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IntroductionA characteristic of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the sequential emergence and global dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 variants, noted for their enhanced transmission efficiency. These variants with mutations in the Spike glycoprotein (S-glycoprotein), which interacts with ACE2 receptors in human cells is critical for infection, affects the transmissibility of the virus, which is a matter of great concern for public health.ObjectiveThis research analyses the effects these variants on a cohort of vaccinated and naturally infected individuals from the cities of Macaé-RJ, Rio das Ostras-RJ, and Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, Brazil, from March 2021 to March 2023.MethodsThis investigation encompasses the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2, B.1.671.3), and Omicron (BQ.1, BQ.1.1 sublines, and BF.7) variants, focusing on their genomic surveillance and implications for the disease’s epidemiology. The experimental analysis included a control group (vaccinated and uninfected subjects), and an infected group (post-vaccinated subjects). Samples from nasopharyngeal swabs underwent viral detection via RT-qPCR for diagnosis confirmation. RNase H-dependent RT-qPCR (rhAmp-PCR) and third-generation sequencing were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants. Anti-S-glycoprotein immunoglobulins were also evaluated for vaccinated infected and noninfected volunteers. Symptoms from infected individuals were compiled in order to reveal patterns of clinical signs associated with viral infection.ResultsThe study included 289 participants, with infections identified by Gamma (n = 44), Delta (n = 189), and Omicron (n = 56) variants. The prevalent symptoms among the naturally infected participants were cough, fever, sore throat, headache, and runny nose. For Omicron, cognitive symptoms such as memory loss and concentration issues were reported. Interestingly, the infected vaccinated group had higher anti-S-glycoprotein IgM production (n = 28, 0.2833 ± 0.09768 OD) compared to the uninfected vaccinated group (n = 14, 0.1035 ± 0.03625 OD). Conversely, anti-S-glycoprotein IgG production was higher in the control group (n = 12, 1.770 ± 0.1393 OD) than in the infected vaccinated group (n = 26, 1.391 ± 0.1563 OD).ConclusionThis comprehensive study enables monitoring of predominant variants and their correlation with clinical cases, providing valuable insights for public health. Our research group continues to survey circulating variants, contributing to the global understanding of the pandemic.

It is known, that coherent chaotic communication systems are more vulnerable to noise in the transmission channel than conventional communications. Among the methods of noise impact reduction, such as extended symbol length and various digital filtering algorithms, the optimization of the synchronization coefficient may appear as a very efficient and simple straightforward approach. However, finding the optimal coefficient for the synchronization of two chaotic oscillators is a challenging task due to the high sensitivity of chaos to any disturbances. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for finding the optimal synchronization parameter K_opt for a coherent chaos-based communication system affected by various noises with different signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). It is shown, that under certain conditions, optimal $K$ provides the lowest possible bit error rate (BER) during the transmission. In addition, we show that various metrics applied to the message demodulation task propose different noise immunity to the overall system. For the experimental part of the study, we simulated and physically prototyped two chaotic communication systems based on well-known Rossler and Lorenz chaotic oscillators. The microcontroller-based prototype of a chaotic communication system was developed to investigate the influence of noise in the real transmission channel. The experimental results obtained using the designed hardware testbench are in good correspondence with the theoretical propositions of the study and simulation results. The suggested evaluation metrics and optimization algorithms can be used in the design of advanced chaos-based communication systems with increased performance.

Developments on code-compliant Topology Optimisation methodologies for the steel construction industry have recently been proposed. Also, it has been found that topologically optimised steel bolted connection parts – which behave non-linearly to a very significant degree of damage – do not waive physically non-linear analyses to assess an ultimate capacity that can be lower than what is predicted by the optimisation procedure linear analyses. These two circumstances brought urgency to the experimental testing of such optimised parts. The herein depicted experimental programme assessed topologically optimised and previously numerically analysed bolted parts of a well-known steel connection. The results allowed redefining the material trilinear model to be used in further numerical analysis and, very significantly, validated the numerical simulations results as well as the application of Eurocode formulae for connections component resistance. The difference between the previous numerically predicted ultimate resistance and the experimentally defined did not exceed 2.6 %.

