Websites Of Government Agencies Research Articles

Qualitatively Assessing ChatGPT Responses to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

ChatGPT, a large language model artificial intelligence platform that uses natural language processing, has seen its implementation across a number of sectors, notably in healthcare. However, there remains limited understanding regarding the efficacy of ChatGPT in addressing commonly asked questions on public health subjects. This study aimed to investigate whether ChatGPT could appropriately answer frequently asked questions related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Ten frequently asked questions on STDs were gathered from 25 different government agency websites. The questions were inputted into ChatGPT and subsequent responses were analyzed for accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness using an evidence-based approach on a 4-point grading scale. Of the responses provided by ChatGPT, four were determined to be excellent requiring no clarification and six requiring minimal clarification. No responses were graded as unsatisfactory. Additionally, the responses appropriately emphasized consulting a healthcare specialist. While the majority of responses required minimal clarification, ChatGPT has the potential to be an effective supplementary tool for patient education. Additional research is necessary to explore possible public health strategies that incorporate artificial intelligence to address concerns related to STDs.

A INTEGRAÇÃO DE EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA NA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES

The global movement for inclusive education is a social, cultural, pedagogical and political revolution, born in defense of the rights of all students, so that they can be together, sharing and learning without any discrimination. In this sense, it is worth highlighting that educational inclusion is a gradual, dynamic and constantly changing process. Paths full of challenges are being followed so that inclusive education becomes an effective reality, with teacher training standing out among these challenges. In this context, teacher training is a fundamental commitment of educational institutions, both public and private, to develop the skills and competencies necessary for teaching to be carried out successfully, with quality and efficiency. To this end, the research for this study was conducted based on a comprehensive survey of existing materials on the subject, including books, dissertations, theses, national articles and websites of government agencies and scientific databases available on the internet.

ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ НАЛОГОВЫХ ПРЕФЕРЕНЦИЙ ПО НАЛОГУ НА ПРИБЫЛЬ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЙ

The relevance of the topic of the article is determined by the need to assess the effectiveness of tax preferences for income tax, as well as the imperatives of improving the criteria for assessing tax expenses for income tax. The methodological and methodological basis of the scientific article was such general scientific methods of cognition as a systems approach, analysis and synthesis, the unity of the historical and logical, the method of comparison and analogies, observation and description. The work used statistical data published on the official websites of government agencies and on the websites of international organizations. The result of the study was the identification of shortcomings of the existing methodology for assessing tax expenses. In addition, proposals were made to improve the system for assessing the effectiveness of tax preferences and a conclusion was made about the need to create a system for monitoring applied tax preferences and assessing the effectiveness of their action.

Indonesian international trade analysis in agricultural sector case study of natural rubber commodities exports in the ASEAN free market

Natural Rubber is one of Indonesia's leading export commodities and is also one of the largest suppliers in the global market. Rubber and processed rubber export commodities are categorized under the Harmonized System Code 40001 (HS Code 4001) more frequently referred to as HS-4001 so that it is easier to analyze related to commodity trade transactions where in the last few years since 2011 the share of Indonesian Natural Rubber exports always in the top 10 largest exporters in the world. Besides China as the largest exporter, it turns out that Thailand is Indonesia's strongest competitor as a Natural Rubber exporter in ASEAN, therefore with the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) policy in 2016 it is believed that there has been a change in the trade system, namely the export of various commodities including Natural Rubber in the Market. ASEAN. This study uses a descriptive method using various reference sources and secondary data where a lot of data comes from online media, namely various previous studies, online news, and data collected through official websites of government agencies or organizations both national and international. The results of this study indicate that international trade in Indonesian Natural Rubber commodities experienced a significant increase after the implementation of the AEC in 2016 compared to several previous years. It is hoped that the Indonesian government can further encourage natural rubber producers and entrepreneurs to continue to optimize the export of this commodity.

