Brazilian Context Research Articles

Política social de Assistência Social e a garantia de direitos sociais: entre ambiguidades e contradições

The field of Social Policies, with special attention to Social Assistance, continues to be a subject of investigation in the peripheral areas of capitalist centers. This study aims to explore the contradictions present in the interaction between social assistance policies and social rights. To this end, it adopts an approach that conceives of social policy as a process influenced by the historical conditions of capitalism and class struggles. It highlights the determining role of the state and capitalism in the formulation of social policies and their incorporation into the realm of social rights, especially in the Brazilian context, where only since the 1988 Federal Constitution has social assistance become a state policy, assuming responsibility for guaranteeing and providing social rights and social protection. The aim of the article is to problematize the perspective of rights in the Brazilian capitalist state and in the National Social Assistance Policy (PNAS), proposing an analysis of a materialist-historical-dialectical nature. The text adopts the structure of a theoretical essay, beginning with a reflection on the capitalist state and social policies, and then addressing the interrelationship between the state, law and social policies, characterized by contradictions inherent to the preservation and perpetuation of capitalism. The conclusion is that the reasons for the state's difficulty in guaranteeing social rights lie in the fact that the relationship between the state, law and social policies is marked by contradictions, since social assistance seeks to guarantee rights in the legal system, which, in turn, are also geared towards the maintenance and reproduction of capitalism.

Projeto de extensão: resgatando sorrisos

The article addresses restorative and aesthetic dentistry, highlighting the importance of adhesion of materials to mineralized dental tissues. The philosophy of minimally invasive restorative treatment is based on principles of prevention and maximum preservation, with minimal intervention in dental structures. Dental aesthetics are subjective, influenced by several factors, and despite advances in aesthetic materials, the need for clinical evaluations on the behavior of composite resin restorations is increasing. In the Brazilian context, where the provision of government dental treatment is limited, perceived need becomes an important predictor of the use of dental services. There is a significant demand for restorative dentistry procedures, often performed by undergraduate and postgraduate students. The article highlights the creation of an Orthodontics Extension Project to deal with repressed demand, although new activities are necessary. It is concluded that initiatives such as extension projects are essential to mitigate the lack of care for the population and prepare academics for clinical practices in restorative dentistry.

Strengthening the Human Rights Guarantee System in the Management of Migrant Policies in Brazil

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a bibliographic survey of scientific productions that deal with migration governance throughout the national territory. Theoretical Framework: Supported by the theoretical and methodological assumptions of dialectical historical materialism, this article is part of the results of a post-doctoral internship that discusses the strengthening and defense of the rights of migrants in Brazil. Method: As a procedure for collecting this data, a time frame of research from the last ten years (2014-2024) was used. For this purpose, a survey of scientific production in Brazilian postgraduate programs indexed in the BDTD (Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations) was carried out. The analysis, in turn, was based on the ten dimensions of migration governance, developed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) adapted to the Brazilian context. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that although there is an effort by municipalities and states to try to strengthen the guarantee of rights to migrants, there are still gaps and difficulties in ensuring them. There is fragmentation in the provision of services to migrants and difficulties for sectoral policies to carry out integrated and cross-cutting actions. Few studies discuss the institutional structure of migration governance, that is, the strategic organization of public policies in order to strengthen the guarantee of the rights of migrants. Research Implications: The importance of this study lies in organizing and producing materials to support professionals who work to promote the human rights of migrants in the country. Originality/Value: Considering that the management of migration and migrant policies is still under construction, this research contributes to thinking about ways to ensure the rights of migrants through effective migration governance.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Emergency Medical Services Safety Attitudes Questionnaire in the Brazilian context

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Emergency Medical Services Safety Attitudes Questionnaire in the Brazilian context

Overview of Publications on Payment for Environmental Services: Focus on Brazilian Contributions

Objective: This study aims to analyze publications on Payment for Environmental Services (PES), with a focus on Brazil's leadership and the evaluation of case studies, empirical and theoretical research in the Web of Science and SciELO databases up to April 2024. Theoretical Framework: PES is discussed as a tool for environmental conservation and sustainable development, emphasizing challenges such as social inclusion and participatory governance. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on publications indexed in the Web of Science and SciELO databases up to April 2024. The exploratory research employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in data analysis. Results and Discussion: The analysis revealed that Brazil plays a prominent role in PES publications, both nationally and internationally. Within the Brazilian context, the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais stand out, with the Conservador das Águas project in Extrema frequently cited in the literature. Research Implications: The results provide a foundation for the development of public policies aimed at expanding PES initiatives in Brazil. Mapping existing projects can encourage the replication of best practices and foster research in underexplored areas, promoting climate mitigation strategies. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by identifying and mapping PES projects, providing valuable insights for the formulation of strategies aimed at improving climate conditions.

