Brazilian Program Research Articles

Evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test for measles IgM detection; accuracy and the reliability of visual reading using sera from the measles surveillance programme in Brazil, 2015.

Laboratory-based case confirmation is an integral part of measles surveillance programmes; however, logistical constraints can delay response. Use of RDTs during initial patient contact could enhance surveillance by real-time case confirmation and accelerating public health response. Here, we evaluate performance of a novel measles IgM RDT and assess accuracy of visual interpretation using a representative collection of 125 sera from the Brazilian measles surveillance programme. RDT results were interpreted visually by a panel of six independent observers, the consensus of three observers and by relative reflectance measurements using an ESEQuant Reader. Compared to the Siemens anti-measles IgM EIA, sensitivity and specificity of the RDT were 94.9% (74/78, 87.4-98.6%) and 95.7% (45/47, 85.5-99.5%) for consensus visual results, and 93.6% (73/78, 85.7-97.9%) and 95.7% (45/47, 85.5-99.5%), for ESEQuant measurement, respectively. Observer agreement, determined by comparison between individuals and visual consensus results, and between individuals and ESEQuant measurements, achieved average kappa scores of 0.97 and 0.93 respectively. The RDT has the sensitivity and specificity required of a field-based test for measles diagnosis, and high kappa scores indicate this can be accomplished accurately by visual interpretation alone. Detailed studies are needed to establish its role within the global measles control programme.

Selecting tropical wheat genotypes through combining ability analysis.

The selection of parents to originate promising base populations, as well as the knowledge of the gene effects controlling agronomic traits by means of diallel, are useful to drive genetic gains in Brazilian tropical wheat breeding programs. The goals of this study were to select tropical wheat parents with a high frequency of favorable alleles and segregating populations with high potential to originate superior progenies through partial diallel analysis. Thus, 14 parents were divided in two groups and crossed in a 7 × 7 partial diallel scheme to originate 49 F1 combinations. After obtaining F2 generation, the populations and the parents were evaluated in the field in the summer of 2021. Days for heading, plant height, rust and yellow spot resistance, and grain yield were evaluated. The data were subjected to partial diallel analysis. There were significant effects of general combining ability for all traits. The specific combining ability effect was significant for days for heading and plant height. The additive gene effects were predominant over the non-additive ones. The parents with the highest frequency of favorable alleles for the traits evaluated were selected in each group. Four populations with high genetic potential to originate superior progenies were selected.

Análise de lacunas e perspectivas sobre programas de doação de corpos: relato de experiência no Brasil

Abstract: Introduction: International recommendations reinforce the practice of voluntary donation for providing bodies for the training of health professionals, replacing the system of unclaimed bodies in medical courses (MC). Experience report: This work gathered information on Brazilian body donation programs (BDP), analyzed gaps and difficulties to the effectiveness of body donation, and proposed strategies to expand the information offered on the registration of participants in BDP and the effectiveness of the donation. Discussion: In Brazil, there are 39 BDP - six in the Northeast, four in the Midwest, one in the North, 11 in the South, and 17 in the Southeast - and two committees for body donation. Documents may be easily available through registration during life as a participant in the BDP, but it does not guarantee donation. In general, Brazilian’s institutions receive the donated body along with the documentation. When the death occurs in the same city of the institution, it is possible to have the transfer of the body provided by partnerships with funeral services and the city hall. There is no fee to be paid or received either for registration during life or for donation after death. Conclusion: Although the legislation has regulated the donation of body in life since 2002, it is necessary to implement campaigns to inform about the donation, in addition to mechanisms that can promote speed in the deadlines for obtaining documentation for the purpose of donating body for scientific purposes, the exemption of notary fees and the possibility of transporting the body donated with no fees by funeral home of municipal governments. The MC support through the registration of the PDC as an extension activity collaborates to ensure ethical aspects related to the participation of donors in the living program, with regard to the treatment with respect and dignity of donors and their families.