DETERMINATION OF MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT WEBSITE EVALUATION METRICS BASED ON THE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS

Telecommunications technology is constantly changing with more modern hardware, software and even networks, making it viable. Along with the sophistication, the government uses websites known as electronic government (E-Government) to deliver critical information, thus forcing the government to consider good website performance, compliance with the latest standards, user-friendly services, and digital services devices. In setting website evaluation criteria, the government lacks emphasis on the study of website evaluation metrics that can extend to website technology 5.0 and beyond. The website quality concept, consisting of various metrics and criteria, makes it difficult for stakeholders to analyse and set their priorities and importance in implementing web-based services. This study was carried out to develop the priority index of the metrics and criteria through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and confirm the priority of metrics and criteria based on comparing alternative positions obtained with the UN EGDI report for 2020 as a benchmark. The results of this study successfully classified five metrics out of 10 main metrics and 17 criteria out of 89 criteria metrics. The five main metrics for evaluating Government agency websites and their priorities identified in this study are Security, Performance, Content Structure, Technology and Accessibility. The discovery of these metrics and criteria gives exposure to all stakeholders in the website development process and its evaluation.

Demanda por dados abertos governamentais: Um estudo com dados do Ministério da Saúde Brasileiro, antes e ao longo da pandemia de COVID-19

Currently, governments develop several actions to promote greater openness of government data. However, for this initiative to achieve its objectives, an efficient relationship between supply and demand for data is necessary. Thus, the main objective of this work was to analyze requests for access to information from the Federal Government, focusing on the Ministry of Health, which assumed a leading role due to its performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the objectives, secondary data were used, available on the websites of government agencies. As main results, it is mentioned: identify applicants (proximity to the area); group requests into thematic areas; effective association between supply and demand for data; comparison of the demand for data, before and during the pandemic. In possession of these results, it is possible for managers of data opening processes to promote an opening that meets the desires of society.

Process of Import of Hybrid and Electric Cars by Individual

International trade is naturally linked to globalization and sustainability stands out for demonstrating the importance of this combination, such as the use of resources with greater responsibility in a way that can prevent scarcity. In order to assess economic expansion and preserve the environment, the United Nations defined sustainable development as the ability to continue the development of society in a way that meets the needs of current generations and ensures the needs of future generations. In Brazil, the hybrid and electric car market moves at a slow speed, as the high cost and bureaucracy in imports makes it difficult to sell in the domestic market for companies and acquisitions for individuals. In this way, this research had as general objective, to analyze the procedures of the import process of hybrid and electric cars by individuals. Thus, the study carried out had as specific objectives to present an overview of the segment of the automobile industry that have propulsion from clean energy sources, to evaluate the preparatory procedures for an individual to import an electric or hybrid vehicle, in addition to verifying the import steps for a hybrid and electric vehicle and the possible costs involved. This research was carried out using the qualitative approach method and for data collection, documental research was carried out and the results were presented in a descriptive way. The sources used for the study were the websites of government agencies and international institutions, so it was possible to develop this study so that the reader has a better understanding of the topics covered. A brief approach to the international market was carried out, in addition to evaluating the future of the Brazilian market in relation to the evolution of clean energy in automobiles. There was a need in the short term in the implementation of projects for renewable energy sources, mainly encouraged by the Brazilian government, which will directly impact air quality and because Brazil has a high tax burden, it makes it difficult for multinational companies to enter invest nationally and import technology.

Results from the Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) 2022 report card on physical activity for children and youth

Background /ObjectiveIn Taiwan, physical inactivity is highly prevalent among children and adolescents. Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) joined the Global Matrix 3.0 in 2018 to share local data on childhood physical activity and related factors with the international community. This study reports the grades for 10 indicators endorsed by the Global Matrix 4.0 and 1 additional indicator. MethodsLocal data for school-aged children and adolescents (approximately 5–17 years old) from 2017 to 2022 were used to determine the grades. The data were obtained from online academic databases and websites of government agencies. The highest priority was given to national surveys, followed by studies using nationally representative samples. ResultsThe data revealed very poor Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, and Active Play (F, D−, and F, respectively). Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, and Family and Peers were also below average (C−, D+, and D−, respectively). Taiwan's central and local governments have recognized the importance of physical activity by implementing related policy and improving public sports facilities. Accordingly, School and Community and the Built Environment both received a grade of A−, and Government Strategies and Investments received a B+. Physical Fitness received an INC for lack of data. An additional indicator, body mass index, received a grade of B−. ConclusionsDespite great effort by governments and schools, physical activity levels are low and sedentary behavior is prevalent among Taiwanese children and adolescents.

