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Catalyst is a year-long, bilingual (English/Spanish) fellowship program for high school students and their teachers who live in communities affected by the war on drugs (WoD) that is being waged across the Americas. This educational effort is a response to the social suffering caused by the WoD. Catalyst is working to forge transnational networks of solidarity and analysis among youth on the frontlines of the WoD and to ensure that their voices are heard by the growing drug-policy reform movement. In this field note, I argue that existing abstinence- and prevention-based programs fail to address the structural roots of the WoD and that a radical, more comprehensive approach to drug education is needed. I first lay out the context and rationale for the Catalyst program and then outline some of the challenges and lessons that emerged during its inaugural session. Based on facilitators' and students' experiences at that session, the program is seen as a promising first step toward an alternative approach to drug education. I conclude the field note by suggesting new avenues for inquiry and collaboration between the field of education in emergencies and drug-policy reform.

This paper examines the higher education system in Brazil and one of the financial aid policies that the government has established. It seeks to find whether the Fundo de Financiamento ao Estudante do Ensino Superior (FIES), Financing of Higher Education Student, a financial aid program established by the Brazilian government in 1999, addresses the issue of equal access to higher education. The financial aid system was created to assist undergraduate students of low socioeconomic background to attend private institutions (Costa, 2013). Although the financial assistance has brought undeniable results, the FIES has shown its enrolment challenges. On the one hand, the program has to some extent accomplished its role of assisting low-income students to have better access to higher education institutions. On the other hand, it has contributed to the growth of low-quality institutions. Moreover, due to the economic crisis in 2015, the FIES had to make major changes in its regulations. In order to analyze these issues, it is important to understand the socio-economic factors that prevent low-income students from enrolling in public universities, the systems of economic exclusion existing in public higher education entrance exams, and the efficacies of the measures that the Brazilian government has taken to mitigate the inequities in higher education enrollment. Research on this topic will enable us to analyze this contemporary issue in Brazilian education and recommend possible educational policies to solve the matter.

Projections for the global economy frequently center on the BRIC countries: Brazil, Russia, India, and China. As futurists and economists alike define and re-define both formal and informal coalitions (for example, by broadening the R in BRIC to include all Eastern European economies or instead re-directing the discussion to G-8 countries or to World Trade Organization members), the education profiles of the individual nations sometimes resemble economic indicators: what is imported, what is exported, and what is the potential for expansion. Higher education, and specifically distance learning (the Clicks element of this paper), can already be charted in these terms for some nations. This paper describes the current role of distance learning in countries described as growing economies and proposes a typology for describing change as additional data become available. The paper informs readers of global developments in distance education, using the BRIC nations as examples.(Contains 3 figures, 4 tables, and 13 resources.)

Powerful nations have influential systems of higher education. The article explores the possible pattern of geopolitics in the twenty-first century, and the competing prospects of America and its rivals in higher education and research. Pressures on both the American and non-American worlds are evaluated, along with relative economic strengths, and how factors such as these translate into intellectual prowess. The article suggests that peak intellectual and research achievement is dependent on cultural factors, and that America remains well positioned as an intellectual nation despite fierce competition from rivals because of unique cultural characteristics. (Contains 6 notes.)

The concept of "Education for Sustainable Development", ESD, has been introduced in a period where chemistry education is undergoing a major change, both in emphasis and methods of teaching. Studying an everyday problem, with an important socio-economic impact in the laboratory is a part of this approach. Presently, the students in many countries go to school in vehicles that run, at least partially, on biofuels; it is high time to let them test these fuels. The use of renewable fuels is not new: since 1931 the gasoline sold in Brazil contains 20 to 25 vol-% of bioethanol; this composition is being continually monitored. With ESD in mind, we have employed a constructivist approach in an undergraduate course, where UV-vis spectroscopy has been employed for the determination of the composition of two fuel blends, namely, bioethanol/water, and bioethanol/gasoline. The activities started by giving a three-part quiz. The first and second ones introduced the students to historical and practical aspects of the theme (biofuels). In the third part, we asked them to develop a UV-vis experiment for the determination of the composition of fuel blends. They have tested two approaches: (i) use of a solvatochromic dye, followed by determination of fuel composition from plots of the empirical fuel polarity versus its composition; (ii) use of an ethanol-soluble dye, followed by determination of the blend composition from a Beer's law plot; the former proved to be much more convenient. Their evaluation of the experiment was highly positive, because of the relevance of the problem; the (constructivist) approach employed, and the bright colors that the solvatochromic dye acquire in these fuel blends. Thus ESD can be fruitfully employed in order to motivate the students; make the laboratory "fun", and teach them theory (solvation). The experiments reported here can also be given to undergraduate students whose major is not chemistry (engineering, pharmacy, biology, "etc."). They are low-cost and safe to be introduced at high-school level. (Contains 8 figures.)