Distance Learning and Leadership in Brazilian Physiotherapy Education Program during COVID-19 Pandemic

The time is to identify opportunities from this online educational transformation in physiotherapy programs that can be continued in the post-COVID-19 era

Genomic Characterization of the Historical Smallpox Vaccine Strain Wyeth Isolated from a 1971 Seed Vial.

The Wyeth strain of vaccinia virus (VACV) produced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals was supposedly used to manufacture the old freeze-dried American smallpox vaccine, Dryvax, until its discontinuation in 2008. Although the genomic sequences of numerous Dryvax clones have been reported, data on VACV-Wyeth genomes are still lacking. Genomic analysis of old VACV strains is relevant to understand the evolutionary relationships of smallpox vaccines, particularly with the recent resumption of smallpox vaccination in certain population groups as an attempt to control the worldwide monkeypox outbreak. Here we analyzed the complete genome sequences of three VACV-Wyeth clonal isolates obtained from a single seed vial donated to the Brazilian eradication program in the 1970s. Wyeth clones show >99.3% similarity to each other and >95.3% similarity with Dryvax clones, mapping together in clade I of the vaccinia group. Although the patterns of SNPs and INDELs comparing Dryvax and Wyeth clones are overall uniform, important differences were detected particularly at the ends of the genome. In addition, we detected recombinant events of clone Wyeth A111 and the Dryvax clone Acam2000, suggesting that other regions of the genomes may have similar patchy patterns of recombination. A small-scale serological survey using VACV-Wyeth as antigen in ELISA assays revealed that 63 of the 65 individuals born before the end of smallpox vaccination in Brazil still have anti-VACV IgG antibodies, demonstrating the usefulness of the VACV-Wyeth strain in future extended serological studies of the Brazilian population.

Evaluation of the schistosomiasis control program (PCE) in an endemic area, northeastern Brazil: a population-based and 10-year time series study

Schistosomiasis is an endemic disease in Brazil and the State with the highest positive rate in the country is Sergipe. Herein, we assessed data from the Brazilian Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) in the State of Sergipe between the period 2008 and 2017. We evaluated data about schistosomiasis and snails of the genus Biomphalaria. We used the log-linear regression model (joinpoint) to assess temporal trends and the Kernel estimator for spatial statistics analysis. According to the PCE, Sergipe has 51 endemic municipalities for schistosomiasis. Nevertheless, information about the disease and that collected by the PCE has not been recorded regularly in all endemic municipalities. Additionally, only nine municipalities (17.6%) carried out the malacological survey. The average of positive rate from schistosomiasis in Sergipe was 8.4%. However, our data suggest that it may be underestimated. The spatial analysis maps (Kernel maps) showed areas of high transmission of the disease in municipalities close to the São Francisco River and in the metropolitan region of the State. Altogether, our findings suggest that schistosomiasis has been underreported and it is still a serious public health concern in Sergipe. In addition, there are significant failures in the conduction of PCE’s activities by the municipalities.
 KEY WORDS: Schistosomiasis; Epidemiological monitoring; Spatial analysis; Brazil.

Population-Based Analysis of the Immunoglobulin G Response to Different COVID-19 Vaccines in Brazil.