Interventions to Improve Outcomes for High-Need, High-Cost Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Chronic disease patients who are the greatest users of healthcare services are often referred to as high-need, high-cost (HNHC). Payers, providers, and policymakers in the United States are interested in identifying interventions that can modify or reduce preventable healthcare use among these patients, without adversely impacting their quality of care and health. We systematically reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness of complex interventions designed to change the healthcare of HNHC patients, modifying cost and utilization, as well as clinical/functional, and social risk factor outcomes. We searched 8 electronic databases (January 2000 to March 2021) and selected non-profit organization and government agency websites for randomized controlled trials and observational studies with comparison groups that targeted HNHC patients. Two investigators independently screened each study and abstracted data into structured forms. Study quality was assessed using standard risk of bias tools. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for outcomes reported by at least 3 comparable samples. Forty studies met our inclusion criteria. Interventions were heterogenous and classified into 7 categories, reflecting the predominant service location/modality (home, primary care, ambulatory intensive caring unit [aICU], emergency department [ED], community, telephonic/mail, and system-level). Home-, primary care-, and ED-based interventions resulted in reductions in high-cost healthcare services (ED and hospital use). ED-based interventions also resulted in greater use of primary care. Primary care- and ED-based interventions reduced costs. System-level transformation interventions did not reduce costs. We found limited evidence of intervention effectiveness in relation to cost and use, and additional evidence is needed to strengthen our confidence in the findings. Few studies reported patient clinical/functional or social risk factor outcomes (e.g., homelessness) or sufficient details for determining why individual interventions work, for whom, and when. Future evaluations could provide additional insights, by including intermediate process outcomes and patients' experiences, in assessing the impact of these complex interventions. CRD42020161179.

디지털 헬스리터러시 증진을 위한 국외 동향과 시사점

Objectives: This study aimed to review recent digital health literacy programs in Europe and the United States. Methods: Searches were conducted on Google for programs to improve digital health literacy in Europe and the United States. The websites of government agencies and publications were reviewed to identify their programs, target populations, strategies used, and evaluation results. Results: Widening Digital Participation program (United Kingdom), IC-Health project (European Union), digital health literacy curriculum provided by a government agency (United States), and Health Literacy Online (United States) were reviewed. Various programs were conducted to improve digital health literacy of the general population, disadvantaged populations, and health service providers. The cooperation between governments, community organizations, and stakeholders was important to develop and implement digital health literacy programs. Conclusion: Based on the review of digital health literacy programs in other countries, we suggest three strategies to improve digital health literacy in the Republic of Korea: (1) developing and disseminating digital health literacy resources; (2) collaborating with community partners and stakeholders; and (3) providing digital health literacy training for healthcare providers.

Nation-Wide Routinely Collected Health Datasets in China: A Scoping Review.

Objectives: The potential for using routinely collected data for medical research in China remains unclear. We sought to conduct a scoping review to systematically characterise nation-wide routinely collected datasets in China that may be of value for clinical research. Methods: We searched public databases and the websites of government agencies, and non-government organizations. We included nation-wide routinely collected databases related to communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, injuries, and maternal and child health. Database characteristics, including disease area, data custodianship, data volume, frequency of update and accessibility were extracted and summarised. Results: There were 70 databases identified, of which 46 related to communicable diseases, 20 to non-communicable diseases, 1 to injury and 3 to maternal and child health. The data volume varied from below 1000 to over 100,000 records. Over half (64%) of the databases were accessible for medical research mostly comprising communicable diseases. Conclusion: There are large quantities of routinely collected data in China. Challenges to using such data in medical research remain with various accessibility. The potential of routinely collected data may also be applicable to other low- and middle-income countries.

