Brazil Research Articles

Intellectual Property Rights in BRICS Countries: Legal Frameworks, Enforcement Challenges, and Economic Implications

This study explores the legal frameworks, enforcement challenges, and economic implications of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—using a normative juridical approach and qualitative analysis. The findings reveal significant disparities in the governance of IPR among these nations, with China and India leading in innovation and enforcement reforms, while Brazil, Russia, and South Africa face persistent challenges related to institutional capacity and judicial delays. Despite progress in aligning with international standards such as TRIPS, enforcement gaps and socio-economic priorities influence the effectiveness of IPR systems. The study also highlights the dual economic impact of IPR: fostering innovation and investment while raising concerns over access to essential goods. This research underscores the need for harmonized frameworks, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and a balanced approach to innovation and equity in BRICS countries.

The railway transport development in the new BRICS countries

With effect from January 1, 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have become new members of the BRICS. Today, BRICS is an association of 10 countries that account for about 42 % of the world’s total population (2.8 billion people) and 27 % of the global GDP.According to experts, a major focus is made on the association’s prospective economic potential and its expected share of the world’s economy. What seems interesting in the context of the continued economic growth is the research in the field of development of the transport industry in the BRICS countries.Earlier, the BRICS Transport journal (Issue No. 2 (4), 2023) presented an overview of the state and progress of high-speed railway transport in the five BRICS founding countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and the Republic of South Africa). In connection with the expansion of the transnational association, it is proposed that the research should be extended. The authors used both findings of scholarly works in the field of railway transport development, and BRICS summit reports and presentations available on Russian and foreign information platforms.The paper analyses the development of railway transport in the countries that have joined BRICS recently (Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia), in particular, the prospects of development of express and high-speed rail services.

The sustainable development goals, master plans and the school curriculum: an interdisciplinary scoping review

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, through the 2030 Agenda, seeks to address the various problems affecting the global population. For this, 17 goals and 162 subgoals were established, agreed by the member countries in 2015 at the COP 21 event in Paris. Therefore, the objective of this Scoping Review was to collect data produced in the world literature, which addressed themes linked to sustainability, education, curriculum, water and basic sanitation, in an integrated way, which dealt more specifically with goals 4 (Quality Education) and 6 (Water and Basic Sanitation) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It also aimed to find teaching networks in the most diverse countries, which used the curriculum, to bring the themes proposed by the UN into the classroom. To search for articles published in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, the period from June 2017 to June 2022 was taken into account. In addition, official guiding documents were also investigated. A total of 2,803 potential items were obtained. From this total, around 2,720 were eliminated for not meeting the guiding strings in this research, leaving 83 articles/documents. After further reading, 44 articles/documents met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was found on all continents and in the most diverse countries, with different priorities. The countries that are part of the OECD have worked on these issues intending to improve their indicators. The so-called emerging countries (Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa, and Turkey, among others), on the other hand, treat the same data to improve educational metrics and universalize the quality of water supply and sanitation. Finally, in the countries that fall into the peripheral group, the findings were based on a rights guarantee approach, i.e., still from the perspective of implementing and consolidating public policies, such as some Latin American countries, South/Southeast Asia, and the vast majority of sub-Saharan African countries.

Health care Systems as Determinants of Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma: Final Results from the Latin American MYLACRE Study.

Although systemic therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved considerably over the past two decades, state-of-the-art treatment is not uniformly available in Latin America. In some countries, disparities between the public and private sectors in clinical presentation, access to novel agents and transplantation are striking, with the public sector lagging. We conducted a multicenter, observational study (NCT03955900) of patients with MM in five Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Panama). We enrolled patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with MM between January 2016 and June 2021, using data collected between May 2019 and June 2022. We categorized institutions as "public" when primarily funded by federal or local government, and "private" when financed mostly or completely by other sources. We analyzed 1029 patients, 1021 of whom could be classified into public (N=339) and private (N=682) institutions. These two groups differed in many respects, with the latter having better baseline prognostic features (including eligibility to transplantation) and receiving combinations of immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors, as well as anti-CD38 antibodies, more frequently than patients from public institutions. Among 960 patients with complete data for this analysis, the median overall survival was 44.6 months in public institutions and 53.3 months in private institutions (hazard ratio=0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 1.04; P=0.109). Our results indicate diagnostic and therapeutic shortcomings in the management of MM in Latin America, with important gaps in patient profile, treatment patterns and long-term outcomes between public and private institutions.