The author's primary aims are to clarify the differing rationales for affirmative action that have emerged in five nations--France, India, South Africa, the United States, and Brazil--and to make the case for the most compelling rationales, whether instrumentally or morally based. She examines the different social contexts surrounding the establishment and public discussion of each nation's policy. Next, she examines four justifications for affirmative action in these nations: remediation, economics, diversity, and social justice. She offers philosophical analysis of the justifications for affirmative action in each country and synthesizes federal and state legislation, court decisions, news media sources, and research-based scholarship. She argues that the social justice rationale ought to be invoked more centrally, underscoring affirmative action's role in fostering a democratic society. (Contains 3 tables and 14 notes.)

This article provides an overview of distance education in Brazil and compares it with that in the United States. It presents a brief historical perspective of private and public initiatives in Brazil and concentrates on present governmental projects and educational policies guiding distance education, with emphasis on higher education. Deficits of higher education are discussed and e-learning is presented as a partial solution to the problem of supply and demand of higher education in the country. (Contains 5 tables and 2 figures.)

In this paper we argue that the primary force behind the large drop in real exchange rates that occurs after large devaluations is the slow adjustment in the prices of nontradable goods and services. Our empirical analysis uses data from five large devaluation episodes: Argentina (2002), Brazil (1999), Korea (1997), Mexico (1994), and Thailand (1997). We conduct a detailed analysis of the Argentinian case using disaggregated consumer price index data, data from our own survey of prices in Buenos Aires, and scanner data from supermarkets. We assess the robustness of our findings by studying large real exchange rate appreciations, medium devaluations, and small exchange rate movements. (Contains 28 notes.)

Excess sugar is considered one of the primary factors contributing to overweight status. In Brazil, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contain a significant amount of this nutrient and are consumed excessively. These beverages are associated with adverse health outcomes and impose costs on the healthcare system. The literature currently lacks studies that aim to attribute specific nutrients or foods as causes of diseases and also evaluate their economic impact, especially in middle- and low-income countries. This study aims to estimate the direct and indirect costs of obesity, stratified by sex and age group, resulting from the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Brazil from 2008 to 2020, and to project these costs for the year 2036. The estimation of obesity costs attributable to excessive consumption of SSBs was based on relative risks and the population prevalence of obesity, considering expenditures on hospitalizations and outpatient procedures in the Unified Health System (SUS). Cost information was obtained from the health information systems available at SUS. The highest burden attributable to the consumption of SSBs was observed among younger individuals and progressively decreased with advancing age. The total direct costs in the period between 2008 and 2020 amounted to approximately US$ 6.33 million, 87% of which was related to expenses for females. Additionally, deaths resulting from the consumption of SSBs cost the economy US$ 40 million due to the premature loss of productivity. The total costs of obesity attributable to the consumption of SSBs are substantial, impacting public spending and generating social and productivity losses that burden the economy. It is crucial to develop and implement cost-effective fiscal and regulatory policies aimed at preventing and combating obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue is spreading in (sub)tropical areas, and half of the global population is at risk. The macroeconomic impact of dengue extends beyond healthcare costs. This study evaluated the impact of dengue on gross domestic product (GDP) based on approaches tailored to two dengue-endemic countries, Thailand and Brazil, from the tourism and workforce perspectives, respectively. Findings: Because the tourism industry is a critical economic sector for Thailand, lost tourism revenues were estimated to analyze the impact of a dengue outbreak. An input-output model estimated that the direct effects (on international tourism) and indirect effects (on suppliers) of dengue on tourism reduced overall GDP by 1.43 billion US dollars (USD) (0.26%) in the outbreak year 2019. The induced effect (reduced employee income/spending) reduced Thailand's GDP by 375 million USD (0.07%). Overall, lost tourism revenues reduced Thailand's GDP by an estimated 1.81 billion USD (0.33%) in 2019 (3% of annual tourism revenue). An inoperability input-output model was used to analyze the effect of workforce absenteeism on GDP due to a dengue outbreak in Brazil. This model calculates the number of lost workdays associated with ambulatory and hospitalized dengue. Input was collected from state-level epidemiological and economic data for 2019. An estimated 22.4 million workdays were lost in the employed population; 39% associated with the informal sector. Lost workdays due to dengue reduced Brazil's GDP by 876 million USD (0.05%). Conclusions: The economic costs of dengue outbreaks far surpass the direct medical costs. Dengue reduces overall GDP and inflicts national economic losses. With a high proportion of the population lacking formal employment in both countries and low income being a barrier to seeking care, dengue also poses an equity challenge. A combination of public health measures, like vector control and vaccination, against dengue is recommended to mitigate the broader economic impact of dengue. Author summary: Dengue is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes in Southeast Asia and South America, and about half of the world's population is at risk. Burden-of-illness studies on the economic impact of dengue typically focus on medical costs. However, the impact of this infectious disease extends far beyond healthcare costs. This study evaluated the impact of dengue on gross domestic product (GDP) based on approaches tailored to two dengue-endemic countries, Thailand and Brazil. The analyses estimated that the dengue