The use of photobioreactors in façades for decarbonization process

The paper deals with the application of microalgae in building’s façade, regard to the broader project comprising the aspects of the environmental comfort of academic spaces and the energy consumption with on-grid photovoltaic generation, as well as the investigation of alternatives for the improvement of the performance of the building envelopes. Thus, its main objective is the application of interdisciplinary concepts involving Architecture and Biotechnology, as known by Black Ecologies, referring to an investigative interest to explore a new approach of nature, not only related to architectural space, but an emergent environmental focus. This relationship is performed by using photobioreactors with microalgae, installed on the façades of buildings for educational use. The present work presents the methodological outline of the research, based on literature review and case studies; complementary experimental methodologies are also presented to contextualize the subject and its application and feasibility. The current state of art showed an emergent approach in terms of international level, but in the Brazilian context any further research was identified yet. In addition to thermal and energy performance, the strategies will allow the process of sequestration of carbon dioxide and other GHG (greenhouse gases) that impacts on the process of climate change and can contribute to reach the sustainable development. This subject coincides with the discussions of the 2050 scenarios and emission reduction, which were faced at the recent COP-27 and its connections with an integrative way to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Posthumous Dignity Therapy Schedule of Questions to Brazilian Portuguese.

Dignity Therapy (DT) is a brief form of psychotherapy that helps people with life-threatening illnesses and their loved ones cope with emotional pain and demoralization. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to receive DT during their lifetime. Posthumous Dignity Therapy (PDT) was then devised to be administered to bereaved family members. However, PDT has not yet been validated or studied in the specific cultural and linguistic context of Portuguese-Brazilians. This study aims to fill this gap by validating PDT for the Portuguese (Brazilian) context. Using Beaton's methodology, including the processes of translation, synthesis, back-translation, evaluation by an expert committee, and pre-testing, the PDT Schedule of Questions underwent validation and cultural adaptation. The research was conducted in a Palliative Care Unit at a tertiary cancer hospital in Brazil. The questionnaire was translated, back-translated, and evaluated by the panel of experts, obtaining a Content Validity Index of 0.97. During the pretest phase, it was observed that the participant's interview method needed to be changed from remote (telephone or videoconference) to in-person. Additionally, it was necessary to modify some terms related to death and dying, as they caused discomfort to the participants. As a result of this process, the PDT was modified, and adapted to the Brazilian cultural and linguistic reality. This validation study will be significant for future DT research from the caregivers' perspective and for projects aiming to implement this therapeutic modality in palliative care units, in addition to helping participants remember their loved ones better by providing a tangible legacy document that assists them emotionally and materially in coping with the grieving process.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DA FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA PARA PROFESSORES NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA

This study addresses continuing education for teachers, which is highlighted as an essential process for improving knowledge. Continuing education for teachers is currently seen as a process for improving knowledge, involving actions directed at professionals who educate, teach, learn, research, and evaluate. This study aimed to discuss continuing education for teachers within educational policies in Brazil, emphasizing its importance and analyzing the current Brazilian educational context. The methodology was based on bibliographic research, using Google Scholar as the main source. The results make it clear that this review article can intensify the reflection on the importance of continuing education in Brazil, exposing its relevance for a deeper understanding of the educational reality and the teaching-learning process. Continuing education appears as a decisive tool, supporting the work of teachers and driving the evolution of teaching and learning. It is known that the teacher is not a finished product, but a subject in constant transformation, requiring continuous improvement to face the challenges of modern education. Therefore, each teacher must be an eternal learner, breaking with stagnant traditions and embracing a journey of continuous innovation, as only in this way will we be able to transform the Brazilian educational scenario, propelling it towards new spheres of excellence and relevance.

"BECAUSE WE ALSO HAVE OUR RIGHTS”: PHYSICAL-SPATIAL TRANSFORMATION WITH CHILDREN FROM MORRO DO PAPAGAIO

Although child participation in decision-making is a recognized right, children are often excluded from decision-making processes that will affect the quality of their lives, including those related to urban issues. In the Brazilian context, there is a lack of studies aimed at understanding child participation in the transformation of public spaces. This study aims to explore the repercussions of a physical-spatial transformation involving children aged 9 to 10 years, residents of the Morro do Papagaio favela (Belo Horizonte, Brazil). To this end, interviews, photo-elicitation, and participant observation were conducted. Inductive thematic analysis of the data revealed the value of physical-spatial transformation as a practice that enables the exercise of children's rights to participation, sociability, play, freedom, education, use of public spaces, beauty and well-being. Identifying how children experience public spaces in the favela became crucial to understanding how transforming spaces with children can promote their citizenship.