Theoretical approaches to understanding the essence of intercultural communication in public administration

Problem setting. Regular contacts between representatives of different cultures determine the need to solve problems that always arise in the form of the need to adapt representatives of one culture in the conditions of their existence in another culture. It is important to understand that the cooperation of such entities on a professional basis also requires the development of approaches that would allow a high level of effectiveness of such interaction. A special role should be played by public authorities and management, designed to implement the relevant functions.
 Recent research and publications analysis. At the present stage, the issue of intercultural communication is covered in the works of such scientists as Hasanov Z., Zasluzheniuk V., Kucherian S., Miroshnichenko V., Zhornova O., Nieto S., Rulker T. and others. Socio-cultural environment forms certain patterns of behavior of individuals, as claimed by such researchers as Verbytska P., Manakin V., Traiger G., Hall E., Shaigorodskyi Y. and others. Scientists argue that intercultural communication underlies the implementation of civilized relations observed in modern society.
 Highlighting previously unsettled parts of the general problem. It should be noted the need for in-depth research in the context of public administration, as this aspect is extremely important for state building and the transition to a new communicative format among the population and public authorities. Such research should begin with the elucidation of the theoretical foundations and features of intercultural communication in public administration.
 Paper main body. Communication will be effective if the participants of the communication process are able to understand each other. It occurs in accordance with the worldview of an individual and is the main way of human communication.
 The term “intercultural communication” appeared in the scientific literature in the 1970s. Already in the next decade there was a significant surge of interest in the issue of intercultural communication among specialists in the field of linguistics, psychology, culturology and sociology. Currently, there are a large number of special institutes and scientific schools that study the features of intercultural communication
 The set of terminological positions of intercultural communication gives grounds for such generalizations. The subjects of intercultural communication are the representative of one culture as the producer of the message and the representative of another culture as the recipient of this message. Intercultural communication should be considered as “adequate mutual understanding of two participants in a communicative act who belong to different cultures”. The interaction of parties with different experiences, and their individuals are the different patterns of behavior that have historically developed in different periods. This refers to a communicative format in which the sender and recipient of information belong to different cultures.
 In the process of studying the peculiarities of intercultural communication, it is necessary to focus on the study of differences between cultures on the basis of the theory of four dimensions: the first dimension is the distance of power; the second dimension is individualism and collectivism; the third dimension is the avoidance of uncertainty; the fourth dimension is male and female.
 The public aspect is dominant in intercultural communication, as it is realized through open interactions, which in one way or another must regulate, coordinate and be guided from the outside. Publicity in this case manifests itself as the influence of certain external factors, the most important of which is public authority.
 In particular, the power-management vectors aimed at ensuring that the process of intercultural communication is carried out within the legislative and regulatory framework of those countries in which such communicative interaction is observed. And public authorities and administration are called to perform the following functions: to inform participants of intercultural communication by placing information in the media, on the official websites of government agencies, providing answers to inquiries, etc.; to advise communicators in order to acquaint the parties with the position of public administration bodies regarding a particular format of behavior; to conduct a dialogue with the participants of intercultural communication by transmitting the necessary information bilaterally and waiting for the relevant results; to cooperate with the authorities and participants of intercultural communication on the basis of partnership.
 Conclusions of the research and prospects for further studies. The studied concept has a sufficient justification in the scientific literature. Based on the versatility and multifaceted nature of this definition, it is correct to say that it is closely related to various sciences and worldviews, which allows us to deeply understand the importance of understanding the term under study by participants in intercultural communication. The sphere of public administration contributes to the establishment of effective cooperation between representatives of different cultures and countries, while performing a number of functions. The main ones are informative, consultative, partnership and dialogue function. Effective cooperation between public authorities and participants in intercultural communication helps to improve the quality of the communication process and meeting of the goals.

