Microbiological quality of meals served in nursing homes in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiological quality of meals served in nursing homes in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, before and after the training of food handlers. The first stage was to perform a checklist conforming with current legislation. The second consisted of the collection of 4 food samples from each location and a microbiological investigation in accordance with the relevant legislation. The third was the training of food handlers in relation to good food handling practices. The fourth was a further microbiological analysis of new samples. The application of a checklist showed that the locations met the requirements of current legislation. Of the 40 samples analyzed, 17.5% (7 samples) were unfit for consumption. Among the unfit samples 15% (6 samples) had coliforms at 45 °C, 2.5% (1 sample) had coagulase-positive staphylococci, 2.5% (1 sample) had Bacillus cereus and 2.5% (1 sample) had Salmonella sp. The results of this study show the importance of controlling the quality of food served to an age group that is prone to health risks.

Psychological well-being of the parents and child development, behavior, and quality of life in very low birth weight infants

The parents of premature infants, especially the mothers, are at increased risk for distress. Infants born prematurely are at risk for developmental problems. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the psychological well-being of both parents is associated with child development in very low birth weight (VLBW, ≤1500g) children. The burden of prematurity-related morbidity to the children and to the family was also assessed. A cohort of 201 VLBW infants born during 2001–2006 in the Turku University Hospital, Finland, and their parents were studied (I–IV). One study included a control group (n=166) of full-term infants (IV). The psychological well-being of the parents was evaluated by assessments of depressive symptoms, parenting stress, the sense of coherence and general family functioning. Cognitive, behavioral, and socio-emotional development, and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the children were determined when the children were 2 to 8 years old. The psychological well-being of the parents was associated with the cognitive, behavioral and social development of the VLBW children. The VLBW infants with prematurity-related morbidities had a poorer HRQoL and the general functioning of the family was inferior compared to the control children and their families. 64.5% of the VLBW children survived without morbidities. Most of the VLBW children did not have significant behavior problems (93%), had normal social skills (63%), had no emotional problems (64%), and had no problems in executive functioning (62%). Only 3% of the surviving VLBW infants had significant cognitive delay. In conclusion, the depressive symptoms and stress of the parents can be risk factors for disadvantageous child development, while a strong sense of coherence can be protective. Parents of the premature children with developmental delays might also experience more depressive symptoms and stress than other parents. Prematurity-related morbidities were a burden to the VLBW child as well as to the family.

Dyadic Relationship and Quality of Life Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

AbstractIintroduction:Chronic Renal insufficiency (CRI) and dialysis treatment lead to a succession of situations for kidney chronic patient, which compromises his aspect, not only physically, and psychologically, with personal, family and social repercussions.Objective:(1) to verify the existence of differences of dyadic adjustment (DA) according to renal replacement treatment (RRT) and (2) verify the existence of differences quality of life (QOL) in accordance with the RRT.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study of a descriptive nature through surveys, exploratory and correlational. The sample consisted of 125 participants. Of these, 31 were to be made RRT by automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and 94 hemodialysis (HD). Participants were selected from three renal centers: (1) Centro Renal da Prelada (Porto, Portugal), (2) Centrodial (S. João da Madeira, Portugal) and Centro Renal da Misericórdia de Paredes (Paredes, Portugal). The study was carried out for 6 months. The following instruments were applied: Socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire (SDCQ), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-Bref).Results:The results demonstrate the existence of statistically significant differences between the type of RRT and most areas of QOL, as well as the existence of statistically significant differences between the subscales of the DAS evaluated and the type of RRT.Conclusion:The present study demonstrates a greater commitment in terms of QOL of individuals undergoing treatment for HD when compared with those subjected to APD. It turns out, also, that DA is most strongly perceived by patients in APD than with HD.