Profiles and motivations of disaster volunteers: a proposed framework in the brazilian context

Purpose: Environmental disasters have caused various human, ecological, and economic damage worldwide. To reduce the potential damage and save lives in the short term, the volunteers are involved in support in disaster situations. Given this scenario, studies on volunteers who work in disaster contexts in Brazil proved to be an interesting and necessary research topic. Design/methodology/approach: This research employed a qualitative methodology, utilizing 16 semi-structured, in-depth interviews to gather data. The process of selecting participants was carried out through the snowball sampling technique, focusing on individuals volunteering in disaster response within the Brazilian setting. Following data collection, a thorough content analysis was undertaken. The motivations uncovered through this analysis were then meticulously compared and contrasted against the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI), which is rooted in the psychological functionalist theory of volunteerism. Findings: The findings of this study advance the literature by confirming four motivations for volunteers to act in disasters, as identified in the VFI: values, enhancement, protective, and social. Additionally, this study contributes by bringing to light two new motivations, knowledge, and readiness, which emerged from the content data analysis. The study also advances by clustering the behavior profiles determined from these motivations as expert, sensitive, altruistic, beginner, and social. Originality/value: Based on the results, a Disaster Volunteer Framework was proposed, which serves as a basis for developing public policies for the government and assists institutions that work in disaster management in attracting new volunteers.

Unsupervised Change Detection Methods Applied to Landslide Mapping: Case Study in São Sebastião, Brazil

ABSTRACTLandslides represent a growing global geological hazard, further intensified by climate‐induced changes. Remote sensing data, through its capacity for repetitive collection and change detection techniques, that compare and quantify the spatio‐temporal alterations over time, plays a critical role in landslide detection. Considering the February 2023 São Sebastião event and Sentinel‐2 imagery, we assessed diverse unsupervised change detection techniques, encompassing both traditional and recent machine learning‐based approaches. Notably, the Floating References (FR) and Homogeneous Blocks Single‐class Classification (HBSC) methods outperform classic approaches and deliver the most accurate results with F1‐Score and kappa coefficient exceeding 0.96 and 0.92, respectively. These outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning in automating landslide delineation and underscore the necessity of meticulous data and parameter selection in achieving high‐accuracy automatic landslide mapping. Lastly, this study fills a significant gap in the existing literature by evaluating unsupervised change detection methods for landslide mapping within the Brazilian context.

Nursing procedures for assisting victims of violence in emergency units

The objective of this study was to carry out the cross-cultural adaptation of the Questionnaire on Preservation of Traces in Victim Assistance by Nurses to the Brazilian reality. The method used was composed by the steps: (1) semantic equivalence; (2) idiomatic equivalence; (3) empirical equivalence; (4) conceptual equivalence; and (5) pre-test. Based on the experts' analysis and recommendations, adjustments were made regarding semantic and empirical equivalence; during the assessment of idiomatic and conceptual equivalence, no changes were made. The pre-test was performed with 24 nurses and the value of Cronbach's alpha coefficient was α = 0.973. The instrument's feasibility assessment showed that most participants found it easy to understand the questionnaire's instructions and questions and mark the answers, which demonstrates its validity with the sample in the pre-test. The performance of the forensic nurse is essential in emergency services. The adapted instrument is valid for use in the Brazilian context.

Virtual reality hindrances in industrial training program: a Grey-DEMATEL analysis

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the relationship between users’ perceived barriers to using virtual and augmented reality technology from stakeholders, identifying perspectives and gaps regarding technology acceptance.Design/methodology/approachThe Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method is useful for quantitatively evaluating the causal relationship between factors. Combining this method with the grey approach ensures greater accuracy even with limited information. A Scoping Review was conducted to identify the barriers, and data were extracted from a questionnaire administered to experts in the field.FindingsSeven diverse barriers were identified by users, and cause-and-effect relationships were estimated. The results indicate three primary causal barriers and three highly dependent barriers. One of the identified barriers is not relevant in this model.Originality/valueVirtual and augmented reality technologies have been gaining popularity since 2018, allowing users to interact with a virtual environment. These technologies are primarily used in training and education areas. However, due to the innovative nature of the topic, there are a small number of studies on technology acceptance, especially in the Brazilian context. Therefore, this paper contributes to the literature and assists in applying technologies in industries.

