Raquel Conceição Ferreira

Perfil dos cuidadores de idosos nas instituições de longa permanência de Belo Horizonte, MG

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the profile of caregivers of elderly in long-term care facilities. The studied population included 181 randomly selected caregivers, 98 from philanthropic and 83 from private institutions in the city of Belo Horizonte. Data were collected applying structured questionnaires. The variables evaluated were sex, age group, educational level, marital status, income, economic condition, time of work in the facility, and professional experience. The data were compared using Chi-square and Fishers exact tests. There was no statistically significant difference between caregivers from the two facilities with regard to sex (p=0.62) and income (0.77). In the philanthropic facilities we observed more caregivers aged 50 years or more, widowers, with less than 4 years of study, socio-economic level D and who were working as caregivers in the facility for more than two years (p<0,05). The results of this study are relevant for discussing developing and implementing public policies aimed at qualifying the caregivers in long-term care institutions for elderly in Belo Horizonte.

Influence of Surface Area and Geometry of Specimens on Bond Strength in a Microtensile Test: An Analysis by the Three-Dimensional Finite Element Method

PURPOSE This study employed three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis to investigate the stress distribution patterns in a microtensile test with the goal of evaluating the effects of the bond surface area and geometry on bond strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS Finite element models of six specimens were generated: three stick models and three hourglass models. All models simulated the bond strength between dentin and ceramic. The mechanical properties of the materials-the modulus of elasticity and Poissons coefficient-were defined according to a literature review. The base of each specimen was considered inserted (constrained area) and possessed nodes with displacements restricted in all directions. A traction load, which was calculated to generate a uniformly distributed stress of 20 N/mm(2) at the bond interface, was applied to the top of the specimen. The distribution pattern of the generated stress was qualitatively and quantitatively measured based on color scales ranging from blue to red, according to the von Mises equivalent stress. RESULTS Specimens with similar shapes demonstrated similar stress distributions. Ceramic specimens had a higher stress value (30.35 MPa) compared to specimens consisting of resinous cement (23.59 MPa) and dentin (19.77 MPa). At the bond interface, the specimens with square sections demonstrated stress values ranging from 22.00 to 24.20 MPa. For the circular section, the stress values ranged from 23.40 to 27.00 MPa. CONCLUSION The maximum stress values determined for the circular and square sections were similar among specimens with the same interface area. At the bond interface, the highest stress values were observed in hourglass-shaped specimens.