Objetivo: analisar as publicações científicas nacionais sobre a atenção à saúde sexual e reprodutiva oferecida para população LGBTQIA+ com relação às principais lacunas e possibilidades das práticas educativas referentes a essa temática no contexto brasileiro. Método: revisão integrativa, em seis etapas, com busca dos estudos realizada em junho de 2022 nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, SCIELO e Web of Science e SCOPUS. Resultados: foram recuperados 5.643 estudos e selecionados 14 para análise e discussão. Destacaram-se os temas: saúde sexual e reprodutiva com foco na reprodução e nas técnicas reprodutivas, infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e educação em saúde sexual e, por fim, direitos sexuais e reprodutivos. Conclusão: foram evidenciadas as principais lacunas quanto ao tema de saúde sexual e reprodutiva, assim como sugestões para práticas educativas ligadas à temática.

ABSTRACT Brazil stands out as one of the largest manufacturers of MDF (medium density fiberboard) in the world. The industries are concentrated in the south and southeast of the country and are primarily based on the use of Pinus and Eucalyptus wood, which are available in extensive planted areas. In the northern region, there is only one MDF industrial plant. Despite an abundance of potential raw materials in this region, there is a lack of studies on native species wood and their industrial waste utilization for MDF production. The present study aimed to evaluate the properties of MDF manufactured from a mixture of cultivated paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum) wood and wood waste from native Amazonian species. The study assessed the isolated effects of different proportions of the raw materials and panel thicknesses on MDF properties. Panels were produced, and samples were obtained for testing. Using standard procedures, the following properties were determined: density, water absorption, thickness swelling, internal bonding, static bending, and resistance to screw withdrawal. The results revealed a significant impact of the analyzed variables on some physical and mechanical properties of MDF. With the exception of internal bonding, all other properties of the evaluated MDF panels met the specified regulatory requirements for use in furniture manufacturing. It is concluded that mixtures of the assessed raw materials have great potential for MDF production in the furniture industry. However, adjustments in the production process are recommended to improve the internal bonding property.

Objetivo: Analisar a importância da atenção primária durante o pré-natal. Método: Revisão integrativa, desenvolvida em abril de 2023 por meio de levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados: Base de Dados de Enfermagem e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, através da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, e Sistema Online de Busca e Análise de Literatura Médica, por meio de acesso à PubMed. Utilizaram-se os seguintes Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS): “Gestantes”, “Atenção Primária à Saúde” e “Cuidado Pré-natal” e Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): “Pregnant Women”, “Primary Health Care” e “Prenatal Care”, ambos em cruzamento com o operador booleano AND. Emergiram-se na pesquisa 08 estudos. Resultados: O pré-natal consiste numa assistência fundamental, apresentando como benefícios e atribuições do programa a prevenção de patologias e abordagem precoce, acompanhamento profissional, esclarecimento de dúvidas, durante todos os períodos da gravidez, evitando desfechos desfavoráveis, promovendo um cuidado humanizado e um nascimento saudável. Considerações finais: Em síntese, evidenciou-se que a atenção primária desempenha papel fundamental durante a assistência pré-natal. Observou-se também que muitas estratégias vêm sendo colocadas em prática, tendo em vista que pesquisas atuais vêm mostrando a íntima relação entre uma assistência pré-natal de qualidade e a diminuição de morte materno-fetal. Nesses casos, a equipe multiprofissional se mostrou importante, visto que a união, capacitação e constante aprendizado dos profissionais surtem efeitos sobre um acompanhamento pré-natal eficaz.

Abstract Chives are one of the most popular spice plants in world cuisine. It is usually produced by small producers, often in an organic farming system. However, research with chives in this production system is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the production of chives with the use of organic fertilizers before planting and in top dressing. Seven treatments were evaluated, resulting from the factorial 2x3+1, with two organic fertilizers (castor bean cake and hoof and horn powder) x 3 application modes (100% before planting; 100% in top dressing; 50% before planting and 50% in top dressing) + 1 control (without these organic fertilizers). The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five replications and plots of 1 m2. The relative index of chlorophyll (“Spad” index), height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of the plants were evaluated. All treatments of the factorial were better than the control, showing that these organic fertilizers improve production in chives. It is recommended to use the hoof and horn powder in installments (50% before planting and 50% in top dressing) or 100% in top dressing, the latter option being more interesting for reducing the need for labor, with just one application moment.