Social connection and its prospective association with adolescent internalising and externalising symptoms: an exploratory cross-country study using retrospective harmonisation.

Social connection factors play a key role for young people's mental health. It is important to understand how their influence may vary across contexts. We investigated structural (e.g. household size), functional (e.g. social support) and quality (e.g. feeling close) social connection factors in relation to adolescent internalising and externalising symptoms, comparing two countries Brazil and the United Kingdom (UK). We pooled data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) and the Brazilian High Risk Cohort Study (BHRCS). We included 12 social connection variables, identified through retrospective harmonisation and lived experience expert involvement. We tested measurement invariance and conducted multiple regressions to analyse associations between the social connection factors (age 14) and later internalising and externalising difficulties (age 17.5) in both cohorts. We investigated country-level interactions and used weights to account for attrition, survey design, population representativeness and sample size. We found pooled main associations with later internalising symptoms for 'living with half-siblings' (p < .001), 'moving address' (p = .001), 'mother marital status' (p < .001-.003), 'bullying' (p = .001), 'being bullied' (p < .001) and 'difficulties keeping friends' (p < .001). For externalising, we found main associations with 'household size' (p = .041), 'moving address' (p = .041), 'mother's marital status' (p = .001-.013), 'bullying others' (p < .001) and 'being bullied' (p < .001). Country-level interactions suggested higher internalising symptoms were associated with 'household size' (p = .001) in Brazil and 'being bullied' (p < .001) in MCS. Additionally, 'half-siblings in household' (p = .003), 'poor mother-child relationship' (p = .018), 'single mother' (p = .035), 'bullying' (p < .001) and 'being bullied' (p < .001) were more strongly linked to externalising difficulties in MCS. Social connection factors, mostly structural, contributed to adolescent internalising and externalising difficulties in both countries. Factors relating to bullying and family composition seem to play a stronger role in each country. Cultural and socioeconomic factors might explain these differences. Future research should investigate cross-regional differences to meaningfully inform global mental health efforts.

Brainstorming; Brics Currencies Money Paradoxes: Gold Standardized Money System, Why it changed to a Sustainable Sovereign Debt Standardized Currency System - A Study of the History of the World Financial System.

The distribution of money was transformed into the concept of debt in various forms, including the use of money as an instrument of loans and gifts. The rules of money have completely changed and are heavily skewed towards the benefit of the rich and powerful. Has begun. The US dollar is no longer money, but a currency. The Britton Woods agreement, the gold-standard dollar is over... We Gave Our Word To You But We Don't Have To Keep It1 The dollar became Monopoly Money. After that, the biggest economic boom in history began. In 2009, when the economy ran aground, the central bankers of the world created trillions of dollars, yen, pesos, euros, and pounds by following the bankers' monopoly. This concept has changed to this day. Investors are panning nothingness into existence. To this day, Investors do not carry piles of money in suitcases, only the game of money in a space called financial institutions (banks and non-banks). The escalation of financial investment dragged the country into debt because the country's economic strength was supported by printing debt securities faster to make money, so the government needed more money than savings.2 BRICS is heading towards the elimination of fiat money, preventing member countries from falling into debt. Returning the existence of currency to its history, namely money as a medium of exchange, not a means of payment (fiat money). The essence of the idea of the birth of new money for BRICS members is a clever concept of distorting debt-based money. It is better to have a lot of receivables than to have a lot of debts. This study aims to understand the transition from the gold standard system to a sovereign debt-based system, specifically within the context of currency and economic influence of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Against the backdrop of a global economy shifting from precious metals to fiat and debt-based currencies, this research will examine the complexities and paradoxes behind this change and its impact on current economic stability and sustainability

Intimate Partner Violence in the Late COVID-19 Period: A Study of 10 Countries from the I-SHARE Consortium

