Geographic name resolution service: A tool for the standardization and indexing of world political division names, with applications to species distribution modeling.

Massive biological databases of species occurrences, or georeferenced locations where a species has been observed, are essential inputs for modeling present and future species distributions. Location accuracy is often assessed by determining whether the observation geocoordinates fall within the boundaries of the declared political divisions. This otherwise simple validation is complicated by the difficulty of matching political division names to the correct geospatial object. Spelling errors, abbreviations, alternative codes, and synonyms in multiple languages present daunting name disambiguation challenges. The inability to resolve political division names reduces usable data, and analysis of erroneous observations can lead to flawed results. Here, we present the Geographic Name Resolution Service (GNRS), an application for correcting, standardizing, and indexing world political division names. The GNRS resolves political division names against a reference database that combines names and codes from GeoNames with geospatial object identifiers from the Global Administrative Areas Database (GADM). In a trial resolution of political division names extracted from >270 million species occurrences, only 1.9%, representing just 6% of occurrences, matched exactly to GADM political divisions in their original form. The GNRS was able to resolve, completely or in part, 92% of the remaining 378,568 political division names, or 86% of the full biodiversity occurrence dataset. In assessing geocoordinate accuracy for >239 million species occurrences, resolution of political divisions by the GNRS enabled the detection of an order of magnitude more errors and an order of magnitude more error-free occurrences. By providing a novel solution to a significant data quality impediment, the GNRS liberates a tremendous amount of biodiversity data for quantitative biodiversity research. The GNRS runs as a web service and is accessible via an API, an R package, and a web-based graphical user interface. Its modular architecture is easily integrated into existing data validation workflows.

CIDACS-RL: a novel indexing search and scoring-based record linkage system for huge datasets with high accuracy and scalability.

BACKGROUND: Record linkage is the process of identifying and combining records about the same individual from two or more different datasets. While there are many open source and commercial data linkage tools, the volume and complexity of currently available datasets for linkage pose a huge challenge; hence, designing an efficient linkage tool with reasonable accuracy and scalability is required. METHODS: We developed CIDACS-RL (Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health - Record Linkage), a novel iterative deterministic record linkage algorithm based on a combination of indexing search and scoring algorithms (provided by Apache Lucene). We described how the algorithm works and compared its performance with four open source linkage tools (AtyImo, Febrl, FRIL and RecLink) in terms of sensitivity and positive predictive value using gold standard dataset. We also evaluated its accuracy and scalability using a case-study and its scalability and execution time using a simulated cohort in serial (single core) and multi-core (eight core) computation settings. RESULTS: Overall, CIDACS-RL algorithm had a superior performance: positive predictive value (99.93% versus AtyImo 99.30%, RecLink 99.5%, Febrl 98.86%, and FRIL 96.17%) and sensitivity (99.87% versus AtyImo 98.91%, RecLink 73.75%, Febrl 90.58%, and FRIL 74.66%). In the case study, using a ROC curve to choose the most appropriate cut-off value (0.896), the obtained metrics were: sensitivity = 92.5% (95% CI 92.07-92.99), specificity = 93.5% (95% CI 93.08-93.8) and area under the curve (AUC) = 97% (95% CI 96.97-97.35). The multi-core computation was about four times faster (150 seconds) than the serial setting (550 seconds) when using a dataset of 20 million records. CONCLUSION: CIDACS-RL algorithm is an innovative linkage tool for huge datasets, with higher accuracy, improved scalability, and substantially shorter execution time compared to other existing linkage tools. In addition, CIDACS-RL can be deployed on standard computers without the need for high-speed processors and distributed infrastructures.

Examining the quality of record linkage process using nationwide Brazilian administrative databases to build a large birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: Research using linked routine population-based data collected for non-research purposes has increased in recent years because they are a rich and detailed source of information. The objective of this study is to present an approach to prepare and link data from administrative sources in a middle-income country, to estimate its quality and to identify potential sources of bias by comparing linked and non-linked individuals. METHODS: We linked two administrative datasets with data covering the period 2001 to 2015, using maternal attributes (name, age, date of birth, and municipally of residence) from Brazil: live birth information system and the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort (created using administrative records from over 114 million individuals whose families applied for social assistance via the Unified Register for Social Programmes) implementing an in house developed linkage tool CIDACS-RL. We then estimated the proportion of highly probably link and examined the characteristics of missed-matches to identify any potential source of bias. RESULTS: A total of 27,699,891 live births were submited to linkage with maternal information recorded in the baseline of the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort dataset of those, 16,447,414 (59.4%) children were found registered in the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort dataset. The proportion of highly probably link ranged from 39.3% in 2001 to 82.1% in 2014. A substantial improvement in the linkage after the introduction of maternal date of birth attribute, in 2011, was observed. Our analyses indicated a slightly higher proportion of missing data among missed matches and a higher proportion of people living in an urban area and self-declared as Caucasian among linked pairs when compared with non-linked sets. DISCUSSION: We demonstrated that CIDACS-RL is capable of performing high quality linkage even with a limited number of common attributes, using indexation as a blocking strategy in larg e routine databases from a middle-income country. However, residual records occurred more among people under worse living conditions. The results presented in this study reinforce the need of evaluating linkage quality and when necessary to take linkage error into account for the analyses of any generated dataset.

