Abstract
NITROGEN BALANCE ASSESSMENT IN BURN PATIENTS Introduction: The burn injury probably represents the largest stimulus for muscle protein catabolism. This state is characterized by an accelerated catabolism of the lean or skeletal mass that results in a clinical negative balance of nitrogen and muscle wasting. The determination of an appropriate value for protein intake is essential, since it is positively related to the nitrogen balance (NB) and accordingly several authors argue that a positive NB is the key parameter associated with nutritional improvement of a burn patient. Objectives: Evaluation of the degree of protein catabolism by assessment of the Nitrogen Balance; Defining of nutritional support (protein needs) to implement in patients with burned surface area (BSA) >= 10%. Methods: We prospectively evaluated the clinical files and scrutinized the clinical variables of interest. The NB was estimated according to three formulae. Each gram of nitrogen calculated by the NB was then converted into grams of protein, subtracted or added to protein intake (or administered enteric or parenterically) and divided by kg of reference Weight (kg Rweight), in an attempt to estimate the daily protein needs. Results: The cohort consisted of 10 patients, 6 females, with average age of 58(23) years old, a mean of BSA of 21.4(8.4)%, ranging from a minimum of 10.0% and maximum of 35.0%. On average, patients were 58 (23) years old. The average number of days of hospitalization in the burn unit was 64.8(36.5) days. We observed significant differences between the 3 methods used for calculating the NB (p = 0.004), on average the NB was positive. When the formula A was used the average value of NB was higher. Regarding the attempt to estimate the needs of g prot/kg Rweight/day most of the values did not exceed, on average, 2.6 g Prot/kg Rweight/day and no significant differences between patients with a BSA% of 10-20% and with BSA% > 20% were found. Conclusion: Despite being able to estimate the protein catabolism through these formulas and verifying that most values were above zero, wide individual fluctuations were visible over time. Based on the sample reference that recommends a value of 1.5-2 g Prot/kg Rweight/day, we can conclude it to be underestimated, when comparing with the mean value of 2.6 g Prot/kg Rweight/day we established.

Abstract
This paper considers the single machine scheduling problem with linear earliness and quadratic tardiness costs. The research on the version with an inserted idle time focused on an exact approach, while several heuristics were already proposed for the version with no idle time. These heuristics were then the basis for the development of new heuristic procedures for the version with idle time. Some improvement procedures were also considered. The new heuristics outperformed the existing procedures. A genetic algorithm provides the best results in terms Of Solution quality, but is computationally intensive. One of the backward scheduling dispatching rules provides results of similar quality and can quickly solve even large instances. The new heuristics were also applied, with the appropriate modifications, to the version with no idle time. Again, the new procedures provided better results than the existing heuristics. Therefore, the procedures developed in this paper are the new heuristics of choice for both versions of the considered problem. [Received 09 October 2008; Revised 02 February 2009; Accepted 20 February 2009]

Abstract
In this paper, we present beam search heuristics for the single machine scheduling problem with quadratic earliness and tardiness costs, and no machine idle time. These heuristics include classic beam search procedures, as well as filtered and recovering algorithms. We consider three dispatching heuristics as evaluation functions, in order to analyse the effect of different rules on the performance of the beam search procedures. The computational results show that using better dispatching heuristics improves the effectiveness of the beam search algorithms. The performance of the several heuristics is similar for instances with low variability. For high variability instances, however, the detailed, filtered and recovering beam search (RBS) procedures clearly outperform the best existing heuristic. The detailed beam search algorithm performs quite well, and is recommended for small-to medium-sized instances. For larger instances, however, this procedure requires excessive computation times, and the RBS algorithm then becomes the heuristic of choice. Journal of the Operational Research Society (2010) 61, 620-631. doi: 10.1057/jors.2008.191 Published online 18 March 2009

Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to obtain pertinent information pertaining to benefits accomplished, main difficulties felt, and key lessons learned in the implementation of lean Six Sigma (LSS), which are likely to be helpful to financial services organizations wanting to implement the same tool. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reports the results of a case study from a financial services organization which has begun the implementation of LSS methodologies ten years ago, in the pursuit of service excellence. Findings - The benefits derived from LSS implementation, such as lowering the operational costs, improving processes and product quality, increased efficiency, which leads to the increase of productivity, the agility and versatility obtained by the organization, vastly outweigh the costs. At an international level, there are cultural differences pertaining mainly to internal resistance and openness to change. Research limitations/implications - This work focuses on a specific case study. Practical implications - The authors compiled the lessons learned and recommendations for future implementations of this methodology. The paper, therefore, will be of interest to managers of similar companies. Originality/value - The paper presents a successful application of LSS for a financial services company. © Emerald Uroup Publishing Limited.

Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse annual reports as media of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) by Portuguese listed companies and to evaluate size, industry and time effects on disclosure as well as the effects of ICD on the growth of a company. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines ICD in 2004, 2006 and 2008 annual reports using content analysis. Non?parametric statistical methods are used to test size and industry effects on disclosure, the effects of the level of disclosure on the growth of a company and to determine the significance of the differences in disclosure between the years under analysis. Findings – The analysis showed that size is significant in explaining ICD. The results also indicated that industrial affiliation is only partially a factor explaining ICD. It was not possible to confirm neither an increase in ICD over time, nor the relationship between ICD and growth. Research limitations/implications – The sample is small. There may be content analysis issues associated with subjectivity in the coding process and the use of a limited content analysis method. Originality/value – This paper adds to the scarce research on ICD by Portuguese companies by providing new empirical data. © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract
The BRS can be quantified as the slope between SBP and RR values identified in baroreflex events, estimated by ordinary least squares (OLS) minimization. Quantile regression (QR) is a more robust procedure than OLS and allows a more complete characterization of the data, by estimating conditional functions for different quantiles of interest. In this work, OLS and QR for BRS estimation are compared regarding slope estimates and dispersion. The EuroBaVar results indicate that OLS slope and QR slopes at different quantiles do not exhibit significant differences. Also, OLS and QR slopes require similar number of beats to achieve a given BRS precision in stationary recordings. Finally, BRS estimated with OLS exhibit relative dispersion lower than 10% and 5% when computed from stationary recordings of approximately 3 and 9 minutes length, respectively.