthcare professionals in Ribeir��o das Neves demonstrated a high degree of acceptance of the IT LEISH(r) and DAT-LPC.

The World Health Organization Multi-Professional Patient Safety Curriculum : implementation of key modules and its impact on patient safety knowledge, skills, and attitudes of medical students at the University of Algarve

ABSTRACT - Objectives: We attempted to show how the implementation of the key elements of the World Health Organization Patient Safety Curriculum Guide Multi-professional Edition in an undergraduate curriculum affected the knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards patient safety in a graduate entry Portuguese Medical School. Methods: After receiving formal recognition by the WHO as a Complementary Test Site and approval of the organizational ethics committee , the validated pre-course questionnaires measuring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to patient safety were administered to the 2nd and3rd year students pursuing a four-year course (N = 46). The key modules of the curriculum were implemented over the academic year by employing a variety of learning strategies including expert lecturers, small group problem-based teaching sessions, and Simulation Laboratory sessions. The identical questionnaires were then administered and the impact was measured. The Curriculum Guide was evaluated as a health education tool in this context. Results: A significant number of the respondents, 47 % (n = 22), reported having received some form of prior patient safety training. The effect on Patient Safety Knowledge was assessed by using the percentage of correct pre- and post-course answers to construct 2 �� 2 contingency tables and by applying Fishers��� test (two-tailed). No significant differences were detected (p < 0.05). To assess the effect of the intervention on Patient Safety skills and attitudes, the mean and standard deviation were calculated for the pre and post-course responses, and independent samples were subjected to Mann-Whitney���s test. The attitudinal survey indicated a very high baseline incidence of desirable attitudes and skills toward patient safety. Significant changes were detected (p < 0.05) regarding what should happen if an error is made (p = 0.016), the role of healthcare organizations in error reporting (p = 0.006), and the extent of medical error (p = 0.005). Conclusions: The implementation of selected modules of the WHO Patient Safety Curriculum was associated with a number of positive changes regarding patient safety skills and attitudes, with a baseline incidence of highly desirable patient safety attitudes, but no measureable change on the patient safety knowledge, at the University of Algarve Medical School. The significance of these results is discussed along with implications and suggestions for future research.

Experience with the first Internet-based course at the Faculty of Medicine, University of S��o Paulo

PURPOSE: The Internet expands the range and flexibility of teaching options and enhances the ability to process the ever-increasing volume of medical knowledge. The aim of this study is to describe and discuss our experience with transforming a traditional medical training course into an Internet-based course. METHOD: Sixty-nine students were enrolled for a one-month course. They answered pre- and post-course questionnaires and took a multiple-choice test to evaluate the acquired knowledge. RESULTS: Students reported that the primary value for them of this Internet-based course was that they could choose the time of their class attendance (67%). The vast majority (94%) had a private computer and were used to visiting the Internet (75%) before the course. During the course, visits were mainly during the weekends (35%) and on the last week before the test (29%). Thirty-one percent reported that they could learn by reading only from the computer screen, without the necessity of printed material. Students were satisfied with this teaching method as evidenced by the 89% who reported enjoying the experience and the 88% who said they would enroll for another course via the Internet. The most positive aspect was freedom of scheduling, and the most negative was the lack of personal contact with the teacher. From the 80 multiple-choice questions, the mean of correct answers was 45.5, and of incorrect, 34.5. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that students can successfully learn with distance learning. It provides useful information for developing other Internet-based courses. The importance of this new tool for education in a large country like Brazil seems clear.

Advances in radiochemotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer

New advances are being incorporated into the radiochemotherapy treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Although the overall prognosis is poor in advanced stages, the possibility of incorporating combined protocols of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for organ preservation or for palliation in cases of recurrent/locally advanced stages that are not good surgical candidates must not be forgotten. In this context, there is an urgent need to incorporate quality of life questionnaires and functional evaluation into organ-preservation studies, as well as to assure the importance of surgical salvage after radiotherapy and chemotherapy protocols. The authors provide an extensive review of the advances occurring in the nonsurgical treatment of head and neck cancer. Special attention is given to different radiotherapy protocols, new chemotherapy combinations, molecular markers, and molecular therapy as well as the possibility of incorporating re-irradiation and adjuvant therapy after surgery.

Fiscaliza����o dos servi��os de informa����es em Portugal

The present work offers a brief historical and evolutionary introduction to the legal basis of the Portuguese Republic Intelligence System (SIRP) which comprises two services ��� the Security Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Defence Strategic Intelligence Service (SIED) ��� and two entities responsible for its oversight ��� the Supervisory Body (CFSIRP) and the Data Monitoring Committee (CFD), also responsible for supervising the Military Intelligence and Security Centre (CISMIL) of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (EMGFA). The initial narrative subsequently leads us to a detailed analysis of the Portuguese Intelligence services' current model of monitoring, as well as of the legislator���s options, namely in the legal drafting field, used within the construction and definition of the legal structure that currently regulates the Portuguese Republic Intelligence System. For the purposes of this study we have broadly examined different models of the European Union, in particular those of Belgium, the Netherlands and Croatia. We have also transposed to the text the valuable contributions collected during the research phase, more precisely the replies to questionnaires and interviews conducted with certain individuals selected according to their knowledge and affinity with the subject of this study, including members and former members of the Supervisory Body and former directors of the three portuguese intelligence services. The present dissertation intends to contribute to the development of this subject, promoting critical analysis, within and beyond the academia, with the aim that some of its reflections might be useful towards the intelligence system���s future reform, particularly in what concerns intelligence services monitoring.