Objective: To identify and analyze how Millennials view social security. Methodology: A survey consisting of a 21- question structured questionnaire developed on the LimeSurvey® tool and sent to approximately 15 thousand people from all regions of Brazil. The respondents were selected on an open basis and according to the age group of this generation. The non-parametric Chi-Square test was performed for each question in the structured questionnaire to verify differences in the evaluation of the control variables. Results: Contrary to the analyzed study bases, most Brazilian Millennials in the survey think or are concerned about their retirement. One hypothesis based on the research findings is that Millennials are concerned about their retirements and believe that achieving a secure retirement will be a very complicated task in the future. Despite the low number of supplementary pensions among Millennials, most claim to have a high level of interest in it, and contribute to the literature on the subject. Study contributions: In addition to furthering the understanding of how Millennials deal with social security, this study can contribute to the development of public policies aimed at educating young people on social security.

Cattle slaughterhouses generate a large amount of effluent with a high concentration of organic and inorganic compounds. However, the choice of appropriate technologies can produce effluents with sufficient quality for the practice of reuse as a strategy for saving water. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of effluent treatment systems from cattle slaughterhouses to promote the reuse of effluents, specifically for fertigation. The multicriteria analysis was employed, adopting the ELECTRE I method. The effluent treatment alternatives, the definition of the degree of importance, and the weights of each established criterion were considered. The estimated volume of effluents generated in slaughterhouses in Brazil was 85.374 million m³/year, with a high concentration of biochemical/chemical oxygen demand, nutrients, oils, and greases, solids, and E. coli. The treatment technologies that showed the best performance were UASB reactor + ultrafiltration and activated sludge + ultrafiltration, producing effluents with compatible quality for agricultural reuse under Brazilian legislation.

Objectives: To identify the impact of birth weight on the development of metalinguistic skills and performance in reading, writing, and arithmetic in students aged 6 to 10 years, enrolled from the 1st to the 4th grade of Elementary School in public schools of the metropolitan region of São Paulo. Methods: The concurrent cohort included 315 students. Birth weight was the exposure variable, and the outcomes were performance in receptive and expressive language, oral metalinguistic skills, and performance in writing, arithmetic, and reading. The tools employed were the Test of Language Competence (TLC) and the School Performance Test (SPT). Students were grouped into quartiles by birth weight for data analysis (P1: < 2170 g, P2: from 2171 g to 2450 g, P3: from 2451 g to 3150 g, and P4: > 3150 g). Results: The authors observed a tendency for the lower performance of the two groups with lower birth weights in listening comprehension and oral expression. The lower-weight group tended to perform poorly compared to the other groups vis-à-vis reading. In the global result of the SPT, worse performance was observed in the students in the first quartile compared to the others (p = 0.019). The multivariate analysis revealed no association between birth weight and results in the tests applied after adjusting for maternal schooling. Conclusions: Birth weight can interfere with oral and written language development. However, the determination of these processes occurs in the face of complex interaction that includes sociodemographic factors, especially family support and maternal schooling.

Adaptive Mobile Learning Systems (AMLSs) are technological tools that incorporate adaptive learning to generate an individual teaching–learning process for each student. Despite the proliferation of AMLS, their development is often hindered by a lack of standardization and the poor quality of existing software architectures in terms of requirements correctness and coverage. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of software architectures oriented to developing AMLS reported in the state of the art. For this SLR, we searched the ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Springer, and SCOPUS. Studies published in English that describe and evaluate a software architecture to develop AMLS were included. Twenty-two primary works were relevant to the present study. Based on the obtained results, we have identified key aspects that must be considered in a software architecture proposed for developing an AMLS in terms of requirements, quality attributes, stakeholders, services provided to users, views and architectural styles, components, and implementation technologies. The main finding of this work is the lack of a reference software architecture that considers all the requirements and quality attributes needed for developing AMLS. This gap hinders the effective development and standardization of quality AMLSs, suggesting a critical need for a comprehensive reference software architecture.