Quality of outsourced IT services in different degrees of offshoring

The Finnish IT service market can be described to be at a turning point. The clients are ever more interested on services delivered from offshore but certain issues keep them cautious. There is a lack of knowledge on what implications different degrees of offshoring have on service quality. Although there has been significant amount of research related to both service quality and offshoring, several questions are unanswered, terminology remains ambivalent and research findings are inconsistent. The study focuses on the interception of these two fields. The purpose of the study is to learn more about service quality in different degrees of offshoring. At the same time it aims to contribute in narrowing the research gaps. The degree of offshoring can be divided to three delivery modes: onshore, collaboration and offshore. The study takes a mixed method approach where the quantitative and qualitative phases are executed sequentially. First data was gathered from incident management system. Resolution time in different degrees of offshoring was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests. In addition, the compliance to Service Level Agreement (SLA) in different degrees of offshoring was examined with cross tabulation. The findings from the quantitative analysis suggested that the services with offshore delivery mode perform the best in terms of promptness and SLA compliance. However, several issues were found related to the data and for that reason, the findings should be considered with prudence. After the quantitative analysis, the study moved on to qualitative data collection and analysis. Four semi-structured interviews were held. The interviewees represented different organizational roles and had experiences from different delivery modes. Several themes were covered in the interviews, including: the concept of quality, the subjectivity or objectivity of service quality, expectations and prejudices towards offshore deliveries, quality produced in India, proactiveness of offshore resources, quality indicators and the scarcity of collaborative deliveries. Several conclusions can be made from the empirical research. Firstly, the quality in different delivery modes was found to be controversial topic. Secondly, in the collaborative delivery covered in the study, the way tasks and resources are allocated seem to cause issues. On the other hand inexperienced offshore resources are assigned to the delivery and on the other hand only routine tasks are assigned to the resources. This creates a self-enforcing loop that results in low motivation, low ownership and high employee turnover in offshore. Nevertheless, this issue is not characteristic only to collaborative deliveries but rather allocation of tasks and resources. Moreover, prejudices were identified to affect the perceived service quality in non-predictable way. The research also demonstrated that there is a need in focal company for further data gathering and analysis.

Physiological quality of wheat seeds submitted to saline stress

The objective of this experiment was to determine the influence of different salt levels (zero, 15, 30, 45 and 60mM NaCl) on seed physiological quality of two wheat cultivars (BRS 177 and BRS 179). SUMMARIZE METHODOLOGY. The results allow the following conclusions: the physiological quality (germination and vigor) of wheat seeds, cultivars BRS 179 and BRS 177, decrease with the increase of the salinity. The wheat seeds cv. BRS 179 performs better than BRS 177, mainly in higher salt concentrations (³ 45mM of NaCl). The electric conductivity of wheat seeds increases in function of the increment of the saline concentrations.

Physiological quality of barley seeds submitted to saline stress

The objective of the experiments was to determine the influence of the effects of different salt levels (zero, 15, 30, 45 and 60mM NaCl) on the physiological quality of seeds of two barley cultivars (BRS 195 and AF 98067). Assays were conducted to evaluate salt stress on germination and vigor. The germination and germination rate of the barley seeds decreased as salt levels increased, reducing the seed viability and vigor. The salinity affected the membrane integrity, mainly in AF 98067 that showed more sensitivity to salt stress.

Performance of different drying methods and their effects on the physiological quality of grain sorghum seeds (S. bicolor (L.) Moench)

This experiment viewed to evaluate the physiological quality of grain sorghum seeds as well as to determine the respective drying curve of each of three drying methods. The seeds harvested at 18.9%, 18.1%, and 18.2% of moisture content were submitted to the following drying methods : a) under natural conditions, b) an intermittent dryer in which the combustion of firewood was the source of caloric energy, and c) a stationary dryer in which the source of caloric energy was the burning of liquefied petroleum gas. The experimental design was a completely randomized one with 25 repetitions of one hundred seeds each. The water contents and weight of one thousand seeds were evaluated. Seeds physiological quality was evaluated by germination and vigor tests. Seed drying rates were of 0.11, 1.25, and 0.55 percent points per hour (pph -1) for the natural, intermittent and stationary drying methods, respectively. The intermittent treatment permits the highest loss of water in the shortest period of time, and germination and vigor remaining unchanged.

Effect of storage period on isoflavone content and physiological quality of conventional and transgenic soybean seeds

The objective in this research was to evaluate the isoflavone content and the physiological quality of seed from conventional and transgenic soybean cultivars before and after 180 days of storage. Twenty one soybean cultivars: CD 202, CD 206, CD 208, CD 213RR, CD 214RR, CD 215, CD 216, CD 217, CD 218, CD 221, BRS 184, BRS 185, BRS 214, BRS 244RR, BRS 245RR, BRS 246RR, BRS 255, BRS 257, BRS 258, BRS 261 and BRS 262, grown in the 2005/2006 crop season, were assayed. The seeds were packed in Kraft paper bags and stored at room temperature under laboratory conditions. Seeds were evaluated with respect to their germination and vigor (first germination count, accelerated aging and tetrazolium test) and their total isoflavone contents and respective aglycon forms (daidzein, genistein and glycitein),glycosides (daidzine, genistine and glycitine) and malonyl conjugates. A completely randomized block design with six replications with the treatments set out within a subplot scheme (21 cultivars x 2 storage periods) was used. The F-test was used to compare means between storage periods and the Scott-Knott test to compare cultivars for each storage period, both with a 95% probability. It was concluded that isoflavone contents differ between cultivars and show a distinct behavior throughout storage.