Administrative Data Linkage in Brazil: Potentials for Health Technology Assessment.

Health technology assessment (HTA) is the systematic evaluation of the properties and impacts of health technologies and interventions. In this article, we presented a discussion of HTA and its evolution in Brazil, as well as a description of secondary data sources available in Brazil with potential applications to generate evidence for HTA and policy decisions. Furthermore, we highlighted record linkage, ongoing record linkage initiatives in Brazil, and the main linkage tools developed and/or used in Brazilian data. Finally, we discussed the challenges and opportunities of using secondary data for research in the Brazilian context. In conclusion, we emphasized the availability of high quality data and an open, modern attitude toward the use of data for research and policy. This is supported by a rigorous but enabling legal framework that will allow the conduct of large-scale observational studies to evaluate clinical, economical, and social impacts of health technologies and social policies.

Genome-wide burden and association analyses implicate copy number variations in asthma risk among children and young adults from Latin America.

The genetic architecture of asthma was relatively well explored. However, some work remains in the field to improve our understanding on asthma genetics, especially in non-Caucasian populations and with regards to commonly neglected genetic variants, such as Copy Number Variations (CNVs). In the present study, we investigated the contribution of CNVs on asthma risk among Latin Americans. CNVs were inferred from SNP genotyping data. Genome wide burden and association analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of CNVs on asthma outcome. We found no significant difference in the numbers of CNVs between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Nevertheless, we found that CNVs are larger in patients then in healthy controls and that CNVs from cases intersect significantly more genes and regulatory elements. We also found that a deletion at 6p22.1 is associated with asthma symptoms in children from Salvador (Brazil) and in young adults from Pelotas (Brazil). To support our results, we conducted an in silico functional analysis and found that this deletion spans several regulatory elements, including two promoter elements active in lung cells. In conclusion, we found robust evidence that CNVs could contribute for asthma susceptibility. These results uncover a new perspective on the influence of genetic factors modulating asthma risk.

Esthetic perception of facial profile after treatment with the Thurow Appliance.

The objective of this article was to investigate the perception of esthetic changes in the facial profile of bilateral Class II patients treated with the Modified Thurow Appliance for extraoral treatment. Silhouettes were traced of profiles of patients who initially presented a bilateral Class II molar relationship and who, post-treatment, presented molars in a Class I relationship. Three groups were formed: the first composed of patients with maxillary protrusion (SNA >84°), the second with maxillary retrusion (SNA <80°), and the third with a well-positioned maxilla (SNA 80-84°). A panel of 200 lay evaluators judged the profile esthetics by a randomized drawing of the silhouettes. The multiple analysis results showed that the profile esthetic scores for the three positions of the maxilla were greatly influenced by significant interactions with the characteristics (like sex and age) of the evaluators: retrusive maxilla (Score *Age Group, p < 0.001), normal maxilla (Score *Sex, p = 0.024; Score *Age Group, p = 0.050) and protrusive maxilla (Score *Age Group, p < 0.001). It was observed that the profile of Class II patients with protrusion, normal relationship and retrusion of the maxilla, improved in their esthetic post-treatment result; however, the evaluators showed greater satisfaction with the groups of protrusion and normal position of the maxilla. The Modified Thurow Appliance provided significant improvements in the esthetics of the profile of patients who presented protrusion and normal position of the maxilla. However, its use was not the best treatment option for patients with maxillary retrusion.