outbreak in 2019 had a profound impact on Thailand's tourism industry, reducing GDP by an estimated US$1.81 billion, equivalent to 3% of annual tourism revenues or 0.33% of total GDP. Dengue also impacted Brazil's workforce in 2019, leading to an estimated 22.4 million lost workdays, of which 39% were associated with the informal sector, and reducing GDP overall by US$876 million (0.05% of total GDP). Informal workers are vulnerable to dengue-related financial burdens, and a low income can be a barrier to seeking medical care for dengue. This study highlights the broader economic impact of dengue beyond healthcare costs and underscores the importance of a combination of public health measures, such as vector control and vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated changes in the use of sweeteners over one decade and the relationship between socio-demographics, diet and weight status with the type of sweetener. Data came from the Brazilian National Dietary Surveys of 2008–2009 and 2017–2018, including ≥ 10-year-old individuals (n 32 749; n 44 744, respectively, after excluding pregnant and lactating women). The use of table sugar, non-caloric sweeteners (NCS), both or none was reported through a specific question. Food consumption was assessed using two non-consecutive food records (2008–2009) and 24-h recalls (2017–2018). For the last survey, means of energy, macro and micronutrient intake, food groups' contribution (%) to daily energy intake and age- and energy-adjusted nutrient intake were estimated according to the type of sweetener used. Differences in means and proportions across the categories of sweeteners used were evaluated based on the 95 % CI. All analyses were stratified by sex and considered sample design and weights. Over 10 years, the use of table sugar decreased by 8 %, while the habit of not using any sweetener increased almost three times, and the use of NCS remained stable. Larger reductions in the use of table sugar were observed in the highest income level and among men. Regardless of sex, compared with NCS users, table sugar users had greater mean intake of energy, carbohydrates and added sugar and lower micronutrient intake means. Although table sugar is still the most used sweetener, the increased choice of 'no sweetener' is noteworthy in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tests the predictions of various conflicting theories on international trade and development by examining the impact of exporting and importing on economic level and basic needs in two developing countries of two different developing regions of the world; one in Latin America & Caribbean, and one in Sub-Saharan Africa. The two countries are Brazil and South Africa, respectively. Using fifteen-year lagged data that spanned 1984-2019, the paper finds that exporting tends to have negative and significant impact on both economic level and social basic needs in these two countries. Importing, on the other hand, was found to have positive and significant impact on economic level, and social basic needs in both countries. Implications of these findings for public policy and international trade theory development are discussed, and directions for future research are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze how sentiment affects economic activity in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model, this study examines in detail the short-term and long-term asymmetric impacts between the variables during the period from January 2007 to December 2020. Findings: There are three main results of this study. First, sentiment is an important factor for economic activity in Brazil, and its effect possibly occurs through the channels of consumption and investment, which are the two main components of economic growth. Second, sentiment affects economic activity in different ways in the short and the long term: in Brazil, although in the short-term, immediate shocks of sentiment may be confusing, the negative shocks from previous periods have a negative impact on economic activity. Third, the effect of shocks of optimism and pessimism on economic activity is asymmetric, and in the long run, only shocks of optimism have a significant and positive impact. Originality/value: The relationship between sentiment and economic activity is still a controversial issue in the literature and this study seeks to advance its understanding in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the optimization of contracted electricity demand (CD) for commercial and industrial entities, focusing on cost reduction within the Brazilian time-of-use electricity tariff scheme. Leveraging genetic algorithms (GAs), this study proposes a practical approach to determining the optimal CD profile, considering the complex dynamics of energy demand on a city-like load. The methodology is applied to a case study at the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, where energy efficiency and demand response initiatives as well as renewable energy projects are underway. The findings highlight the significance of tailored demand management strategies in achieving energy-related cost reduction for large-scale consumers, with implications for economic efficiency in energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated exchange rate and stock price volatility connectedness and spillover in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) during pandemic-induced crises. We first extracted volatility using the Generalized Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model. Then volatility connectedness and spillover were investigated by using (Diebold and Yilmaz, International Journal of Forecasting, 28(1), 57–66, 2012) method. We find that exchange rate volatility and stock return volatilities are connected during pandemic-induced crises. The study also finds volatilities spillover among countries in the sample. Russia has strong volatility connectedness with India in these financial markets. The direction of volatility spillover is from Russia to India. Similarly, Brazil has strong volatility connectedness with South Africa and the direction volatility spillover is from Brazil to South Africa. Finally, China has a weak volatility connection with the remaining BRICS countries. Thus, the volatility transfer in these financial markets and across BRICS countries has economic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidification, a widely employed technique for well stimulation, utilizes a variety of acid systems. However, the literature provides limited insights into the economic and oil recovery implications of these treatments. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the economic impact on the oil recovery of different acid treatment designs in formations with varying degrees of heterogeneity and flow capacity. For this purpose, matrix acidization simulations were conducted using Matrix software to obtain the skin profile for each type of treatment. Subsequently, numerical simulations were performed using IMEX software from the CMG Group to analyze oil production and compare the economic results of different acid treatments. The main findings indicate that reservoirs with low flow capacities benefit more from stimulation operations, yielding a higher financial return when stimulated compared to untreated wells. In fact, there seems to be a range of flow capacity values, from around 20,000 to 40,000 mD.m, above which the net present value (NPV) of stimulated wells is equal to or even lower than that of damaged untreated wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Estudios Internacionales is the property of Instituto de Estudios Internacionales de la Universidad de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: The environmental impacts and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been evaluated across studies due to global climate change. Livestock production systems may be responsible in part for the increase in GHGs and, consequently, the environmental impacts. This study analyzed the environmental inputs and outputs and economic factors of a beef cattle feedlot system. Using a partial Life Cycle Assessment approach, we provide more information for consumers, researchers, scientists, and government officials about the environmental impacts arising from the production of premium and super-premium beef. We found that feed production is the most important source of GHGs, and diesel fuel plays a minor role in the environmental impacts. Finally, increased marbling degree in meat can lead to an increase in environmental impacts. When individual purchasing power increases in society, there is a trend toward a quantitative and qualitative increase in the consumption of products. Considering the magnitude of beef production in Brazil, environmental impacts are important factors for the domestic and international markets. This study assessed a Brazilian feedlot system characterized by high animal welfare standards that produces high-quality beef that is more marbled than that produced in grass-fed systems. We assessed the environmental impacts and compared premium and super-premium beef produced in a feedlot system using a partial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Data were collected directly on the property analyzed, considering environmental inputs and outputs and economic factors associated with the production stages of each line (premium versus super-premium). The results show that high-quality beef has, beyond a greater financial cost, an environmental cost, with the super-premium line producing a 286% higher carbon footprint, 297% more eutrophication, and three times higher acidification potential and land use than the premium line. The results of the environmental impacts agree with the results of production costs, reflecting a 282.82% higher production cost in super-premium than in premium animals. Footprints of 5.0323 kg, 4.7746 kg, and 8.8858 kg CO2 eq./kg live weight gain at the feedlot were found in the three lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation plays a crucial role in the economy of nations worldwide. In Latin America, countries foster competitiveness through public and private incentives to support innovation. Moreover, entrepreneurship incentives seek to improve countries' performance, although factors such as low business growth rates and informality can compromise it. Despite the efforts, there are several difficulties in achieving competitiveness, and few studies in developing countries. Therefore, the article explores the relationship between the factors that influence competitiveness, especially the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in Brazil and Peru. The research uses quantitative-qualitative methodology through modeling and simulation and a case study. The authors use the Affinities Theory to verify the relationship between the indicators that make up the competitiveness landscape and its most significant and attractive factors, adapting the methodology established by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness ranking. As a result, this algorithm allows us to know the relationships between five factors of economic attractiveness and four competitiveness indicators. As its main contributions, the study advances the frontier of knowledge about innovation and entrepreneurship, as few studies explore competitiveness in developing countries. Also, it offers a detailed explanation of the application of this algorithm, allowing researchers to reproduce this methodology in other scenarios. Practically, it might support policymakers in formulating development strategies and stimuli for business competitiveness. In addition, academic and business leaders can strengthen university-business collaboration with applied research in innovation and entrepreneurship. One limitation would be the number of countries participating in the research. The authors suggest future lines of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compelling evidence supports the association between red and processed meat consumption and increased risk of colorectal cancer. Herein, we estimated the current (2018) and future (2030) federal direct healthcare costs of colorectal cancer in the Brazilian Unified Health System attributable to red and processed meat consumption. Considering reduced red and processed meat consumption, we also projected attributable costs of colorectal cancer in 2040. Methods: We retrieved information on red and processed meat consumption from two nationally representative dietary surveys, the Household Budget Survey 2008–2009 and 2017–2018; relative risks for colorectal cancer from a meta-analysis; direct healthcare costs of inpatient and outpatient procedures in adults ≥ 30 years with colorectal cancer (C18-C20) from 2008–2019 by sex. Results: Attributable costs of colorectal cancer were calculated via comparative risk assessment, assuming a 10-year lag. In 2018, US$ 20.6 million (8.4%) of direct healthcare costs of colorectal cancer were attributable to red and processed meat consumption. In 2030, attributable costs will increase to US$ 86.6 million (19.3%). Counterfactual scenarios