Chronic HIV-1 infection can cause neurological illness, also known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as C-C Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5/RANTES), is one of the ways of causing HIV-1-mediated neuroinflammation. C-C Chemokine Receptor 5 (CCR5) is the main coreceptor for viral entry into host cells and for mediating induction of CCL5/RANTES. CCR5 and CCL5 are part of a correlated axis of immune pathways used for effective protection against the HIV-1 virus. The purpose of this paper was to review the literary knowledge about the immunopathological relationship between this immune complex and neuroAIDS. A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on the selection and search of articles, available in English, Spanish, or Portuguese in the time frame of 1990–2022, of primary and secondary types in the PUBMED, Science Direct, SciELO, and LILACS databases through descriptors (MeSH) together with “AND”: “CCR5”; “CCL5”; “neurological manifestations”; or “HIV”. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the JBI Checklists and the PRISMA 2020 writing guidelines were followed. A total of 36 articles were included in the final composition of the review. The main cells of the CNS affected by neuroAIDS are: neurons; microglia; astrocytes; and oligodendrocytes. Molecular devices and their associations with cellular injuries have been described from the entry of the virus into the host’s CNS cell to the generation of mental disorders. Furthermore, divergent results were found about the levels of CCL5/RANTES secretion and the generation of immunopathogenesis, while all condensed research for CCR5 indicated that elevation of this receptor causes more neurodegenerative manifestations. Therefore, new therapeutic and interventional strategies can be conditioned on the immunological direction proposed in this review for the disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a huge obstacle for public health and demonstrated weaknesses in surveillance and health promotion systems around the world. Its etiological agent, SARS-CoV-2, of zoonotic origin, has been the target of several studies related to the control and prevention of outbreaks and epidemics of COVID-19 not only for humans but also for animals. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, have extensive contact with humans and can acquire the infection both naturally and directly from humans. The objective of this article was to summarize the seroprevalence findings of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats and correlate them with the strength of infection risk between each of them. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the recommendations of PRISMA 2020. The search and selection of papers was carried out using in vivo experimental works with animals using the descriptors (MeSH/DeCS) “Animal”, “Public Health”, “SARS-CoV-2” and “Pandemic” (together with AND) in English, Portuguese or Spanish for Science Direct, PUBMED, LILACS and SciELO databases. The ARRIVE checklist was used for methodological evaluation and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software with the Difference Risk (RD) test to evaluate statistical inferences (with subgroups by continent). Cats showed greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 compared to dogs both in a joint analysis of studies (RD = 0.017; 95% CI = 0.008–0.025; p < 0.0001) and in the American subgroup (RD = 0.053; 95% CI = 0.032–0.073; p < 0.0001), unlike the lack of significant difference on the European continent (RD = 0.009; 95% CI = −0.001–0.018; p = 0.066). Therefore, it was observed that cats have a greater interest in health surveillance due to the set of biological and ecological aspects of these animals, but also that there are a set of factors that can influence the spread and possible spillover events of the virus thanks to the anthropozoonotic context.

The Passiflora genus is recognised for its ethnopharmacological, sensorial, and nutritional significance. Yet, the screening of its dietary and bioactive molecules has mainly targeted hydrophilic metabolites. Following the PRISMA-P protocol, this review assessed the current knowledge on carotenoid composition and analysis within Passiflora, examining 968 records from seven databases and including 17 studies focusing on carotenoid separation and identification in plant parts. Those publications originated in America and Asia. P. edulis was the most frequently examined species of a total of ten, while pulp was the most studied plant part (16 studies). Carotenoid analysis involved primarily high-performance liquid chromatography separation on C18 columns and detection using diode array detectors (64.71%). Most studies identified the provitamin A β-carotene and xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, with their geometric configuration often neglected. Only one study described carotenoid esters. Besides the methodology’s insufficient description, the lack of use of more accurate techniques and practices led to a high risk of bias in the carotenoid assignment in 17.65% of the articles. This review highlights the opportunity to broaden carotenoid studies to other species and parts within the diverse Passiflora genus, especially to wild, locally available fruits, which may have a strategic role in enhancing food diversity and security amidst climatic changes. Additionally, it urges the use of more accurate and efficient analytical methods based on green chemistry to better identify Passiflora carotenoids.