Esthetic perception of facial profile after treatment with the Thurow appliance

The objective of this article was to investigate the perception of esthetic changes in the facial profile of bilateral Class II patients treated with the Modified Thurow Appliance for extraoral treatment. Silhouettes were traced of profiles of patients who initially presented a bilateral Class II molar relationship and who, post-treatment, presented molars in a Class I relationship. Three groups were formed: the first composed of patients with maxillary protrusion (SNA >84°), the second with maxillary retrusion (SNA <80°), and the third with a well-positioned maxilla (SNA 80-84°). A panel of 200 lay evaluators judged the profile esthetics by a randomized drawing of the silhouettes. The multiple analysis results showed that the profile esthetic scores for the three positions of the maxilla were greatly influenced by significant interactions with the characteristics (like sex and age) of the evaluators: retrusive maxilla (Score *Age Group, p< 0.001), normal maxilla (Score *Sex, p= 0.024; Score *Age Group,p= 0.050) and protrusive maxilla (Score *Age Group,p< 0.001). It was observed that the profile of Class II patients with protrusion, normal relationship and retrusion of the maxilla, improved in their esthetic post-treatment result; however, the evaluators showed greater satisfaction with the groups of protrusion and normal position of the maxilla. The Modified Thurow Appliance provided significant improvements in the esthetics of the profile of patients who presented protrusion and normal position of the maxilla. However, its use was not the best treatment option for patients with maxillary retrusion.

Perceptions of brachyfacial, mesofacial and dolichofacial individuals with regard to the buccal corridor in different facial types.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the esthetic perception and attractiveness of the smile with regard to the buccal corridor in different facial types by brachyfacial, mesofacial and dolichofacial individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The image of a smiling individual with a mesofacial type of face was changed to create three different facial types with five different buccal corridors (2%, 10%, 15%, 22% and 28%). To achieve this effect, a photo editing software was used (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Systems Inc, San Francisco, CA, EUA). The images were submitted to evaluators with brachyfacial, mesofacial and dolichofacial types of faces, who evaluated the degree of esthetic perception and attractiveness by means of a visual analog scale measuring 70 mm. The differences between evaluators were verified by the Mann-Whitney test. All statistics were performed with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: Brachyfacial individuals perceived mesofacial and dolichofacial types of faces with buccal corridor of 2% as more attractive. Mesofacial individuals perceived mesofacial and dolichofacial types of faces with buccal corridor of 2%, 10% and 15% as more attractive. Dolichofacial individuals perceived the mesofacial type of face with buccal corridor of 2% as more attractive. Evaluators of the female sex generally attributed higher scores than the male evaluators. CONCLUSION: To achieve an enhanced esthetic smile it is necessary to observe the patient's facial type. The preference for narrow buccal corridors is an esthetic characteristic preferred by men and women, and wide buccal corridors are less attractive.

Perceptions of brachyfacial, mesofacial and dolichofacial individuals with regard to the buccal corridor in different facial types

Objective: Evaluate the esthetic perception and attractiveness of the smile with regard to the buccal corridor in different facial types by brachyfacial, mesofacial and dolichofacial individuals. Material and Methods: The image of a smiling individual with a mesofacial type of face was changed to create three different facial types with five different buccal corridors (2%, 10%, 15%, 22% and 28%). To achieve this effect, a photo editing software was used (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Systems Inc, San Francisco, CA, EUA). The images were submitted to evaluators with brachyfacial, mesofacial and dolichofacial types of faces, who evaluated the degree of esthetic perception and attractiveness by means of a visual analog scale measuring 70 mm. The differences between evaluators were verified by the Mann-Whitney test. All statistics were performed with a confidence level of 95%. Results: Brachyfacial individuals perceived mesofacial and dolichofacial types of faces with buccal corridor of 2% as more attractive. Mesofacial individuals perceived mesofacial and dolichofacial types of faces with buccal corridor of 2%, 10% and 15% as more attractive. Dolichofacial individuals perceived the mesofacial type of face with buccal corridor of 2% as more attractive. Evaluators of the female sex generally attributed higher scores than the male evaluators. Conclusion: To achieve an enhanced esthetic smile it is necessary to observe the patient’s facial type. The preference for narrow buccal corridors is an esthetic characteristic preferred by men and women, and wide buccal corridors are less attractive. .

Do dental esthetics have any influence on finding a job?

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to determine whether dental esthetics have any influence on finding a new job. METHODS: Ten patients with orthodontic treatment needs for various types of malocclusions were selected. Smiling facial photographs of all patients were obtained and digitally altered (orthodontic correction of teeth). After the images were obtained, 2 different questionnaires were prepared (survey groups A and B) with the photographs without alteration (showing malocclusion) and altered (with orthodontic correction). Subjects appeared in one questionnaire (survey group) with an ideal smile and also in the other (survey group) with a nonideal smile. The images were evaluated by 100 persons responsible for hiring staff for commercial companies. In each survey group, 4 questions were asked regarding the individuals' likelihood of being hired, honesty, intelligence, and efficiency at work. Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to determine the differences in the evaluations of patients with ideal and nonideal dental esthetics for the 4 characteristics evaluated. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: The photographs of persons with ideal dental esthetics were, on average, evaluated as superior with respect to intelligence and likelihood of being hired than were the photographs of the same subjects with nonideal dental esthetics. For the characteristics of honesty and efficiency, no significant differences were observed in the evaluations between those with ideal and nonideal smiles (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Persons with ideal smiles are considered more intelligent and have a greater chance of finding a job when compared with persons with nonideal smiles.