(1) Background: COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil has been performed mostly with CoronaVac (Sinovac), ChAdOx1-S (AstraZeneca-University of Oxford) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines. The titers of IgG antibodies reactive to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein correlate with vaccine efficacy. Studies comparing vaccine immunogenicity in a real-world scenario are lacking. (2) Methods: We performed a population-based study to analyze the immunoglobulin G response to different COVID-19 vaccines. Citizens older than 18 years (n = 2376) provided personal data, a self-declaration of any previous COVID-19 positive tests and information regarding COVID-19 vaccination: the vaccine popular name and the date of each dose. Blood samples were collected and the levels of IgG reactive to SARS-CoV-2 antigens were determined and compared between different vaccine groups. (3) Results: The seroconversion for anti-spike IgG achieved > 95% by February 2022 and maintained stable until June 2022. Higher anti-spike IgG titers were detected in individuals vaccinated with BNT162b2, followed by ChAdOx1-S and CoronaVac. The anti-spike IgG response was negatively correlated with age and interval after the second dose for the BNT162b2 vaccine. Natural infections boosted anti-spike IgG in those individuals who completed primary vaccination with ChAdOx1-S and CoronaVac, but not with BNT162b2. The levels of anti-spike IgG increased with the number of vaccine doses administered. The application of BNT162b2 as a 3rd booster dose resulted in high anti-spike IgG antibody titers, despite the type of vaccine used during primary vaccination. (4) Conclusions: Our data confirmed the effectiveness of the Brazilian vaccination program. Of the vaccines used in Brazil, BNT162b2 performed better to elicit anti-spike protein IgG after primary vaccination and as a booster dose and thus should be recommended as a booster whenever available. A continuous COVID-19 vaccination program will be required to sustain anti-spike IgG antibodies in the population.

Readiness of Brazilian Industrial Engineering postgraduate programs for Industry 4.0: A knowledge dimensions assessment

AbstractThis study examines how Industrial Engineering postgraduate programs intend to develop the competencies required for Industry 4.0 in their students. An exploratory and descriptive approach was adopted. Multiple sources of evidence were collected in four of Brazil's best‐ranked and most traditional Industrial Engineering postgraduate programs, involving experienced academics and directors of these programs. Four knowledge dimensions were used to frame our study: factual, conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive. Results indicate that Industrial Engineering postgraduate courses tend to emphasize technical competencies, such as problem and conflict‐solving, decision‐making, and analytical and research skills, rather than competencies related to interpersonal relationships, such as creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, adaptability, and flexibility. We also found that the development of Industry 4.0 competencies in the examined Industrial Engineering postgraduate programs mostly relies on activities related to procedural knowledge. Our study provides Industrial Engineering instructors and academics arguments to revisit their curricula and better prepare postgraduate students for the challenges imposed by Industry 4.0.

2183. Population-based Mortality Rate Trends of Potential Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Brazil from 2006-2019

Abstract Background Pneumococcal Disease is an important public health problem. In 2010, childhood pneumococcal vaccination with the 10-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-10) was introduced in the Brazilian national immunization program. No public universal program is currently available for older adults; selected populations at risk are eligible to receive pneumococcal vaccine in few public centers across the country. The objective of this study was to assess trends in mortality rate (MR) due to potential pneumococcal pneumonia (PPP) from 2006-2019 in Brazil. Methods Death data were obtained from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and population data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). ICD-10 codes included J13-J18. Yearly MR were calculated per 100,000 people. The percentage of change was calculated using average rate in the pre-(2006-2009) and post-PCV10 (2011-2019) vaccine introduction periods. Joinpoint regression was performed to assess changes in rates per 100,000 people and annual percentage changes (APCs) for each line segment and 95% confidence interval were estimated. Results During 2006-2019, 887,304 deaths by PPP occurred in all-age groups. Most cases were reported as unspecific pneumonia (99.8%). Mean MRs decreased in children < 5 years in post-PCV10 period, in contrast to increasing rates in adults ≥ 50 years (Table 1 and Figure 1). Among children less than 18 years, significant decreasing trends in MR by 5.5%, 2.9%, and 1.6% per year were observed in < 1year, 1-4 years, and 5-17 years, respectively, between 2006-2019 (Table 2). Although significantly decreasing trends were observed in 60-64 years and ≥65 years age groups during 2015-2019, the average APC increased by 1.0% (95%CI;0.3%;1.8%) and 1.4% (95%CI;0.5%;2.2%) in the post-PCV-10, respectively (Table 2). Table 1.Mean mortality rates by age groups for potential pneumococcal pneumonia in the pre-vaccination period (2006-2009) and post-vaccination period (2011-2019) , BrazilFigure 1.Mortality rate of pneumonia by age group in parallel with infant vaccination coverage, 2006-2019Table 2.Jointpoint analysis for mortality rate trends of potential pneumococcal pneumonia by age groups, Brazil, 2006-2019 Conclusion In post-PCV10 period, mortality rate of PPP declined mostly for infants. For older adults, the mortality trends have been consistently higher compared to < 18 age groups, being unable to demonstrate indirect effects of childhood vaccination. These findings inform decision makers about needs related to pneumococcal disease prevention and interventions among older adults. Disclosures Cintia I. Parellada, MD, PhD, MSD Brazil: Employee of MSD Brazil, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.,|MSD Brazil: Stocks/Bonds Ana Luiza Bierrenbach, MD, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc.: Advisor/Consultant Carolina Zampirolli, Msc, Merck & Co., Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co., Inc.: Employee of IQVIA who received funding to execute this study Ariane Abreu, Msc, Merck & Co., Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co., Inc.: Employee of IQVIA who received funding to execute this study Guilherme Julian, Msc, Merck & Co., Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co., Inc.: Employee of IQVIA who received funding to execute this study Thais Moreira, MD, MSc, MSD Brazil: Employee of MSD Brazil, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.,|MSD Brazil: Stocks/Bonds Licieri Figueiredo, MD, Merck & Co., Inc.: Employee of MSD Brazil, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.,.