Nosocomial Infection.

The first 70 years of critical care can be considered a period of "industrial revolution-like" advancement in terms of progressing the understanding and care of critical illness. Unfortunately, like the industrial revolution's impact on the environment, advancing ICU care of increasingly elderly, immunosuppressed, and debilitated individuals has resulted in a greater overall burden and complexity of nosocomial infections within modern ICUs. Given the rapid evolution of nosocomial infections, the authors provide an updated review. We searched PubMed and OVID for peer-reviewed literature dealing with nosocomial infections in the critically ill, as well as the websites of government agencies involved with the reporting and prevention of nosocomial infections. Search terms included nosocomial infection, antibiotic resistance, microbiome, antibiotics, and intensive care. Nosocomial infections in the ICU setting are evolving in multiple domains including etiologic pathogens plus novel or emerging pathogens, prevalence, host risk factors, antimicrobial resistance, interactions of the host microbiome with nosocomial infection occurrence, and understanding of pathogenesis and prevention strategies. Increasing virulence and antimicrobial resistance of nosocomial infections mandate increasing efforts toward their prevention. Nosocomial infections are an important determinant of outcome for patients in the ICU setting. Systematic research aimed at improving the prevention and treatment of nosocomial infections is still needed.

Marriage Services at The Office of Religious In The Pandemic Era Of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused major changes in almost all aspects of human life, including the implementation of public services. Government policies that implement work from home (WFH) for government agencies located in areas with a certain risk of transmission, have caused public service activities to undergo changes. public services during the Covid-19 pandemic while maintaining health protocols has become a separate issue and has led to many innovations in the field of public services. One of the public services affected during the Covid-19 pandemic is marriage services at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA). Complaints from a number of communitiesaimed at marriage services at the KUA with suspected maladministration. This study aims to analyze marriage services at the KUA during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was conducted using the literature study method with data sources for journal articles, government agency websites and related documents. Since the beginning of the pandemic period, the implementation of marriage services at the KUA has been regulated by three circular letters from the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religion, taking into account developments in the condition of the community. Online marriage registration is optimized, and is demonstrated by the high rate of registration of marriage registrations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Access to cannabidiol without a prescription: A cross-country comparison and analysis

BackgroundRecent legislative change has allowed increased access to cannabis products in many jurisdictions. In some locations, this includes over-the-counter (OTC) and/or online access to products containing cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with therapeutic properties. Here we compared the availability of CBD products and the associated legislative and regulatory background in nine selected countries. MethodsAccessibility of CBD products was examined in the USA, Canada, Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand as of May 2020. Regulatory and other relevant documents were obtained from government agency websites and related sources. Relevant commercial websites and some physical retailers were visited to verify access to CBD-containing products and the nature of the products available. ResultsA range of CBD products appeared to be accessible without prescription in seven out of nine countries reviewed. Australia and New Zealand were the exceptions where clinician prescription was required to access any CBD-containing product. CBD products commonly available without prescription included oils, gel capsules, purified crystal and topical products. The daily recommended doses with orally administered non-prescription products were typically well below 150 mg and substantially lower than the doses reported to have therapeutic effects in published clinical trials (e.g., 300-1500 mg). The legal foundations enabling access in several countries were often unclear, with marketed products sometimes failing to meet legal requirements for sale. There was an obvious disparity between federal directives and available products in both the USA and European countries examined. ConclusionsThere are a variety of approaches in how countries manage access to CBD products. Many countries appear to permit OTC and online availability of CBD products but often without legislative clarity. As consumer demand for CBD escalates, improved legislation, guidelines and quality control of CBD products would seem prudent together with clinical trials exploring the therapeutic benefits of lower-dose CBD formulations.