Abstract Innovative, non-invasive, digital, and cost-effective instruments for systematic inventory, monitoring and promotion are a valuable resource for managing tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Due to its powerful and effective inventory and analysis potential, which allows supporting central and local entities responsible for cultural heritage management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have proven to be an appropriate information technology for developing these kinds of instruments. Given the above, this work aims to introduce a GIS-based instrument to support inventorying, safeguarding, tourism, and cultural promotion of the traditional Portuguese glazed tile (‘azulejo’, in Portuguese) to raise general awareness of the importance of this unique Portuguese heritage. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no other instrument available with inventory and safeguarding management functions that is accessible and affordable, developed to be used at a municipal level and that contributes to the enrichment of the cultural and tourist information. Information from 70 tile works located in the Portuguese city of Covilhã was used to test the proposed GIS tool, resulting in a georeferenced alphanumeric, graphical, image and drawing inventory and in three pedestrian routes for touristic and cultural heritage promotion. The results were validated by both the research team and the municipality of Covilhã, foreseeing its expansion and daily use in the management of the heritage of the traditional Portuguese glazed tile. The proposed instrument can be replicated in other locations and easily implemented and managed by municipalities or institutions dealing with the protection of cultural heritage.

Abstract Liver transplantation has come a long way and is now regarded as the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver failure. The great majority of livers utilized in transplantation come from brain-dead donors. A broad inflammatory response characterizes BD, resulting in multiorgan damage. This process is primarily mediated by cytokines, which increase the immunogenicity of the graft. In male Lewis rats, we evaluated the immune response in a BD liver donor and compared it to that of a control group. We studied two groups: Control and BD (rats subjected to BD by increasing intracranial pressure). After the induction of BD, there was an intense rise in blood pressure followed by a fall. There were no significant differences observed between the groups. Blood tissue and hepatic tissue analyzes showed an increase in plasma concentrations of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH and ALP), in addition to pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophages in liver tissue in animals submitted to BD. The current study found that BD is a multifaceted process that elicits both a systemic immune response and a local inflammatory response in liver tissue. Our findings strongly suggested that the immunogenicity of plasma and liver increased with time following BD.

Abstract Background Glycosylation is an important modification to proteins that plays a significant role in biological processes. Glycan structures are characterized by liquid chromatography (LC) combined with mass spectrometry (MS), but data interpretation of LC/MS and MS/MS data can be time-consuming and arduous when analyzed manually. Most of glycan analysis requires dedicated glycobioinformatics tools to process MS data, identify glycan structure, and display the results. However, software tools currently available are either too costly or heavily focused on academic applications, limiting their use within the biopharmaceutical industry for implementing the standardized LC/MS glycan analysis in high-throughput manner. Additionally, few tools provide the capability to generate report-ready annotated MS/MS glycan spectra. Results Here, we present a MATLAB-based app, GlyKAn AZ, which can automate data processing, glycan identification, and customizable result displays in a streamlined workflow. MS1 and MS2 mass search algorithms along with glycan databases were developed to confirm the fluorescent labeled N-linked glycan species based on accurate mass. A user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) streamlines the data analysis process, making it easy to implement the software tool in biopharmaceutical analytical laboratories. The databases provided with the app can be expanded through the Fragment Generator functionality which automatically identifies fragmentation patterns for new glycans. The GlyKAn AZ app can automatically annotate the MS/MS spectra, yet this data display feature remains flexible and customizable by users, saving analysts’ time in generating individual report-ready spectra figures. This app accepts both OrbiTrap and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight (MALDI–TOF) MS data and was successfully validated by identifying all glycan species that were previously identified manually. Conclusions The GlyKAn AZ app was developed to expedite glycan analysis while maintaining a high level of accuracy in positive identifications. The app’s customizable user inputs, polished figures and tables, and unique calculated outputs set it apart from similar software and greatly improve the current manual analysis workflow. Overall, this app serves as a tool for streamlining glycan identification for both academic and industrial needs.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in low and middle-income countries, which had to face additional political, social, and economic challenges. We thus aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health outcomes and the associated factors in HCWs treating COVID-19 patients in one of the most affected regions in Brazil. Methods We used the Respondent-Driven Sampling method to assess the risks of COVID-19 infection and symptoms of mental disorders in nurses, nursing technicians, and physicians who worked on the frontline in the metropolitan region of Recife. 865 healthcare workers completed a survey regarding sociodemographic data, work-related risks, and symptoms of mental disorders - SRQ-20 for common mental disorders (CMD); AUDIT-C for problematic alcohol use; GAD-7 for anxiety; PHQ-9 for depression; PCL-5 for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Gile’s successive sampling estimator was used to produce the weighted estimates by professional category. A Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to analyze factors associated with a positive screening for CMD. We will present the results of a cross-sectional analysis of the mental health outcomes after the first peak of COVID-19 – from August 2020 to February 2021. Results The prevalence ratios for a positive screening for CMD were 34.9% (95% CI: 27.8–41.9) in nurses, 28.6% (95% CI: 21.3–36.0) in physicians, and 26.6% (95% CI: 16.8–36.5) in nursing technicians. Nurses presented a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (23%). Positive screening for problematic alcohol use (10.5 to14.0%), anxiety (10.4 to 13.3%), and PTSD (3.3 to 4.4%) were similar between the professional categories. The main factors associated with CMD in nurses and physicians were related to an intrinsic susceptibility to mental illness, such as previous or family history of psychiatric disorder, and female sex. Among nurse technicians, work-related factors, such as accidents with biological material, presented the strongest association with CMD. Conclusion The mental health of HCWs fighting COVID-19 in Recife was severely affected. It is crucial that healthcare services provide adequate working conditions and psychological support, investing in programs to promote and protect HCWs mental health.