A lumped mathematical model for ablation in polymeric composites

ABSTRACT Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) are used to protect a rocket payload until it arrives intact at its destination. Reliable tools for their design must be defined. The degradation process generated by aerodynamic heating in polymeric ablators can be calculated using lumped models at low computational cost. This work presents a simplified but valid model for the ablation of polymeric composites using lumped source terms to simulate physical phenomena that occur during ablation. Reference works were considered for comparison. The model was compared to experimental results of ablative materials used by the Brazilian Space Program. Mass loss rate curves were generated and presented good agreement to the results. Evolution of ablation and pyrolysis was also evaluated through the model’s results.

The COVID-19 Infodemic on Twitter: A Space and Time Topic Analysis of the Brazilian Immunization Program and Public Trust.

The context of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the infodemic phenomenon and the problem of misinformation. Agencies involved in managing COVID-19 immunization programs are also looking for ways to combat this problem, demanding analytical tools specialized in identifying patterns of misinformation and understanding how they have evolved in time and space to demonstrate their effects on public trust. The aim of this article is to present the results of a study applying topic analysis in space and time with respect to public opinion on the Brazilian COVID-19 immunization program. The analytical process involves applying topic discovery to tweets with geoinformation extracted from the COVID-19 vaccination theme. After extracting the topics, they were submitted to manual annotation, whereby the polarity labels pro, anti, and neutral were applied based on the support and trust in the COVID-19 vaccination. A space and time analysis was carried out using the topic and polarity distributions, making it possible to understand moments during which the most significant quantities of posts occurred and the cities that generated the most tweets. The analytical process describes a framework capable of meeting the needs of agencies for tools, providing indications of how misinformation has evolved and where its dissemination focuses, in addition to defining the granularity of this information according to what managers define as adequate. The following research outcomes can be highlighted. (1) We identified a specific date containing a peak that stands out among the other dates, indicating an event that mobilized public opinion about COVID-19 vaccination. (2) We extracted 23 topics, enabling the manual polarity annotation of each topic and an understanding of which polarities were associated with tweets. (3) Based on the association between polarities, topics, and tweets, it was possible to identify the Brazilian cities that produced the majority of tweets for each polarity and the amount distribution of tweets relative to cities populations.