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue and violation of human rights. During 2021–2022, many countries relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. This provided a unique opportunity to understand the prevalence and correlates of IPV during a period of relaxing COVID-19 restrictions. This cross-sectional study examined IPV during this period from the International Sexual HeAlth and REproductive Health (I-SHARE) study conducted from March to July 2022. Mixed-effects modeling was used to determine correlations of physical, sexual, and psychological violence as compared to before the COVID-19 restrictions. The population comprised individuals in 10 countries (Armenia, Brazil, Egypt, Denmark, Germany, Moldova, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore and Spain). Our sample included 4,464 participants from these countries. In the previous 3 months, a total of 150 (6.1%) and 114 (4.6%) participants experienced physical violence once or multiple times, respectively. A total of 129 (5.1%) and 174 (6.9%) of participants experienced any form of sexual violence once or multiple times, respectively; and 377 (13.7%) and 574 (20.9%) of participants experienced any form of psychological violence once or multiple times, respectively. In general, identifying as a sexual minority and having children at home were associated with higher odds of experiencing IPV. Age, economic situation, cohabitation status, and a country’s GDP per capita were associated with recent IPV or a worsening of IPV compared to before the COVID-19 restrictions, although results varied depending on the types of violence. Further work is needed to strengthen IPV support for several groups, especially in emergency situations or future pandemics.

Disparities among Different Countries in Access for Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Timely diagnosis and management of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is essential for best outcomes. This study evaluated the differences of health access among cochlear implant (CI) centers of countries with different health care systems. Retrospective. Multicenter, tertiary pediatric CI referral center in four different countries: United States (USA), France (FR), Australia (AUS), and Brazil (BR). Pediatric (age 0-21 years (0-16 years AUS)) patients receiving CI between January 2017 and December 2019. CI. Primary outcome measures included age at milestones in CI process and age at implantation. There were 1,673 patients who underwent CI surgery at four multinational designated institutions were identified (n = 143 AUS; 153 BRA; 1,158 FR; and 219 USA). Median age at time of hearing loss diagnosis ( p < 0.0001), median age at hearing aid (HA) fitting ( p < 0.0001), and CI evaluation ( p < 0.0001) differed between countries. However, age at CI surgery was not significantly different between countries. Time from diagnosis to HA fitting was impacted by country ( p < 0.0001) and language ( p = 0.01) but not by private compared with public insurance. There were 512 children with available data regarding onset of hearing loss as prelingual n = 358 (70%) and postlingual n = 154 (30%). In patients with prelingual severe to profound hearing loss, country and race/ethnic origin affected age at diagnosis ( p < 0.0001, p = 0.001), HA fitting ( p < 0.0001, p < 0.001), candidacy evaluation ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.02), and CI surgery ( p = 0.0027, p = 0.001). Age at pediatric CI was comparable across the CI centers compared in the four countries. This is encouraging given the effect of neuroplasticity on pediatric CI outcomes, despite different health care expenditures and delivery systems in the four countries. Improvement in care access for certain populations may decrease disparities in pediatric CI access worldwide.

Application of Natural Antioxidants from Fruits Waste for Improving Egg Quality Characteristics

Fruit waste poses a significant global challenge, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reporting that about 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, contributing to environmental and economic challenges. The major fruit-producing countries (United States, China, India, and Brazil) are responsible for a large portion of this waste. Fruit waste contains different bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids, which are, in large part, underutilized regardless of their antioxidant properties. These compounds can play an important function in poultry nutrition, offering natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Reintegrating fruit waste into poultry diets might have potent benefits on the nutritional quality and shelf life of eggs. Some studies reported that bioactive compounds from fruit waste improve the oxidative stability of eggs and the nutritional content, potentially extending shelf life during storage. Additionally, antioxidant compounds from fruit waste have been shown to improve yolk coloration and some egg quality parameters while reducing reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid oxidation. Their inclusion in poultry diets can lower feed costs, promote animal welfare, and reduce the environmental impact of fruit waste. This review highlights some key fruit wastes, such as citrus, apple, grape, rosehip, sea buckthorn, and banana, among others, which are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds beneficial for poultry nutrition. This strategy aligns with FAO sustainability goals, addressing both food waste and animal nutrition challenges. Future studies should focus on optimizing the inclusion rates of these natural antioxidants in poultry diets to maximize their benefits.

An Examination of Ethiopian Data on the Coffee Value Chain from a Systemic Perspective

Ethiopia&amp;apos;s principal export crop is coffee. Currently, one of the most profitable exports for nations in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, is coffee. Ethiopia is recognized as the source and major hub of Arabica coffee varietal. Global coffee production is insignificant, with over 70 nations and approximately 25 million growers producing coffee. Seventeen percent of coffee producers worldwide are from Ethiopia. Ethiopia, which produces 4.46 percent of the world&amp;apos;s coffee, is the world&amp;apos;s fifth-largest producer, behind only Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. the biggest and most prolific grower in Africa, making up around 43.15% of the continent. Ethiopian coffee varieties vary greatly in terms of genetic variety. The nation has also captured the attention of the world because of its inherent. More than 60% of the world&amp;apos;s coffee is produced by the top three countries—Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia together. Ethiopia is the eighth-largest supplier of coffee to the world market, accounting for 3–3.7 percent. Sixty countries import coffee from Ethiopia. The top 10 countries to import Ethiopian coffee, in terms of value, were Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Belgium, South Korea, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan. They make up 84% of the whole. Japan moved up from sixth place in 2020–2021 to fourth place in the world for coffee imports in 2021–2022.