Terapia cognitivo-comportamental e coaching cognitivo-comportamental: como as duas práticas se integram e se diferenciam / Cognitive-behavioural therapy and cognitive-behavioural coaching: differences and similarities between the two approaches

O coaching cognitivo-comportamental (CCC) é um processo estruturado de estabelecimento e alcance de metas que se fundamenta sobre o princípio cognitivo-comportamental, que pressupõe que não são os eventos em si que deflagram respostas emocionais e comportamentais, mas a interpretação que os indivíduos apresentam sobre eles. Nesse sentido, o CCC é um processo de identificação e desbloqueio de padrões cognitivos que dificultam a realização e o alcance de objetivos vinculado a planos de ação para a mudança comportamental, tendo sido descrito como método eficaz para o alcance de resultados na vida profissional e pessoal. No entanto, a interface dessa prática com a terapia cognitivo-comportamental (TCC) tem sido pouco investigada no Brasil. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo discutir algumas das principais semelhanças e diferenças entre essas duas práticas. Pretende-se, com essa discussão, contribuir para o fortalecimento da prática profissional fundamentada sobre a abordagem cognitivo-comportamental para além do contexto clínico no nosso país, tendo em vista que o CCC visa atuar com clientes que não preencham critérios diagnósticos para transtornos mentais ou que simplesmente almejam alcançar uma experiência de viver mais plena e dotada de significado(AU)

Cognitive-behavioral coaching (CBC) is a structured process of goal establishment and attainment that is grounded on the cognitive-behavioral principle that emotional and behavioral responses are not triggered by events per se but by the individual's interpretation of them. In this respect, the CBC is a process of identifying and unblocking cognitive patterns that difficult goal achievement, tagged to action plans targeting behavioral change. CBC has been described as an effective method for achieving results in both professional and personal dimensions of life. However, the interface of this practice with CBT has been little investigated in Brazil. Thus, the present article aims at attempting to bridge this gap by presenting and discussing some of the main similarities and differences between these two practices. It is intended that this discussion will contribute towards the strengthening of cognitive-behavioral-grounded practices beyond the clinical context in our country, with patients who do not fulfill diagnostic criteria for mental disorders or with those who simply aim at developing a more purposeful experience of living(AU)

Photos vs silhouettes for evaluation of profile esthetics between white and black evaluators.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether photos or silhouettes are adequate methods for evaluating the esthetic profiles of black subjects and whether black and white evaluators have different preferences for esthetic profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One photographic record of the profile of a black female patient with accentuated dental bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion was randomly selected. The image of the patient's profile was altered to produce a series of seven photos and seven silhouettes (a total of 14 images) with different lip positions but uniform distances in relation to the esthetic plane created by Ricketts (line E). Fifty black and 50 white lay evaluators were invited to enumerate the photos and silhouettes, produced according to the lip position, in the order in which they considered most esthetically pleasing. RESULTS: The number of preferences found to be within the esthetic norm was slightly higher among the photographs than among the silhouettes; the esthetic profile with a deviation of -2 mm from line E was elected as the most attractive, and the esthetic pattern with a deviation of +6 mm from the normal line E was considered the least attractive. There were no statistically significant differences between the preferences related to the variables race, sex, and educational background. CONCLUSIONS: The esthetic attractiveness of the facial profiles of black subjects in photos and silhouettes was evaluated in a similar manner among black and white evaluators. Among both black and white evaluators, the greatest preference was for the slightly concave profile, which was within the limit considered standard.

Personalidade e resiliência como proteção contra o Burnout em médicos residentes / Personality and resilience as protection against Burnout in resident doctors

Residentes têm apresentado burnout em decorrência de fatores ambientais e pessoais, altamente estressores. Alguns indivíduos reagem positivamente a estes estressores, e a literatura sugere que as características de personalidade e a resiliência explicam o fenômeno. Assumimos que a resiliência é multifatorial e multidimensional, como na abordagem resiliente. OBJETIVO: Investigar se a resiliência, associada às características de personalidade, se correlaciona positivamente com baixos escores de burnout. MÉTODO: Estudo de seguimento com 121 residentes, utilizando ficha sociodemográfica, Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade (IFP), Escala de Resiliência de Wagnild & Young e o Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTADOS: Burnout foi constatado nos domínios despersonalização em T1 (12,1) e T2 (13,9) (p = 0,004); exaustão emocional em T1 (26) e T2 (22,5) (p = 0,624) e baixa realização profissional em T1 (38,1) e T2 (35,5) (p = 0,001); forte resiliência foi encontrada em 63,6%. Aqueles com forte resiliência apresentaram menor burnout. Características de personalidade puderam ser associadas à resiliência. Constatou-se que a resiliência pode ser desenvolvida nos residentes como forma de proteção contra o burnout. CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se que a resiliência, associada às características de personalidade, se correlaciona positivamente com baixos escores de burnout.