of reducing red and processed meat consumption in 2030 suggested that US$ 2.2 to 11.9 million and US$ 13 to 74 million could be saved in 2040, respectively. Conclusion: Red and processed meat consumption has an escalating economic impact on the Brazilian Unified Health System. Our findings support interventions and policies focused on primary prevention and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The income inequality-economic growth linkage is a topical issue in economics and policy discussions. Both theoretical and empirical results on the impact of income inequality on economic growth have been controversial. One of the criticisms of the existing studies relates to using cross-sectional data and linear estimation techniques for empirical analysis. Capitalising on the limitations in the existing literature, this article employs the novel Quantile-on-Quantile Regression (QQR) approach to examine the relationship between income inequality and economic growth in BRICS. Applying the novel QQR technique helps to model how income inequality distributions affect the distributions of economic growth. The quantile cointegration tests reveal cointegration between income inequality and economic growth. The QQR results indicate that income inequality has a stronger negative effect on the lower and middle tails of economic growth in Brazil while having a stronger positive impact on economic growth in Russia, China and South Africa. For India, income inequality has a stronger negative effect on the lower tail of economic growth and a stronger positive impact on the middle and higher tails of economic growth. These results are consistent with quantile regression results. Further analysis from the Granger causality-in-quantiles shows that at various quantiles, a bidirectional causal relationship between income inequality and economic growth exists in China, while a unidirectional causality runs from income inequality to economic growth in Brazil and India. No causal relationship was found between income inequality and economic growth in Russia and South Africa. The policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of protected areas, in particular, nature Conservation Units (CUs), is a conservation strategy recognised worldwide. However, these territories require efficient management to achieve their conservation goals. When the management of CUs is deficient, it results in damage to their own goals, affecting biodiversity and ecological processes, as well as causing social and economic impacts. In this context, we evaluated the management effectiveness of 11 integral Conservation Units of nature in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, through interviews, visits to these CUs and a review of their official documents. For this analysis, we used the adapted method of Effectiveness of Management of Protected Areas (EMAP), which was analysed using a Likert scale with five levels, eight scopes, 73 indicators and 65 evaluation scenarios. Ninety-one percent of the CUs assessed in southern Brazil by the EMAP method oscillated from average to very unsatisfactory efficacy and low management effectiveness: 18% of the CUs had a very unsatisfactory quality of management, 37% unsatisfactory, 36% average and only 9% high or satisfactory. Moreover, the CUs did not fulfil the main objectives for which they were created. In this context, we recommended a series of actions to be applied for CU improvement, such as the adoption of a quali-quantitative evaluation model for the units, through a mathematical model; increase in staff; training teams and managers; improvement of CU infrastructure and inputs; regular budget allocation; land regularisation, implementation of consultative councils and urgent review of management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to analyze the process of productive territorial specialization brought about by the sugarcane-energy agribusiness and to understand how this event has resulted in economic vulnerability in Brazilian municipalities that participate in its production, especially those with small towns. Due to the logic of territorial use by the sugarcane-energy agroindustry, based on a process of exacerbated productive specialization, several municipalities demonstrate a high economic dependence on this activity and have thereby become vulnerable to the crisis arising from the possible closures of sugarcane-energy plants. The crisis in the sugarcane-energy sector that occurred during the 2010s highlighted the economic impacts felt by several municipalities through the operational stoppages of dozens of sugarcane-energy plants facing judicial recovery or bankruptcy. In order to analyze these situations, we have constructed the Territorial Vulnerability Index (TVI) for the productive municipalities of the sugarcane-energy agribusiness, which has revealed a significant number of municipalities that are less resilient and more vulnerable to the occurrence of an economic crisis caused by the closure of sugarcane-energy plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the international iron trade, focusing on the Brazil-China network and its implications for economic and social progress. Iron supports various industries, particularly construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. The study employs descriptive analysis, quantitative measures, and correlation coefficients to analyse the dynamics of the iron trade. The research highlights Australia and Brazil as significant exporters in the global iron ore market, with China as the primary importer. Network analysis reveals China's extensive commercial connections and strong trade relationships with key exporting countries. Correlation coefficients demonstrate positive associations between Brazil's Iron Exports, Brazilian GDP, Chinese construction sector GDP, and world construction sector GDP, emphasising their interdependence. Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers, economists, and industry stakeholders in navigating the complexities of the global economy. The study provides valuable insights into the international iron trade, its impact on the construction sector, and broader economic dynamics. It contributes to informed decision-making and promotes sustainable economic and social development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered products have economic, environmental, and social impacts, which comprise the major dimensions of sustainability. This paper seeks to explore interactions between design parameters when social impacts are incorporated into the concept development phase of the systems design process. Social impact evaluation is increasing in importance similar to what has happened in recent years with environmental impact consideration in the design of engineered products. Concurrently, research into new airship design has increased. Airships have yet to be reintroduced at a large scale or for a range of applications in society. Although airships have the potential for positive environmental and economic impacts, the social impacts are still rarely considered. This paper presents a case study of the hypothetical introduction of airships in the Amazon region of Brazil to help local farmers transport their produce to market. It explores the design space in terms of both engineering parameters and social impacts using a discrete-event simulation to model the system. The social impacts are found to be dependent not only on the social factors and airship design parameters but also on the farmer-airship system, suggesting that socio-technical systems design will benefit from integrated social impact metric analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine cysticercosis (BCC) is an important disease in Brazil due to its detection in abattoirs, resulting in economic losses for cattle farmers, and a public health corcern. Besides its importance, the knowledge about BCC epidemiology and impact remains not fully described in several areas in this country, requiring more studies. Thus, this study focused on establishing BCC prevalence in the regions and municipalities of the state of Espírito Santo from 2017 to 2019, establishing the associated risk factors, and estimating the economic losses for cattle farmers. A set of 2,330 cases of BCC was detected in the 407,529 bovine inspected by Federal Inspection Service (0.57%; C.I. 95% 0.55 - 0.60%) with a higher detection of unviable cysticercus (66.14%). The beef producers lost at least US$153,000.20 due to BCC through this period. The highest risk for BCC infection occurred in Metropolitana (OR = 9.19), Litoral Sul (OR = 7.77), Caparó (OR = 7.44), and Central Sul (OR = 7.19) mesoregions, respectively. The BCC was detected in animals from 67 municipalities and its prevalence increased in areas with high human population density (OR = 1.58;; p = 0.01). In conclusion, BCC is an important disease for beef production chain in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo and a cause of economic losses, mainly in some areas, and urgently requires the adoption of prophylactic strategies to reduce the ocurrence of this parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dengue outbreaks in Brazil have increased in frequency and magnitude since 2010. • Dengue has been more frequent in young adults and in the Midwest since 2010. • The predominant serotypes varied throughout time and across the Brazilian regions. • The economic and societal burden of dengue is high and underestimated. • Expansion factors are critical to assess the actual burden of dengue disease. Dengue infection is a growing public health problem, with the number of reported cases increasing in the Americas and worldwide. This review characterized the epidemiological and economic burden of dengue in Brazil. Embase, MEDLINE, evidence-based review databases, and gray literature sources were searched for published literature and surveillance reports on epidemiology (between 2000 and 2019) and costs (between 2009 and 2019) of dengue in Brazil. Studies were included if they reported data on incidence, seroprevalence, serotype distribution, expansion factors, hospitalization, mortality, or costs. Data were summarized descriptively and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 344 publications were included (167 peer-reviewed and 177 gray literature). Dengue outbreaks increased in incidence and frequency, with the highest incidence observed in 2015 at 807 cases per 100,000 population. Outbreaks were related to alternating predominant serotypes. Dengue was more frequent in young adults (aged 20-39 years) and in the Midwest. Cost and societal impacts are substantial and varied across regions, age, and public/private delivery of healthcare services. The burden of dengue in Brazil is increasing and likely underestimated. Therefore, developing and implementing new strategies, including vaccination, is essential to reduce the disease burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nova Economia is the property of Nova Economia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to compare fruits and vegetables (FV), and carbonated soft drink (CSD) consumption among adolescents from seventy-four countries, according to macroeconomic indicators. This is an ecological study, developed with countries evaluated through the Global School-based Student Health Survey (2003–2014) and the National School Health Survey (PeNSE-Brazil, 2015). The percentages of students in each country who consumed CSD and FV daily and their association with the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Gross National Income per capita (GNIpc) were assessed. Scatter plots were constructed for each marker, and a multilevel model was tested to consider the effects of region in the associations. The overall prevalence of daily CSD consumption was 54·1 %. CSD consumption was positively associated with HDI and GNIpc through multilevel models, and Central and South America showed a considerable higher consumption compared with other regions. Overall, FV daily consumption was 67·9 % and 74·6 %, respectively, and no associations with macroeconomic indicators were found. The study shows concerning rates of CSD consumption among adolescents, and a trend of increased consumption with the improvement of the country's development and GNIpc. This points for the importance of public policies that regulate food and beverage industries to reduce CSD consumption and related co-morbidities among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef, among all foods, has the greatest environmental impact and is associated with several chronic diseases. Brazil is one of the largest consumers of meat in the world, on par with developed countries and, most of its greenhouse gas emissions stem from deforestation and agricultural activities. Therefore, this article aims to project the economic and environmental impacts of reducing beef consumption due to changes in household preferences and an increase in beef taxes, with and without a revenue neutral mechanism (subsidies applied to food, excluding meat). To analyze this, a dynamic interregional Computable General Equilibrium model was