Competences in parallax in higher education from multiple standpoints in a Brazilian undergraduate program in International Business

This article, a summary of a broader doctoral research study by the author, has different research participants, namely: graduates, their employers, professors, the College Dean and the Program Chair. The goal is to identify how these subjects comprehend the teaching and learning processes of professional competences, in the context of a Brazilian higher education program in International Business. For the theoretical reference, we discuss the concept of competence with different theoretical foundations. We present educational tools that promote teaching and learning competences, in addition to addressing competences for the 21st century. Using Textual Discourse Analysis, we deconstruct and categorize the transcribed discussions by the participants. We arrive at units of meaning, which are related to cognition, behavior, management, pedagogy, and technology, among others. Graduates understand competences are developed through work experience. Professors incorporate life and professional problems into their pedagogical practice, in line with the Dean and Program Chair, who claim the use of market values to structure the program curriculum. As for the employers, they conceive of college as background for the development of professional competences, which in their opinion, occurs via work experience. The process of analyzing and connecting the units of meaning led to the development of two emerging categories: culture and technology. They are in constant action and reaction, moving the dimensions necessary for competent action, under the aegis of the technological paradigm.
 Received: 25 August 2021Accepted: 9 August 2022

Brazil’s Bolsa Família: Neighborhood and Racial Group Networks

Are families that live in the same neighborhood and share similar characteristics more likely to participate in welfare programs? Using a unique administrative data set, we study beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família – a Brazilian cash transfer program – from 2013 to 2015. We analyze data containing information on the living conditions of the most vulnerable families, such as income, household characteristics, schooling, and disability. An eight-digit zip code defines a neighborhood. Families form a network if they live in the same neighborhood and belong to the same racial group. We provide evidence that place of residence and racial group networks are important determinants of the family participation in the program. Individuals in a neighborhood-racial group network are more likely to to participate in the Bolsa Família than not to participate. In areas where program coverage is low, families of the same racial composition and zip code are more likely to be beneficiaries. For a given neighborhood-racial group network, the presence of one additional beneficiary implies that the probability that a non-beneficiary family will become a beneficiary is, on average, 6.5% higher than otherwise. We conduct several robustness checks, e.g., controlling for network density and coverage.

Impacts of urban sprawl in the Administrative Region of Ribeirão Preto (Brazil) and measures to restore improved landscapes

The present study addressed the problem of urban expansion in a large metropolis of Brazil (ARRP – Administrative Region of Ribeirão Preto), relating the evolution of urbanization in the past 35 years with losses of agricultural area and respective equivalent production and economic effects. Besides these food security and agribusiness issues, the study tracked important environmental consequences of the observed growing urbanization. This included water insecurity related with the occupation of watercourse networks, destruction of riparian vegetation that is legally protected as Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs), and the occupation of Guarani Aquifer recharge areas with impermeable surfaces. The database consisted of Landsat images interpreted and processed in a Geographic Information System (GIS). The results indicate losses of rural area exceeding 350 km2 in the studied timeframe, with equivalent production and economic losses around 1.1 Mton/year and 230 MR$/year, on average. It is worth to mention the 40–75% overlap between the impermeable surfaces of some ARRP municipalities (e.g., Cajuru, Altinópolis) and recharge areas of Guarani Aquifer. The impermeable surfaces within the ARRP also affected approximately 7000 headwaters that were potential hotspots of shallow aquifer recharge. The urban sprawl destroyed more than 9100 km of natural watercourses and nearly 630 km2 of PPAs. The pathways recognized to improve the ARRP landscape included implementation of urban agriculture and landscape planning measures capable to protect the recharge to and the quality of Guarani Aquifer water, mostly anchored in the Municipal Director Plans, the prominent land use policy tools in the ARRP. This integrated, long-term, spatially explicit and quantitative assessment of urban sprawl impacts assembled with indications of landscape restoration policies and measures is novel in Brazil. On the other hand, studying the ARRP is worthwhile because of its historical relationship with the Brazilian ethanol program that brought an accelerated development to the region following the World oil crisis of 1970 s until now.

Long-term monitoring projects of Brazilian marine and coastal ecosystems.