Genetic Contributions to Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia in Admixed Latin American Populations.

Latin America's diverse genetic makeup, shaped by centuries of admixture, presents a unique opportunity to study Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Our aim is to identify genetic variations associated with AD and FTD within this population. The Multi-Partner Consortium to Expand Dementia Research in Latin America (ReDLat) recruited 2,162 participants with AD, FTD, and healthy controls from six Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru). All participants underwent array, exome, and/or whole-genome sequencing. Population structure was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and ADMIXTURE, projecting the ReDLat population onto the 1000 Genomes Project database. To identify genes associated with autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked forms of adult-onset dementia, we searched the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database and analyzed pedigree information. Variant interpretation followed guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, and the Guerreiro algorithm was applied for the PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes. Global ancestry analysis of the ReDLat cohort revealed a predominant mix of American, African, and European ancestries. Uniquely, Brazil displayed an additional East Asian component accurately reflecting the historical admixture patterns from this region. We identified 17 pathogenic variants, a pathogenic C9orf72 expansion, and 44 variants of uncertain significance. Among our cohort, 70 families exhibited autosomal dominant inheritance of neurodegenerative diseases, with 48 families affected by AD and 22 by FTD. In families with AD, We discovered a novel variant in the PSEN1 gene, c.519G>T (p.Leu173Phe), along with other previously described variants seen in the region, such as c.356C>T (p.Thr119Ile). In families with FTD, the most commonly associated gene was GRN, followed by MAPT. Notably, we identified a patient meeting criteria for FTD who carried a pathogenic variant in SOD1, c.388G>A (p.Phe21Leu), which had previously been reported in another FTD patient from the same geographical region. This study provides the first snapshot of genetic contributors to AD and FTD in a multisite cohort across Latin America. It will be critical to evaluate the generalizability of genetic risk factors for AD and FTD across diverse ancestral backgrounds, considering distinct social determinants of health and accounting for modifiable risk factors that may influence disease risk and resilience across different cultures.

Survival and Toxicity Outcomes with Radiotherapy Technique and Timing in the Management of Wilms Tumor: a Systematic Review to Inform a National Clinical Practice Guideline Development

Purpose: Wilms tumor (WT) management has evolved into a multimodality paradigm that includes radiotherapy (RT), usually as an adjuvant or consolidative modality. Protocols are refined to maximize cure and compliance while minimizing acute toxicity and long-term effects. RT technique and timing are two factors that could improve these outcomes. We reviewed the evidence on survival and toxicity outcomes among WT patients with conventional versus advanced RT techniques and early versus delayed RT to inform a Department of Health (DOH) commissioned guideline. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EuropePMC, EBSCOHost, HERDIN, systematic review and clinical trial registries and official websites of scientific societies for relevant publications and grey literature. Eligibility screening, risk-of-bias assessment and data extraction were performed using a single-reviewer approach. Given the study and data heterogeneity, only a qualitative synthesis was performed. Certainty of evidence assessment was done using the GRADE approach. Results: We screened 314 studies and included seven in the review, including a phase 1/2 trial and six retrospective studies, all from first-world countries (US, France, Netherlands), except one from a newly industrialized country (Brazil). The certainty of evidence on the survival and toxicity outcomes with advanced RT techniques was very low. Moderate-certainty evidence supports that giving RT &gt;14 days after surgery leads to increased mortality. Conclusion: Current evidence does not support the routine use of advanced RT techniques; proper contextualization is necessary. Tertiary centers managing WT should strive to administer RT within 14 days after surgery whenever possible. Keywords: Wilms tumor, nephroblastoma, radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, survival, toxicity