employed, incorporating a land use change module and accounting for substitution between different food items in both consumption and production structure across regions within the Brazilian Amazon, Matopiba, and the rest of Brazil. The results show that a 40% reduction in beef consumption distributed between 2022 and 2050 could prevent deforestation on an area of approximately 65,000 km2, potentially mitigating up to 2.8 GtCO₂e (a third of the world's potential mitigation from dietary changes according to the UN). In the scenario with subsidies, the reduction in deforestation is smaller due to incentives provided to certain commodities that use pasture. Preference changes could have a virtually zero impact on GDP by 2050. Conversely, increased beef taxes could result in an overall rise in costs, leading to a negative impact on exports and GDP (subsidies only attenuate). In all scenarios, regional impacts would be heterogeneous, particularly affecting regions highly dependent on the cattle and beef sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agroecological products market has increased substantially worldwide in recent decades. As a traditional agricultural country, Brazil has followed this trend and has increased the production of certified organic products in recent years. In addition, the country is one of the largest consumer markets in Latin America. This study aims to measure the effects of organic production on the economic development of municipalities through spatial analysis and econometric methodologies. Thus, it estimates the impact of organic production hotspots on the 2017 gross domestic product of Brazilian municipalities and the agriculture gross value added. The results indicate that the organic hotspots had a positive effect on both variables. Therefore, the results corroborate incentives for organic production as an alternative for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from the Institute for Space Research (INPE), show that in 2019, deforestation in Brazil consumed around 1,200,000 hectares of native vegetation, where one of the factors responsible, is due to the exploitation of noble wood. Among the measures adopted to mitigate deforestation, the commercial forest plantation presents itself as an important alternative, increasing the supply of wood in the market, thus contributing to reduce the pressure of exploitation on native forests. It is important to highlight that, each species has peculiarities in relation to its cultivation and, in addition, the producer must consider the economic factors associated with the activity. In view of the above, this article aims to select, by means of ordinal method SAPEVO-M-NC, the regions of the country most suitable for planting African mahogany of the ivorensis species. The study was carried out considering seven regions of different states, being evaluated in the light of natural and economic attributes. The result indicates that the criteria associated with climatic factors are of great importance for the decision makers consulted, directing the preference for the regions that currently have the largest plantations of the species in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to demonstrate and analyze some economic and social effects aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. I argue that those effects are the pre-pandemic disastrous political, economic and social consequences of ultraliberal and fascist forces in power. The paper also draws attention to the worsening socio-economic and harmful conditions of this context for the working class, especially for the poorest groups. To make this possible, we have been carrying out documentary and systematic literature reviews since the beginning of the pandemic. The article contributes to broader theoretical debates about the public policy in the Brazilian government's management in facing the CoVid effects, which explains the higher mortality rates and the aggravation of social problems during the current scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We assessed the angling conducted in the Santos estuarine area (southeastern Brazil) between September 2012 and November 2013. The results, based on 189 interviews conducted in 38 different fishing locations, showed that shore-based anglers were predominantly residents (78%) and spent US$23 per fishing day. However, 61% of the onboard anglers were from the São Paulo metropolitan area and spent around US$100 per fishing day, generating a potentially important economic impact. Only two of the 15 variables analyzed showed no significant differences between the anglers' categories. According to the anglers' perception the possible pressure on the fishery resources and conflicts regarding resource use and areas in the face of port and industrial activities, urbanization, lack of security, as well as the anglers' time of experience, should be considered in any management measures to be proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Nursing & Health is the property of Journal of Nursing & Health (JONAH) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Administração FACES Journal is the property of Revista de Administracao FACES Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Jurídica (0103-3506) is the property of Revista Juridica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Telemedicine has recently garnered more attention from healthcare professionals because it provides access to health services to patients in rural areas while making patient healthcare information more vulnerable to security breaches. The objective of this research is to identify factors that play a critical role in possible adoption of telemedicine in the United States and Brazil. A model with eight hypotheses was used to establish a research framework. A survey was conducted involving healthcare professionals in the aforementioned countries. The results show that telemedicine adoption is influenced by policies and culture in both countries and influenced by security and privacy in the United States. It can be inferred from the research that perceptions of the American and Brazilian healthcare professionals are similar in telemedicine issues covered in this research. These healthcare professionals, however, disagree on how patients' privacy should be preserved in the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Jurídica (0103-3506) is the property of Revista Juridica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Regional Science Policy & Practice is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Regional