Biodiversity assessment is a mandatory task for sustainable and adaptive management for the next decade, and long-term ecological monitoring programs are a cornerstone for understanding changes in ecosystems. The Brazilian Long-Term Ecological Research Program (PELD) is an integrated effort model supported by public funds that finance ecological studies at 34 locations. By interviewing and compiling data from project coordinators, we assessed monitoring efforts, targeting biological groups and scientific production from nine PELD projects encompassing coastal lagoons to mesophotic reefs and oceanic islands. Reef environments and fish groups were the most often studied within the long-term projects. PELD projects covered priority areas for conservation but missed sensitive areas close to large cities, as well as underrepresenting ecosystems on the North and Northeast Brazilian coast. Long-term monitoring projects in marine and coastal environments in Brazil are recent (<5 years), not yet integrated as a network, but scientifically productive with considerable relevance for academic and human resources training. Scientific production increased exponentially with project age, despite interruption and shortage of funding during their history. From our diagnosis, we recommend some actions to fill in observed gaps, such as: enhancing projects' collaboration and integration; focusing on priority regions for new projects; broadening the scope of monitored variables; and, maintenance of funding for existing projects.

Implementation fidelity of a Brazilian drug use prevention program and its effect among adolescents: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundBased on the US DARE-kiR, a version of the Keepin’ it REAL program, the Drug and Violence Resistance Educational Program (PROERD) is the most widely implemented Brazilian prevention program. It originates from the translation of the DARE-kiR, a version of the Keepin’ it REAL program. Previous results suggest its inefficiency in preventing drug use among Brazilian adolescents. Since kiR fidelity can impact program outcomes, this mixed-methods study evaluates the PROERD implementation fidelity and its effects on preventing drug use among adolescents.MethodsData from two cluster randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) with 4,030 students from 30 public schools in São Paulo (1,727 fifth graders and 2,303 seventh graders), assessed at two-time points, were analyzed quantitatively. After implementing each lesson during the cRCT, 19 PROERD instructors answered fidelity forms. The effect of PROERD fidelity on alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, inhalant, and cocaine use (the last two only among seventh graders) in the six months prior to follow-up assessment was analyzed by logistic regressions for fifth grade and mixed effect models for seventh graders. For qualitative analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with PROERD instructors and investigated by thematic analysis.ResultsQuantitative analysis showed that PROERD implementation fidelity had no impact on drug use among fifth and seventh graders. Conversely, the qualitative analysis revealed important aspects that may influence implementation fidelity and consequently program effectiveness, such as adaptations made by instructors, school infrastructure, among others, besides program application.ConclusionPROERD requires cultural adaptation to improve its implementation in Brazilian public schools.

Current status of cone-beam computed tomography teaching in Brazilian undergraduate endodontic programs - A web-based survey.

This study aimed to assess the current status of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) education in Brazilian undergraduate Endodontic programs. One hundred program directors were emailed. The questionnaire asked whether the CBCT topic was included in the program, the availability of a CBCT machine, and, the total length of the dental program. For the group that does not teach, seven questions discussed the reasons for not teaching and whether another subject included this topic. For the programs that included CBCT, seven questions discussed the number of hours included, and the impression of the program directors with the quality of the teaching. The chi-square test was used for the correlation between the availability of the CBCT machine and the length of the dental program with the inclusion of the topic. Thirty-five program directors replied to the questionnaire. Twenty-six (74.3%) reported that the topic of CBCT is not included in their programs. There was no impact of the availability of a CBCT machine on the inclusion of the topic (p>0.05). The increased length of the dental program decreased the inclusion of the topic (p<0.05). Fifty percent of the directors replied that lack of time is the reason for not including the topic. Among the programs that include CBCT, the majority (55.6%) deliver 3-5h of lectures. The practical activities range from 1 to 5h or more. The majority (77.8%) of the directors are satisfied with the content delivered and 44.4% understand that the students are competent in the interpretation of CBCT images. The majority of the Endodontic undergraduate programs in Brazil do not include CBCT in the program. The availability of a CBCT machine does not impact the inclusion of the topic, the increased duration of the dental program decreases the inclusion of the CBCT topic.