A gestão de filas no serviço bancário é um desafio atual e recorrente que unidades de atendimento enfrentam diariamente em tempos modernos, e em especial nas agências da Caixa Econômica Federais, devido seu perfil e missão social, tal problemática é bastante relevante ao afetar a qualidade de vida de clientes e empregados, levando a efeitos em escala onde demandas simples podem resultar em horas de espera, situação ainda mais crítica levando em consideração o contexto pandêmico e pós-pandêmico atual. O presente trabalho objetiva estimar a demanda de atendimento em uma agência típica da Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF) para o planejamento estratégico e distribuição de recursos ao longo do tempo e setores do banco. Foram levantados dados sobre os tempos e quantidades de atendimento nos anos de 2019 e 2020. Após a coleta, os dados foram tratados e foi aplicado a metodologia box Jenkins para encontrar os melhores modelos de previsão para os dados informados pelo estabelecimento.

Objectives: This study aims to (1) describe parents' knowledge and use of online resources to address children's mental health issues and the family's general internet and technology usage patterns; (2) examine parents' acceptance of blended interventions for children with emotional disorders (ED); and (3) analyse the predictors of parents' intention to use a blended intervention if their children experienced an ED. Method: The sample included 164 Portuguese parents (95.7 % mothers) of children between the ages of 6 and 13 years who completed an online survey. The study was disseminated through social networks, personal contacts of the researchers, and among parents participating in a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of a psychological intervention for children with ED. Results: Only 4.3 % of parents knew about online psychological interventions for children, and only 1.2 % had used them before. Most parents (73.2 %) reported that they would choose face-to-face individual therapy as their first option if their child had any ED, followed by blended therapy (14.8 %). Regression analyses showed that higher levels of parents' intention to use a blended intervention were predicted by their perceptions of the utility or efficacy of this type of delivery format. Discussion/conclusion: These results suggest that although most parents show unfamiliarity with blended psychological interventions for children, they consider it a treatment modality to which they would resort if their children had emotional difficulties. Their intention to use such an intervention seems to be more likely if they perceive it as useful and effective.

Abstract Over the last years, pharmaceutical industries have adopted continuous improvement and operational excellence programs to optimize processes, improve quality and reduce operational costs. Worldwide, Lean Manufacturing (LM) and Six Sigma (SS), as well as the integration of the two methods: Lean Six Sigma (LSS) are the most used approaches in the continuous improvement of industries and services. This work aims to investigate the employment of the Lean Six Sigma methodology in the productive areas of pharmaceutical companies located in Brazil. Interviews were conducted with managers of pharmaceutical industries that apply the approach. The results indicated the greater use of Lean Manufacturing tools compared to Six Sigma and the influence of specific peculiarities of the pharmaceutical industry on the benefits that are achieved with the use of Lean Six Sigma. The approach is considered of great value as it provides substantial benefits to the pharmaceutical industry. It is concluded that the work corroborates to the theoretical and empirical knowledge about the methodology use in the context of Brazilian pharmaceutical industries, as well as contributes to the implementation, reformulation, and improvement of Lean Six Sigma programs in this industrial segment.