Science Policy & Practice is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Economics & Social Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The evolution of the wind energy sector in Brazil is analyzed, coupled to an investigation of public policies and future trends, with special reference to the Brazilian states in the production and commercialization of wind power energy. Regions with great production and a qualitative approach are discussed, forecasting trends for the sector. Due to government programs for the advance of wind power and the mechanisms for energy buying, it has been observed that the northeastern region of Brazil, specifically the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Bahia, concentrates most of the wind power parks in the country. This is due to the government incentives associated with climatic conditions of the regions and wind currents. Trend may be attributed to several possibilities, coupled to endogenic and exogenic factors, foreign stimulated in the amplification of clean energy with climatic and economic factors. Funded by the government, it will become the main source of electric energy through clean and renewable sources which will be able to restructure, in the long term, the consumption chain through its commercial amplitude at accessible prices and production and distribution technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the spatial configuration of dairy production in the municipalities of Paraná State, Brazil. As methodology, an Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis - AEDE was used to identify the existence of spatial clusters in the West, Southwest, Eastern Center and North Pioneer mesoregions. This shows that municipalities that have high value of the Gross Value of Production (VBP) of dairy (reais/Km²) in Paraná State are surrounded by municipalities of similar high value of the VBP of dairy (reais/Km²), as well as municipalities with low values. Based on preliminary data from the 2017 Agricultural Census, RAIS and IPARDES, an econometric model, of the Durbin Spatial type (SDM), was estimated, which includes the spatial gap in the gross production value and in the independent variables, in order to identify which, among economic and technical factors, are the determinants of the gross value of milk production. The main results were that technical guidance, productivity, pasture, technical-scientific occupations and electricity are some of the factors that are associated with the gross value of milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibrat's law asserts that the growth of a city is independent of its initial size, but the populations of cities display a pattern of systematic agglomeration. This pattern may emerge because some cities are more attractive than others. We analyse the relationship between the growth and size of 1,188 cities in the South Region of Brazil using municipal data between 2000 and 2010. The selected model is the spatial Durbin model (SDM) that controls for temporal and spatial dependence, relevant omitted variables, economic factors, local amenities and externalities. The results indicate that Gibrat's law is not robust when cities interact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health problem that has given new dynamics to the world economy. The rapid spread of the disease and the use of social distancing as a form of prevention exposed the social and urban inequalities of capitalist cities. In Brazil, as in other countries, social distancing has promoted rapid changes in the labor market with more severe impacts for 37.3 million people living in the informal sector, as they do not have rights to, for example, the severance pay indemnity fund (FGTS) and unemployment benefit. According to the International Labour Organization, the first layoffs are occurring among those who live off precarious work, such as: outsourced workers, clerks, waiters, kitchen workers, day laborers, baggage handlers, and cleaners. We show a brief synthesis of the consequences that the health crisis has brought to Brazilian workers and propose coping measures that are not limited to emergency aid. The recovery and creation of occupations will depend, among other factors, on the resumption of spending on social and economic programs that were able to reduce social inequalities at the beginning of this century, such as PAC-favelas; Minha Casa, Minha Vida Program; Bolsa Família Program and the FAT Employment and Income Generation Program. These programs can and must be expanded to bring the economy back to growth in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This text discusses the role of civil society in public action to face the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Based on a pragmatic approach, the study examines the collective actions promoted by civil society actors in Brazil, highlighting the characteristics, scope, and limits in the governance of this crisis. The study uses documental analysis to observe the recent mobilization of civil society in the country and field research to explore the reality of the city of Florianópolis. The results offer an overview of the performance of "invisible networks" of civil society actors, pointing out the challenges and outcomes of their actions. The findings suggest the need for further studies exploring the role, perspectives, and dilemmas of civil society in the production of "experimentalist governance" in response to the numerous challenges posed by the pandemic at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social distancing practices have been widely recommended to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the medical consensus, many citizens have resisted adhering to and/or supporting its implementation. While this resistance may stem from the non-negligible personal economic costs of implementing social distancing, we argue that it may also reside in more fundamental differences in normative principles and belief systems, as reflected by political orientation. In a study conducted in Brazil, we test the relative importance of these explanations by examining whether and how support for social distancing varies according to self-identified political orientation and personal economic vulnerability. Results show that while economic vulnerability does not influence support for social distancing, conservatives are systematically less supportive of these practices than liberals. Discrepancies in sensitivity to threats to the economic system help explain the phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]