Apparent prevalence and risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in the state of Paraná, Brazil: an assessment after 18 years since the beginning of the Brazilian program

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) impacts considerably animal production and one health worldwide. To describe the prevalence, risk factors, and spatial pattern of the disease in the state of Paraná, Brazil, a cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to February 2019. The area was divided into seven regions. Within each region, farms were randomly selected, and a predetermined number of cows was selected and tested by a comparative cervical tuberculin test. 17,210 animals were tested across 1757 farms. Herd prevalence of bTB-infected herds in Paraná was 2.5% [1.87–3.00%]. It has varied from 0.8 to 3.98% among seven regions, with clustering being detected in the west, central, and northeast areas. Animal prevalence was 0.35% [0.21–0.59%] and has varied from 0.08 to 0.6% among the pre-set regions. No major shifts in the prevalence of bTB were detected since 2007. Large-sized herds, dairy production, and feeding with whey were detected to be correlated with the presence of bTB. Exclusively among dairy herds, veterinary assistance from cooperatives, possession of self-owned equipment to cool milk, and feeding with whey were correlated with the disease. Considering these results, it is recommended that the state of Paraná seek to implement a surveillance system for the detection of bTB-infected herds transforming them into free ones, if possible, incorporating elements of risk-based surveillance. Health education is also recommended to inform farmers about the risks of introducing animals without testing and of feeding raw whey to calves.

Anxiety, insomnia, and depression during COVID-19 lockdown in elite individual and team sport athletes

PurposePandemic-induced lockdowns disrupted sport training and competition. We aimed to identify the impact on the mental health of high-level athletes and clarify whether the effects differ for team-based and individual athletes.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey, stratified by sex and sport type, collected demographic data and mental health measurements from 274 Brazilian high-performance athletes (142 from team sports and 132 from individual sports) involved with the Brazilian Olympic Committee program for the Tokyo Olympics 2021. Depression, disturbed sleep, and anxiety were assessed by the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire, 7-Item Insomnia Severity Index, and 7-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale respectively. Responses were analyzed dichotomously according to published threshold values, characterizing the relative frequency distribution of prevalence (PCRS) or non-prevalence of clinically relevant symptoms (NPCRS).ResultsOut of all participants, 47 [17.1%], Z(274) = 15.38, p = .001, 32 [11.7%], Z(274) = 17.94, p = .001, and 49 [17.9%], Z(274) = 15.04, p = .001 had PCRS of anxiety, insomnia, and depression, respectively. There were no significant differences in the PCRS among genders. Compared with individual sport athletes, team sport athletes were more likely to report PCRS of insomnia (12 [37.5%] vs 20 [62.5%], Z(274) = −2.00, p = .046), and depression (18 [36.7%] vs 31 [63.3%], Z(274) = −2.63, p = .009) but not for anxiety.ConclusionAthletes reported high levels of mental health problems during the lockdown. Team sport athletes reported worse symptoms of insomnia and depression than individual sport athletes, possibly due to the impact of unaccustomed social isolation and lack of social team activity. Therefore, it becomes relevant to consider psychological support to team sport athletes who for some reason, such as a pandemic, enduring crisis even injury rehabilitation needs to be isolated.

Scientific Collaboration Network Views: A Brazilian Computer Science Graduate Programs Case

Scientific collaboration networks can present different views of researchers’ interactions. This work presents SCI-synergy, an online navigable artifact aiming to promote mechanisms and views of scientific collaboration networks. The artifact focuses on the researchers’ interaction in the co-authorship of publications considering intra- and interprogram relationships. SCI-synergy is developed upon the design science research paradigm using scientific publication data available on the large Digital Bibliography &amp; Library Project (DBLP) repository. Official data from the Sucupira repository of six Brazilian graduate program members including Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), State University of São Paulo (USP), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), University of Brasília (UnB), and University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS) is used. Data from these graduate programs illustrate the artifact usage regarding the scientific collaboration network of each program, how each researcher cooperates, and what relationship patterns exist in intra- and inter-programs views. We advocate that, even though it is necessary to consider data from each program’s history and current contextualization regarding politics, economics, and administration, the collaboration network views provided by SCI-synergy might help to understand collaboration network patterns.