Algorithmic aspects of bio-inspired string operations

We present building blocks for algorithms for the efficient reduction of square factor, i.e. direct repetitions in strings. So the basic problem is this: given a string, compute all strings that can be obtained by reducing factors of the form zz to z. Two types of algorithms are treated: an offline algorithm is one that can compute a data structure on the given string in advance before the actual search for the square begins; in contrast, online algorithms receive all input only at the time when a request is made. For offline algorithms we treat the following problem: Let u and w be two strings such that w is obtained from u by reducing a square factor zz to only z. If we further are given the suffix table of u, how can we derive the suffix table for w without computing it from scratch? As the suffix table plays a key role in online algorithms for the detection of squares in a string, this derivation can make the iterated reduction of squares more efficient. On the other hand, we also show how a suffix array, used for the offline detection of squares, can be adapted to the new string resulting from the deletion of a square. Because the deletion is a very local change, this adaption is more eficient than the computation of the new suffix array from scratch.

Between pluralism and majoritarianism: the European Court of Human Rights on religious symbols and education

How is it possible to square the development of a consistent Europeanapproach to religious diversity with the recognition of the sometimes-conflictiveplurality of state-religion models? The Court´s support of the liberalprinciples of separation and neutrality have either been deplored by Christianconservatives as the result of European Christophobia, or celebratedby secularists as contributing to the formation of a Europe free of religion.In contrast, the present chapter argues for a differentiated approach toEuropean jurisprudence, outlining how the Court has been oscillating betweenan appealing liberal-pluralist perspective or framework, and a questionablemajoritarian one. Both perspectives are illustrated by focusing onrepresentative decisions in the area of religious education and symbols.

Aspects professionnels associés à des symptômes de détresse psychique chez des spécialistes des urgences pré-hospitalières

Il y a relativement peu d'études portant sur la santé au travail des professionnels des urgences préhospitalières. Toutefois, quelques études suggèrent que les problèmes de santé mentale sont particulièrement fréquents et graves pour cette population de travailleurs et travailleuses. Notre étude visait d'une part à identifier certains facteurs professionnels associés à différents symptômes chez des professionnels des urgences pré-hospitalières. D'autre part, cette étude visait à identifier et à documenter diverses stratégies de préservation de la santé utiliséespar ces professionnels dans le cadre de leur travailDans un premier temps, une phase qualitative centrée sur l'observation du travail réel a été effectuée. Au cours de cette phase, les chercheurs ont accompagné des équipages de professionnels des urgences pré-hospitalières pour la durée entière de la journée de travail et pour une moyenne d'environ une semaine (4 X 12 heures) par équipage. Les analyses des données d'observation ont été réalisées en équipe multidisciplinaire. Certaines interventions ont été filmées et utilisées dans le cadre d'entretiens en auto-confrontation. Les observations ont été effectuées dans 11 services pour un total de 416 heures d'observation et 70 interventions. L'analyse de l'activité réelle de travail a été effectuée à travers diverses thématiques comme par exemple le travail d'équipe, l'organisation, ou la charge physique. Dans un second temps, un questionnaire a été développé et administré à l'ensemble des ambulanciers (N=669) en Suisse francophone. Cette démarche visait 1-à documenter l'état de santé de ces professionnels et 2- à mettre en évidence des associations entre certains facteurs liés au travail et des indicateurs de santé.Au total, 374 questionnaires ont été retournés. Cette démarche a permis de constater que les professionnels des urgences pré-hospitalières sont nombreux (14 %) à avoir un score élevé (associé à un risque augmenté de troubles psychiques) pour le General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Des associations ont été observées entre le fait d'avoir un score élevé pour le GHQ et certaines caractéristiques du travail (le type d'intervention, le ratio efforts-récompenses de Siegrist, de même que certains aspects organisationnels ou liés à la supervision). 20 % des participants mentionnentaussi souffrir de séquelles psychiques attribuables à des interventions particulièrement diffi ciles sur le plan émotionnel. Les stratégies observées concernent par exemple l'utilisation des ressources disponibles (médecin conseil, collègues, psychologues), différentes stratégies de coping psychologique, des aménagements spontanés des rôles entre collègues, diverses modalités visant à développer/maintenir les compétences.Notre étude confi rme l'importance des problèmes de santé psychique pour des collectifs de professionnels des urgences pré-hospitalières. Notre démarche a aussi permis de constater que ces professionnels ont recours à diverses stratégies pour réguler leur activité de travail. Ces stratégies comportent un potentiel pour la préservation de la santé mentale.

Spirituality and religion in outpatients with schizophrenia: A multi-site comparative study of Switzerland, Canada, and the United States

Objective: To assess the importance of spirituality and religious coping among outpatients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder living in three countries. Method: A total of 276 outpatients (92 from Geneva, Switzerland, 121 from Trois-Rivières, Canada, and 63 from Durham, North Carolina), aged 18-65, were administered a semi-structured interview on the role of spirituality and religiousness in their lives and to cope with their illness. Results: Religion is important for outpatients in each of the three country sites, and religious involvement is higher than in the general population. Religion was helpful (i.e., provided a positive sense of self and positive coping with the illness) among 87% of the participants and harmful (a source of despair and suffering) among 13%. Helpful religion was associated with better social, clinical and psychological status. The opposite was observed for the harmful aspects of religion. In addition, religion sometimes conflicted with psychiatric treatment. Conclusions: These results indicate that outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder often use spirituality and religion to cope with their illness, basically positively, yet sometimes negatively. These results underscore the importance of clinicians taking into account the spiritual and religious lives of patients with schizophrenia.

The discourse of health managers on aspects related to the delay in tuberculosis diagnosis

The aim of this study was to analyze the discourse of health managers on aspects related to delay in tuberculosis diagnosis. This was a qualitative research study, conducted with 16 Family Health Unit managers. The empirical data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The analysis was based on the theoretical framework of the French school of discourse analysis. According to the managers’ statements, the delay in tuberculosis diagnosis is related to patient and health service aspects. As for patient aspects, managers report fear, prejudice and lack of information as factors that may promote a delayed diagnosis. Regarding health service aspects, structural problems and lack of professional skills were reported. The discourse of managers should be considered to qualify tuberculosis control actions and to prevent delays in diagnosis.

Instrumental and ethical aspects of experimental research with animal models

Experimental animal models offer possibilities of physiology knowledge, pathogenesis of disease and action of drugs that are directly related to quality nursing care. This integrative review describes the current state of the instrumental and ethical aspects of experimental research with animal models, including the main recommendations of ethics committees that focus on animal welfare and raises questions about the impact of their findings in nursing care. Data show that, in Brazil, the progress in ethics for the use of animals for scientific purposes was consolidated with Law No. 11.794/2008 establishing ethical procedures, attending health, genetic and experimental parameters. The application of ethics in handling of animals for scientific and educational purposes and obtaining consistent and quality data brings unquestionable contributions to the nurse, as they offer subsidies to relate pathophysiological mechanisms and the clinical aspect on the patient.