Physiological quality of soybean and wheat seeds produced with alternative potassium sources

The use of unconventional sources of K for plants has been widely studied, but the effects of alternative materials on physiological seed quality are still relatively unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of soybean and wheat seeds after using different potassium sources in a crop succession. The experimental design was a completely randomized block with four replications. Treatments consisted of three K sources (KCl, alkaline rock and ground phonolite, with 58%, 11% and 8.42% of K2O, respectively) applied in four doses (0, 25, 50 and 100 kg K2O ha-1). Potassium doses were applied in soybean and their residual effects were evaluated on the following wheat crop. Soybean and wheat seeds were evaluated immediately after harvesting by tests for moisture content, seed weight, germination, first count, electrical conductivity, seedling length and seedling dry matter. Soybean plants fertilized with alternative sources of K produced heavier seeds with a lower coat permeability compared to KCl; the physiological quality of soybean seeds and the weight of wheat seeds increase due to higher K2O doses, independently of their source.

Physiological quality of coffee seeds produced under different levels of solar radiation and maturation stages

In Brazil, although the coffee plantations are predominantly grown under full sunlight, the use of agroforestry systems can lead to socioeconomic advantages, thus providing a favorable environment to the crop by promoting its sustainability as well as environmental preservation. However, there is a lack of information on physiological quality of the coffee seeds produced under different levels of solar radiation. Within this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different levels of solar radiation and maturation stages on the physiological quality of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) seeds, cv. Acaiá Cerrado MG-1474. Three levels of solar radiation (plants grown under full sunlight; under plastic screens of 35% shading; and under plastic screens of 50% shading) and three maturation stages (cherry, greenish-yellow and green) were assessed. Physiological quality of seeds was assessed by using germination test, first count of germination, abnormal seedlings, dead seeds, and seedlings with open cotyledonary leaves. Electrophoretic analysis of isoenzymes catalase, esterase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase was also performed. With the evolution of development the coffee seeds presents increases on physiological quality, and at its beginning the seeds show improvements on quality with the reduction of solar radiation.

Use of densimetric table to improve the quality of commercial castor bean seeds

Castor bean fruits are already used for biodiesel production but obtaining quality seeds is still a challenge. Seed cleaning improves lot quality but little is known about the effects of upgrading castor bean seed lots on a densimetric table. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cleaning castor bean seed lots on a densimetric table on their physical, physiological and sanitary characteristics. Two commercial lots of the AL Guarani 2002 cultivar, separated into five categories according to their classification on a densimetric table (uncleaned and low, low intermediate, high intermediate and high outlets), were evaluated. Tests for the yield, one-thousand seed weight, germination, seedling emergence, electrical conductivity and seed health were performed. The classification of castor bean seeds on a densimetric table significantly improved the physical, physiological and sanitary quality of commercial seed lots. The physiological response of the different classified lots varied according to their initial weight. Castor bean seeds separated on a densimetric table for the upper outlet showed a better physical, physiological and sanitary quality compared to those for the lower outlet.

CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS ON A CONTENT-BASED DIGITAL SERVICE. The usage and service quality of Masennusinfo.fi

Kuluttajat käyttävät sisältöpohjaisia digitaalisia palveluita jatkuvasti saadakseen lisää tietoa terveydestään. Samalla he arvioivat käyttämiensä palveluiden laatua. Jotta yritykset voisivat suunnitella ja tarjota parhaita mahdollisia digitaalisia palveluita kuluttajille, yritysten tulisi tunnistaa ja analysoida kuluttajien kokemuksia ja käyttötarkoituksia heidän palveluissaan. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on kuvailla kuluttajien näkemyksiä Masennusinfo.fi:stä, joka on sisältöpohjainen digitaalinen palvelu, ja joka tarjoaa käyttäjilleen tietoa masennuksesta. Päämääränä on selvittää, kuinka kuluttajat kokevat lääkeyrityksen tarjoaman palvelun laadun ja mihin tarkoituksiin sitä käytetään. Tutkimuksen tarkoitus voidaan jakaa kolmeen osa-ongelmaan: • Mihin tarkoituksiin kuluttajat käyttävät sisältöpohjaisia digitaalisia palveluita? • Miten kuluttajat kokevat näiden palveluiden laadun? • Kuinka käyttötarkoitus ja koettu laatu eroavat eri käyttäjäryhmissä? Tutkimus toteutetaan web-pohjaisella kyselytutkimuksella. Mittarit tehdään teoreettisen viitekehyksen pohjalta, joka perustuu aikaisempaan tutkimukseen. Tutkimuksen empiirinen osuus suoritetaan pop-up tutkimuksella, joka sijoitetaan tutkittavalle sivustolle antaen näin kaikille palvelun käyttäjille mahdollisuuden vastata kyselyyn. Tulokset osoittavat, että palvelua käyttävät suurimmaksi osaksi naiset, suhteellisen nuoret 16−29-vuotiaat, tai yli keski-ikäiset 50−65-vuotiaat henkilöt, jotka ovat joko työssäkäyviä tai opiskelijoita ja korkeasti koulutettuja. Masennusinfo.fi nähdään laadukkaana palveluna kaikissa käyttäjäryhmissä sekä sen käytettävyyden että sisällön perusteella. Käyttötarkoituksetkin ovat jokseenkin samankaltaisia eri käyttäjäryhmissä. Yleensä palvelua käytetään tiedon hakemiseen sairauden alkuvaiheessa. Löydöksien perusteella esitetään, että palvelua muokataan vastaamaan yhä paremmin sen käyttötarkoituksia ja tyypillistä käyttäjäprofiilia. Koska muutamia pieniä eroja käyttäjäryhmien näkemyksissä havaittiin, palveluiden tuottaja päättää, minkä ryhmän mieltymyksiä se noudattaa.