Different perspectives on the reception and appropriation of Piagetian ideas in the Brazilian context

The recently released book The transnational legacy of Jean Piaget: a view from the 21st century, published by Springer Nature, aims to internationally disseminate the studies carried out by the Helena Antipoff Documentation and Research Center (CDPHA) at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Organized and edited by Regina Helena de Freitas Campos and Erika Lourenço (UFMG), in partnership with Marc J. Ratcliff (Université de Genève), the book has 19 chapters that explore various aspects of Piaget's influence. Among the topics covered, the following stand out: the clinical method for monitoring and intervening in the demands of children and adolescents; the historical-critical method for analyzing the interaction between internal and external factors in the History of Science; the right to education as a basis for intellectual and moral development; the promotion of peace; and multiculturalism as a tool for facilitating communication between different perspectives.

Emerging Contaminants Related to Brazilian Aquaculture

ABSTRACTResearch efforts around the world have focused on identifying the occurrence of emerging contaminants in aquaculture areas. In the Brazilian context, studies have aimed to identify emerging contaminants in water used for this activity. This systematic review covered studies published without a specific time frame with the following criteria: research conducted in aquaculture areas or with species and cultured water in Brazil and analysis of emerging contaminants. Out of the 42 studies identified, 132 emerging contaminants were observed. The Southeast and South regions accounted for most of these studies, with limited research conducted in the North and Northeast regions. Tilapia was the most studied species, followed by mollusks. In toxicity tests, animals showed several effects, such as decreased oxygen consumption and swimming patterns, histopathological changes, inhibition of sperm production, cardiac edema, spinal deformity, and antimicrobial resistance. In conclusion, advancements in research on emerging contaminants in Brazilian aquaculture are needed as the number of existing studies is lower compared to global numbers. Few studies have focused on analyzing cultivation sites to identify the contaminants present and their sources. Also noteworthy is the scarcity of work in the Northern region of Brazil and on native species. Characterizing these environments in terms of the types of contaminants and main sources of contamination is essential to finding ways to mitigate ecological and human health risks, as well as developing specific legislation for these contaminants because they are currently not part of routine monitoring programs and are therefore not regulated, especially in aquaculture environments.

Courage Measure (CM) – Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties for Brazilian Adolescents

Abstract: The objective of the study was to adapt the Courage Scale and estimate validity evidence based on content and internal structure. The study included 510 young people, between 14 and 19 years old. The results of the content validity coefficient suggested the adequacy of the content. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test three factor models, namely one-factor, two-factor, and the random intercept model. The results indicated that it is possible to measure courage through a factor, when the acquiescent response style is controlled, corroborating the theoretical perspective, given that the random intercept model adjusted well to the sample data. In other words, the findings indicate that the scale is capable of measuring courage in the Brazilian context and that acquiescence control is an important method in evaluating the construct.

Pediatrics ACES and related life event screener (PEARLS): translation, transcultural adaptation, and validation to Brazilian Portuguese

ObjectiveAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been associated with negative health outcomes. Screening for ACEs is crucial for improving health results, however, there is a shortage of standardized tools designed for children in Brazilian Portuguese. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Pediatrics ACES and Related Life Event Screener (PEARLS) for use in Brazil. MethodThe study followed a methodological design for cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation. The PEARLS was translated and culturally adapted following a methodology that includes translation, synthesis, expert committee evaluation, target audience evaluation, and back-translation. After adaptation, a pilot cross-sectional study was conducted at a Multidisciplinary Health Care Clinical Center and a General Hospital-Reference Center for Child and Adolescent Care to assess the instrument's internal consistency, convergent validity, content validity and test-retest reliability. ResultsThe PEARLS-Br versions for Children, Teens, and Teen Self-Report were developed and subjected to pilot testing with 202 subjects. Participants demonstrated excellent comprehension, with Verbal Rating Scale median scores of 4 (IQR 4–5). Internal consistency was high, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.78 to 0.81. Content validity, assessed by Kappa, indicated slight to almost perfect agreement across constructs. Test-retest reliability, assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient, ranged from 0.89 to 0.94. ConclusionsPEARLS-BR (Child, teen, and teen self-report versions) were successfully translated, culturally adapted, and validated for assessing ACEs in Brazilian children and adolescents. This tool fills a crucial gap in ACE assessment in the Brazilian context, aligning with global recommendations for screening ACEs to improve overall health outcomes.