Interns and residents have been showing signs of burnout as a result of highly stressful environmental and personal factors. Some individuals react positively to these stressful factors and literature suggests that resilience and personality characteristics can explain this sort of phenomenon. One can assume that resilience is multifactorial and multidimensional, such as in the resilience approach. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how resilience can be associated with personality characteristics that correlate in a positive way to low burnout scores. METHOD: A study sample of 121 hospital interns was surveyed using a social demographic form, a Factorial Personality Inventory (IFP), the Young & Wagnilg Resilience Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTS: Burnout was observed in domains of depersonalization in T1 (12.1) and T2 (12.9) (p = 0.004); emotional exhaustion in T1 (26) and T2 (22.5) (p = 0.624) and low professional accomplishment in T1 (38.1) and T2 (35.5) (p = 0.001); strong resilience results were seen in 63.6% of the study sample. Those with strong resilience displayed less burnout. It was possible to correlate personality characteristics and resilience. Finally, it was found that resilience can be developed in interns as a form of protection against burnout. CONCLUSION: The verification of low burnout scores in this study was correlated positively to resilience and personality characteristics.

Resiliência em professores do ensino fundamental de 5ª a 8ª série: validação e aplicação do "questionário do índice de resiliência: adultos - reivich - Shatté/Barbosa

A resiliência é apresentada como transcendência e compreendida numa perspectiva psicossomática. OBJETIVOS: Primeiramente, traduzir, adaptar e validar para a língua portuguesa e a cultura brasileira, a versão original do “Resilience Quotient Test” (Reivich, Shatté, 2002), denominado de “Questionário do Índice de Resiliência: Adultos - REIVICH - SHATTÉ / BARBOSA”. Visa mensurar 7 Fatores: 1) Administração das Emoções; 2) Controle dos Impulsos; 3) Otimismo com a Vida; 4) Análise do Ambiente; 5) Empatia; 6) Auto-Eficácia e 7) Alcançar Pessoas. Secundariamente, avaliar a consistência de quanto cada um dos seus 56 itens estão, efetivamente, relacionados aos seus Fatores. Por fim, medir os índices de resiliência, numa amostra de 110 professores do Ensino Fundamental. MÉTODO: Versões preliminares foram avaliadas por 12 juízes quanto aos critérios de Clareza, Simplicidade, Sintaxe e Compreensão e retraduzida para o inglês. Nas análises realizadas pelos juízes foi calculada a porcentagem em cada um dos itens. Nas correlações entre os itens, trabalhamos o processo de cruzamento dos dados. Na análise do Grau de Significância das correlações trabalhamos com o Teste Qui-quadrado. Nas correlações entre o Aspecto Negativo e o Positivo de cada fator, o cálculo de Correlações de Pearson. As correlações das perguntas do Levantamento Sociodemográfico com os 56 itens, recorremos ao cálculo do Coeficiente de Contingência. Na análise das Intracorrelações entre os 56 itens, nos utilizamos das Correlações de Pearson. O Alpha de Cronbach encontrado (0,80) satisfaz a consistência interna e temporal. RESULTADOS: A Análise fatorial revelou que o item 29 e 47 não se associam a nenhum dos 7 fatores. O item 13, originalmente, pertence ao Fator Administração das Emoções e em nossa pesquisa se associou ao Fator Controle dos Impulsos. O item 15 do Fator Controle dos Impulsos, se associou ao Fator Análise do Ambiente. O item 56 do Fator Administração das Emoções, se associou aos Fatores Controle dos Impulsos e Otimismo com a Vida. O item 26 do Fator Administração das Emoções, se associou aos Fatores Controle dos Impulsos, Otimismo com a Vida, Auto Eficácia e Alcançar Pessoas. Por fim, o item 42 do Fator Controle dos Impulsos, se associou com os Fatores Administração das Emoções, Otimismo com a Vida, Análise do Ambiente, Auto Eficácia e Alcançar Pessoas (AU)