Consumer perceptions on a content-based digital service:the usage and service quality of Masennusinfo.fi

Kuluttajat käyttävät sisältöpohjaisia digitaalisia palveluita jatkuvasti saadakseen lisää tietoa terveydestään. Samalla he arvioivat käyttämiensä palveluiden laatua. Jotta yritykset voisivat suunnitella ja tarjota parhaita mahdollisia digitaalisia palveluita kuluttajille, yritysten tulisi tunnistaa ja analysoida kuluttajien kokemuksia ja käyttötarkoituksia heidän palveluissaan. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on kuvailla kuluttajien näkemyksiä Masennusinfo.fi:stä, joka on sisältöpohjainen digitaalinen palvelu, ja joka tarjoaa käyttäjilleen tietoa masennuksesta. Päämääränä on selvittää, kuinka kuluttajat kokevat lääkeyrityksen tarjoaman palvelun laadun ja mihin tarkoituksiin sitä käytetään. Tutkimuksen tarkoitus voidaan jakaa kolmeen osa-ongelmaan: Mihin tarkoituksiin kuluttajat käyttävät sisältöpohjaisia digitaalisia palveluita? Miten kuluttajat kokevat näiden palveluiden laadun? Kuinka käyttötarkoitus ja koettu laatu eroavat eri käyttäjäryhmissä? Tutkimus toteutetaan web-pohjaisella kyselytutkimuksella. Mittarit tehdään teoreettisen viitekehyksen pohjalta, joka perustuu aikaisempaan tutkimukseen. Tutkimuksen empiirinen osuus suoritetaan pop-up tutkimuksella, joka sijoitetaan tutkittavalle sivustolle antaen näin kaikille palvelun käyttäjille mahdollisuuden vastata kyselyyn. Tulokset osoittavat, että palvelua käyttävät suurimmaksi osaksi naiset, suhteellisen nuoret 16−29- vuotiaat, tai yli keski-ikäiset 50−65-vuotiaat henkilöt, jotka ovat joko työssäkäyviä tai opiskelijoita ja korkeasti koulutettuja. Masennusinfo.fi nähdään laadukkaana palveluna kaikissa käyttäjäryhmissä sekä sen käytettävyyden että sisällön perusteella. Käyttötarkoituksetkin ovat jokseenkin samankaltaisia eri käyttäjäryhmissä. Yleensä palvelua käytetään tiedon hakemiseen sairauden alkuvaiheessa. Löydöksien perusteella esitetään, että palvelua muokataan vastaamaan yhä paremmin sen käyttötarkoituksia ja tyypillistä käyttäjäprofiilia. Koska muutamia pieniä eroja käyttäjäryhmien näkemyksissä havaittiin, palveluiden tuottaja päättää, minkä ryhmän mieltymyksiä se noudattaa.

The quality of the mother-child relationship during collaborative problem solving /

The quality of the mother-child relationship was examined in relation to joint planning, maternal teaching strategies, maternal emotional support, mutual positive affect and attachment security. Fifty-five grade five children and their mothers participated in a laboratory session comprised of various activities and completed questionnaires to evaluate attachment security. Joint planning and social problem solving were assessed observationally during an origami task. Problem solving effectiveness was unrelated to maternal teaching strategies, maternal encouragement and mutual positive affect. A marginally significant relationship was found between maternal encouragement and active child participation. Attachment security was found to be significantly related to sharing of responsibility during local planning, but only for child autonomous performance. An examination of conditional probabilities revealed that mutual positive affect did not increase the likelihood of subsequent mother-child dyadic regulation. However, mutual positive affect was found to be significantly related to both active child participation and dyadic regulation. The hypothesis predicting a mediational model was not supported. The implications of these findings in the theoretical and empirical literature were considered and suggestions for future research were made.