Інформаційні механізми забезпечення гуманітарної безпеки органами пуб­лічної влади: зарубіжний та вітчизняний досвід

The article is dedicated to the foreign and domestic practice of using the latest information technologies in the process of ensuring humanitarian security by public authorities. According to the author one of the most pressing problems of public administration in modern Ukraine is the issue of creation, support and continuous modernization of the process of digitization of public services in the interests of the person while simultaneously ensuring the security of the person and his personal data as well as the realization of his vital interests. The relevance of the chosen topic of the article is due to the fact that the concept of state power based on the digitization of public services for the effective implementation of their interests has emerged in developed countries and is of interest to Ukrainian analysts and practitioners.The article describes the importance of the latest information technologies for the implementation of e-Government and the advantages of their application in modern public-management practice in comparison with the traditional mechanisms of public administration. The article states that in many countries of the world e-government has originated and evolved in different ways but there is a certain pattern in the way of considering the emergence and evolution of e-government. The article describes the essence of the three stages of the emergence and development of e-governance:Stage 1 - the informational presence of government authorities on the Internet at a basic level - is the creation of separate websites of government agencies, but their quality was still not high: the websites were rarely updated, had no feedback, and the information was fragmented and unstructured.Stage 2 - the stage of interaction with more feedback via e-mail, forums and other means of communication as well as with developing databases for processing citizens' requests. Replenishment of sites with new information is becoming more regular. Thus the involvement of citizens and businesses in interaction with government bodies is gradually beginning.Stage 3 - transactional interaction when it becomes possible to communicate directly in real time as well as the ability to carry out monetary transactions (for example, pay bills or state fees) using payment cards. There is the possibility of creating a personal account and passing the appropriate authentication.The article also describes the American, European, Eastern and Ukrainian models of the process of digitalization of public administration. Thus the European model has an emphasis on the unity of the nation and therefore it is characterized by the standardization of all processes, orientation on the citizen, his protection and powerful legal regulation of relations in the field of IT. In particular, it is common for the European model of electronic governance to pay great attention to the integration of the European community and the protection of the personal interests of the person. The EU considers investments in IT as investments primarily in society and so in preserving the heritage of Europe.Anglo-American, or Western model is common respectively in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. This model is characterized by the exclusion of excessive state functions, focus on high efficiency, a high level of opportunities for financial transactions via the Internet and a general consideration of a citizen not as an equal partner but as a customer to be serviced that is a service approach is used. In general, the Anglo-American model is based on respect and attentiveness to citizens, the elimination of duplicate or excessive functions and efficiency as well as providing the ability to carry out the maximum number of monetary transactions related to obtaining public services via the Internet.The Eastern or Asian e-government model is based on the Asian type of multi-level hierarchy of the management system. The Ukrainian model of digitalisation of the process of public administration is at the stage of its formation.The author concludes that Ukraine is still in the first stage of the deployment public administration digitalization but in terms of technological progress we already have the prerequisites for moving to the second stage, however the public sector is always slightly behind the private sector in adopting and implementing innovations.

Risk Identification: A Corpus‐Assisted Study of Websites of Government Agencies

Government agencies have a key role in the regulation, management, and communication of risk. This paper explores how seven Swedish government agencies in the policy fields of (i) chemicals, (ii) civil contingencies, (iii) energy, (iv) environmental protection, (v) food, (vi) housing and buildings, and (vii) traffic identify risks on their websites. The relational theory of risk is used as an analytical tool to unpack risk identification. An analytical distinction is made between “risk objects,” that is, potentially harmful objects, and “objects at risk,” that is values at stake. The articulation of risk objects and objects at risk on government agencies’ websites is explored by using corpus linguistic techniques that reveal lexical and grammatical patterns of the word “risk.” The agencies identify an extensive assembly of risk objects of various kinds. The sets of risks identified are rather idiosyncratic and there is limited overlap between agencies. The identification of objects at risk is less varied and idiosyncratic than the identification of risk objects, were the agencies appear to be more in agreement. The findings are discussed in relation to the scope of risk identification; institutional explanations, and in terms of conditions for inter‐agency collaboration, identified as a key feature of effective risk governance.