Exploring Podcast And Videocast Consumption: A Construct Development And Validation Study Using TPB

Digital content consumption, particularly through podcasts and videocasts, is rapidly reshaping media engagement patterns globally. While existing research has explored general online behavior, there remains a gap in understanding the psychological drivers specific to digital audio and video content consumption, especially in emerging markets. This study aims developed and validated a Digital Content Consumption (DCC) scale within the Brazilian context, integrating it with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to enhance our understanding of consumption behavior. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Brazilian consumers during thew month May of 2023. Participants were recruited through a convenience sample of adult internet users who had consumed podcasts or videocasts within the past month. The primary exposure was the consumption of digital audio and video content. The study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the data and validate the DCC scale. The final sample comprised 223 participants, with a mean age of 32 years and an even gender distribution. The SEM analysis demonstrated a strong model fit for the DCB scale within the TPB framework. Attitudes emerged as a significant predictor of both intention and behavior in digital content consumption. Utilitarianism was found to mediate the relationship between attitudes and consumption. The DCCB scale showed high internal consistency and construct validity across different demographic subgroups. The development and validation of the DCC scale provide a robust tool for measuring digital content consumption behavior. This study extends the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to the specific domain of podcast and videocast consumption, offering valuable insights for content creators and marketers. Future research should explore the scale's applicability in diverse cultural contexts and its potential for predicting long-term engagement patterns with longitudinal studies

Corporate social responsibility as a moderator of loyalty antecedents in the Brazilian banking context

PurposeThis study aims to analyze how corporate social responsibility (CSR) moderates the direct effects of satisfaction, service quality and trust on consumer bank loyalty.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with 258 consumers who had held a bank account for at least six months to test the proposed model and achieve the research objectives. It was hypothesized that satisfaction, service quality and trust would positively influence bank loyalty. Additionally, it was expected that CSR would positively moderate the relationships between these constructs and bank loyalty.FindingsThe study confirmed the positive relationships among the direct effects of satisfaction, service quality and trust on bank loyalty. However, unexpected results were found in the moderation analysis. The moderating effects of CSR on the relationships between service quality and trust in customer loyalty contradicted expectations. These results suggest that banks should cautiously approach CSR activities, especially in Brazil. Consumers' perceptions are influenced by whether they perceive CSR initiatives as altruistic. Conversely, banks risk losing credibility if consumers perceive CSR as self-serving rather than beneficial to the public. The study underscores the importance of aligning CSR practices with genuine public benefit to enhance consumer trust and loyalty, urging companies to rethink their approach to CSR implementation.Originality/valueThis investigation benefits researchers, customers and banking executives. The findings may assist banks in (re)building their CSR reputation. This research evaluates banks in a developing economy and can serve as a precursor to future research, helping to develop CSR guidelines for banks.

COVID-19 inpatient care performance in the unified health system, São Paulo state, Brazil: an application of standardized mortality ratio for hospitals’ comparisons

ObjectiveTo evaluate the variation in COVID-19 inpatient care mortality among hospitals reimbursed by the Unified Health System (SUS) in the first two years of the pandemic in São Paulo state and make performance comparisons within periods and over time.MethodsObservational study based on secondary data from the Hospital Information System. The study universe consisted of 289,005 adult hospitalizations whose primary diagnosis was COVID-19 in five periods from 2020 to 2022. A multilevel regression model was applied, and the death predictive variables were sex, age, Charlson Index, obesity, type of admission, Brazilian Deprivation Index (BrazDep), the month of admission, and hospital size. Then, the total observed deaths and total deaths predicted by the model’s fixed effect component were aggregated by each hospital, estimating the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) in each period. Funnel plots with limits of two standard deviations were employed to classify hospitals by performance (higher-than-expected, as expected, and lower-than-expected) and determine whether there was a change in category over the periods.ResultsA positive association was observed between hospital mortality and size (number of beds). There was greater variation in the percentage of hospitals with as-expected performance (39.5 to 76.1%) and those with lower-than-expected performance (6.6 to 32.3%). The hospitals with higher-than-expected performance remained at around 30% of the total, except in the fifth period. In the first period, 64 hospitals (18.3%) had lower-than-expected performance, with standardized mortality ratios ranging from 1.2 to 4.4, while in the last period, only 23 (6.6%) hospitals were similarly classified, with ratios ranging from 1.3 to 2.8. A trend of homogenization and adjustment to expected performance was observed over time.ConclusionDespite the study’s limitations, the results suggest an improvement in the COVID-19 inpatient care performance of hospitals reimbursed by the SUS in São Paulo over the period studied, measured by the standardized mortality ratio for hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Moreover, the methodological approach adapted to the Brazilian context provides an applicable tool to follow-up hospital’s performance in caring all or specific-cause hospitalizations, in regular or exceptional emergency situations.