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Historical data in climatology is important for recognizing patterns and discovering trends. However, data gaps often occur in some weather station time series. This paper presents a framework consisting of machine learning techniques combined with triangulation methods to identify missing meteorological data. Our approach is based on using data from neighboring weather stations as input for triangulation methods in combination with machine learning techniques. The current focus of the proposed framework is on filling missing temperature data and it was applied in ten different regions of Brazil, each with a different climatic configuration. Furthermore, a statistical study was conducted to estimate the best configuration which showed that a popular mathematical triangulation model combined with neural networks produced the most satisfactory results in predicting missing data, outperforming the results of traditional triangulation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Maternal recognition of special health needs of premature babies is essential, given the importance of early stimuli after discharge to strengthen child development. Objective: To identify premature newborns with potential factors for the development of special health needs and describe maternal recognition of these factors. Materials and methods: Qualitative and quantitative study, performed using a triangulation method, with concomitant incorporation of data, included to analysis Chi-square test (p<0.05) for quantitative data and interpretation of meanings for qualitative. Variables: Birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score, complications, and length of hospital stay from 951 records of hospitalized premature infants; 18 mothers were interviewed during hospitalization, 15 days after discharge at home, 30 days after this at-home visit and at the age of 6 months of the child, by telephone, in Southern Brazil. Results: Identified as potential factors: Extreme prematurity and/or very premature, low birth weight, complications, and prolonged hospitalization. With the incorporation of the data, the relevance of these factors for children at risk of changes in development and behavior was verified. Mothers described their children as having healthy development but recognized prematurity is a factor that predisposes to new hospitalizations, and perinatal factors and those related to hospitalization contribute to the development of special health needs. Conclusion: The importance of early identification of factors that enhance the development of special health needs is understood to initiate the necessary stimuli to strengthen child development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to reflect on the current health challenges of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, intersex, and other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTI+) within the Brazilian scenario. This study adopted a triangulation approach, based on two studies developed in the Southeast and South of Brazil, which included policy analysis and qualitative research on the perceptions of key actors from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) - LGBTI+ users, workers, and managers. All data were analyzed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers. The main problems faced by the LGBTI+ population were registered, indicating some of the necessary progress. Some of these challenges include: access of the LGBTI+ population to SUS; the need to train health professionals; the decentralization of health services sensitive to the LGBTI+ population; the distinct forms of violence and discrimination; the lack of research in health care conducted with specific groups, such as lesbians, bisexuals, intersex, and other sexual minorities. The results reinforce the urgency for the complete implementation of the "National Policy for the Comprehensive Health of LGBT". The recognition of the LGBTI+ health needs will aid in achieving the principles which are the guiding principles of SUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Library of Brazil has in its cartographic collection a little-known late sixteenth-century ichnographic plan of Lisbon, Portugal, showing the city’s western extramural suburb. In this article the unfinished draft plan is analysed for what it reveals of the mapmakers’ surveying methods. Comparison of the plan with other historical sources suggests that it was produced by Giovanni Vincenzo Casale and Alexandre Massai for military purposes between 1590 and 1597. This makes it the oldest ichnographic plan of Lisbon known to date, replacing the better known ichnographic plan of Lisbon signed by João Nunes Tinoco in 1650. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Because both corruption and trafficking are very complex phenomena, a multivariate approach was used to analyse the relationship between corruption and trafficking. The results of the analysis show that, in Brazil, corruption is a causal factor in human trafficking. The paper offers a number of suggestions to help researchers and policy makers better understand where, how and when corruption facilitates trafficking in human beings in order to combat both crimes more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the food safety culture (FS-culture) gained attention as a critical factor for reducing foodborne diseases. This study investigated the effectiveness of educational actions in the transition of FS-culture in a longitudinal study using action research in an army food service, which was selected as a case. We hypothesised that the FS-culture assessment might be a good starting point to develop educational actions. First, we identified the educational needs of food handlers and managers based on a FS-culture assessment, followed by the implementation of educational actions using three formats (tutored, planned, and with the managers). A previously developed mixed-method approach was used for the collection of qualitative and quantitative data, data triangulation, and an interpretation grid that was used for categorisation into reactive, active, or proactive FS-culture. The triangulated data showed that the prevailing FS-culture changed from reactive to more proactive during the longitudinal study. The educational actions changed attitudes, practices, personal relationships, and the work environment. The educational actions were effective in influencing the prevailing FS-culture and confirmed the research hypothesis. Furthermore, the mixed-method approach with the interpretation grid was useful in assessing the transition in the prevailing FS-culture. Further research may test the usefulness of other types of food services in other countries. We also recommend converting the scientific methods for FS-culture assessment into methods suitable for the use by food safety managers in food services. • FS-culture assessment may be used as a starting point for educational actions. • Educational actions evolved the prevailing FS-culture proactively. • Action research built confidence, which was indispensable to evolve FS-culture. • Educational actions changed personal relationships and team interaction. • The changes in the degree of risk seem to impact the risk perception longitudinally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne diseases still occur globally, and alongside food safety systems, food safety culture has been established as a factor in ensuring food safety. This study describes the development of a mixed-methods approach to collecting quantitative and qualitative data and interpreting the triangulated data to assess the prevailing food safety culture. The mixed-methods approach was designed based on the literature and was tested in a food service establishment at an army headquarters in Brazil. Both managers (3) and food handlers (39) participated. The quantitative (questionnaires and checklists) and qualitative (participant observations) data were triangulated using a scoring system on an interpretation grid. The scoring system typified the prevailing food safety culture (FS-culture) and its elements as reactive (score 1), reactive to active (score 1–2), active (score 2), active to proactive (score 2–3), or proactive (score 3) FS-culture. The overall prevailing FS-culture in the case study, scored 1–2. This FS-culture score was mainly attributed to the score 1 for the elements of leadership, risk perception, and management systems, styles and processes, and the score 1–2 for communication, knowledge, and work environment. The mixed-methods approach revealed an overestimation of FS-culture elements in the quantitative analysis and underestimation in the qualitative analysis. This discrepancy in results emphasises the usefulness of the concurrent analysis and highlights the need to employ triangulation to enable a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing FS-culture. The assessment provides concrete input for the development of educational actions aiming for changes in the prevailing FS-culture. • The mixed-method enabled a realistic assessment of the prevailing FS-culture. • Qualitative data supported visualisation of the FS-culture in daily routine. • Quantitative data indicated an overestimation of prevailing FS-culture. • Discrepant quantitative and qualitative data stress the importance of triangulation. • FS-culture assessment can be the basis for educational actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]