The Burden of Macular Diseases in Central and Eastern Europe—Implications for Healthcare Systems

BackgroundDespite the significant impact of retinal diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), there is a limited understanding of how these conditions are managed in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). ObjectivesTo provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical and economic burden of wAMD and DME in CEE and the status quo associated with their management. MethodsA narrative literature review was undertaken to identify existing data on wAMD and DME, including epidemiology, economic burden, clinical guidelines, and available and reimbursed treatments. Data were collected from relevant sources such as PubMed, ophthalmology associations, national statistical offices, and government agency websites; practical viewpoints were provided by local ophthalmologists and healthcare economics experts in CEE. ResultsEpidemiological data on wAMD and DME are limited in CEE, and intercountry comparison is difficult because of differences in data collection methodologies. There are effective treatment options for wAMD and DME, and international guidelines advocate the use of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections as first-line therapy. Local expert organizations broadly support these recommendations; nevertheless, no clinical practice guidelines exist on the treatment of wAMD and DME in CEE. Access to and reimbursement of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents vary significantly in the region and, as a result, many patients remain untreated or inadequately treated. ConclusionsThere is an urgent need for the creation of a wAMD/DME treatment program in CEE to ensure that patients have timely access to the most appropriate treatments.

Public policies of food and nutrition in Brazil: From Lula to Temer

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze public policies on food and nutrition in Brazil, with emphasis on the last fifteen years (2003-2018). Methods Historical-documentary analysis based on a bibliographical survey on indexed bases and exploratory visits to websites of government agencies. Results The scientific and governmental findings were organized according to the Lula, Dilma and Temer governments. They explore the development of several public policies and welfare programs in food and nutrition, focusing mainly on Brazilian Hunger Eradication Program, Assistance for Needy Families Program, National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security, Food Acquisition Program, National School Nutrition Program, National Food and Nutrition Security Policy, National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System and Brazilian Misery Eradication Program. The centrality of the idea of the fight against hunger and misery in public policies during Lula’s first and second terms and Dilma’s first term stand out. Dilma’s second term is marked by the focus on healthy eating, as well as presenting the first signs of fragilization of public policies on food and nutrition. Currently, the Temer government is characterized by processes of institutional and programmatic rupture, budget cuts and setbacks in acquired rights. There is evidence of the need to activate national and international instruments to enforce the human right to adequate food and consequent strengthening of public policies on food and nutrition. Conclusion This period presents an expansion and qualification of public policies on food and nutrition, mainly in the Lula and Dilma administration, with setbacks in the Temer administration, in which continuous budget cuts weaken social, hunger reduction, poverty reduction and food and nutrition security policies.

Risk and Quantification: A Linguistic Study.

In risk analysis and research, the concept of risk is often understood quantitatively. For example, risk is commonly defined as the probability of an unwanted event or as its probability multiplied by its consequences. This article addresses (1) to what extent and (2) how the noun risk is actually used quantitatively. Uses of the noun risk are analyzed in four linguistic corpora, both Swedish and English (mostly American English). In total, over 16,000 uses of the noun risk are studied in 14 random (n=500) or complete samples (where n ranges from 173 to 5,144) of, for example, news and magazine articles, fiction, and websites of government agencies. In contrast to the widespread definition of risk as a quantity, a main finding is that the noun risk is mostly used nonquantitatively. Furthermore, when used quantitatively, the quantification is seldom numerical, instead relying on less precise expressions of quantification, such as high risk and increased risk. The relatively low frequency of quantification in a wide range of language material suggests a quantification bias in many areas of risk theory, that is, overestimation of the importance of quantification in defining the concept of risk. The findings are also discussed in relation to fuzzy-trace theory. Findings of this study confirm, as suggested by fuzzy-trace theory, that vague representations are prominent in quantification of risk. The application of the terminology of fuzzy-trace theory for explaining the patterns of language use are discussed.