Global potential for natural regeneration in deforested tropical regions

Extensive forest restoration is a key strategy to meet nature-based sustainable development goals and provide multiple social and environmental benefits1. Yet achieving forest restoration at scale requires cost-effective methods2. Tree planting in degraded landscapes is a popular but costly forest restoration method that often results in less biodiverse forests when compared to natural regeneration techniques under similar conditions3. Here we assess the current spatial distribution of pantropical natural forest (from 2000 to 2016) and use this to present a model of the potential for natural regeneration across tropical forested countries and biomes at a spatial resolution of 30 m. We estimate that an area of 215 million hectares—an area greater than the entire country of Mexico—has potential for natural forest regeneration, representing an above-ground carbon sequestration potential of 23.4 Gt C (range, 21.1–25.7 Gt) over 30 years. Five countries (Brazil, Indonesia, China, Mexico and Colombia) account for 52% of this estimated potential, showcasing the need for targeting restoration initiatives that leverage natural regeneration potential. Our results facilitate broader equitable decision-making processes that capitalize on the widespread opportunity for natural regeneration to help achieve national and global environmental agendas.

Edible Insects: Consumption, Perceptions, Culture and Tradition Among Adult Citizens from 14 Countries.

Although edible insects (EIs) are encouraged as a sustainable source of protein, their consumption is not as generalised as other types of food that are internationally accepted. While in some regions of the world, EIs are part of the gastronomic and cultural traditions, in other regions, people are not so receptive to this type of food, and some people even express some disgust towards it. Hence, this research focused on the habits of the participants regarding the consumption of insects as well as their perceptions about EIs being or not a part of the local culture or gastronomic patrimony. A questionnaire survey was implemented in fourteen countries (Brazil, Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey), and globally, 7222 adult participants responded to the questionnaire. SPSS software (version 28) was used to process the data and carry out chi-square tests and Factor Analyses (FA). The obtained results showed significant differences between countries for all the questions included in the survey, either those regarding the habits of the participants or their opinions about the facts linked with EI tradition or cultural aspects. It was found that participants from Mexico consume EIs more than in all other countries and that strong motivations that would lead to consumption among those who do not consume include curiosity and food shortage. The solution obtained with FA considering the ten statements of the scale consisted of two factors: F1-Culture and Tradition of EIs (α = 0.675) and F2-Acceptance of EIs (α = 0.614). In conclusion, the consumption of EIs and the perceptions of people are highly variable according to geographic location and cultural environment.

Non-optimum temperatures led to labour productivity burden by causing premature deaths: A multi-country study

BackgroundNon-optimum temperatures are associated with a considerable mortality burden. However, there is a lack of evaluation of labour productivity losses related to premature deaths due to non-optimum temperatures. This study aimed to quantify the labour productivity burden associated with premature deaths related to non-optimum temperatures and explore the potential socio-economic vulnerabilities. MethodsDaily all-cause mortality data were collected from 1,066 locations in 7 countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, South Korea, and Thailand). Productivity-Adjusted Life-Year (PALY) loss due to each premature death was calculated to measure the labour productivity loss, by multiplying the years of working life lost by the proportion of the equivalent full-time (EFT) workers. A two-stage times series design and the generalized linear regression model with a quasi-Poisson family were applied to assess the association between non-optimum temperatures and the PALY loss due to premature deaths. ResultsWe observed a U-shaped relationship between temperature and PALY lost due to premature mortality. We estimated that 2.51% (95% eCI: 2.05%, 2.92%) of PALY losses could be attributed to non-optimal temperatures, with cold-related deaths contributing 1.26% (95% eCI: 0.94%, 1.54%) and heat-related deaths contributing 1.25% (95% eCI: 0.96%, 1.51%). Cold temperature contributed to the most PALYs lost in those aged 45–54 and 55–64, while heat-related losses predominated among the 15–44 age group. We also observed that the fractions of PALY lost attributed to extreme heat were positively associated with the relative deprivation index, while negatively associated with GDP per capita. ConclusionThis multi-country study highlights that non-optimum temperatures led to a considerable labour productivity loss and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities experience greater losses.

Sustainability Practices and the Corporate Cost of Equity in Emerging and Developed Markets

Sustainability practices have been attracting growing interest from firms and society in general. Their adoption generates the expectation of improving firms&amp;rsquo; financial performance. However, empirical studies did not reach a consensus on the effects of these practices. This study investigates whether adopting sustainable practices negatively impacts firms&amp;rsquo; cost of equity. In addition, it analyzes the moderating effect of the country&amp;rsquo;s development level on this relationship. We conducted a multilevel regression analysis using data from the Bloomberg, Capital IQ Pro, and World Bank databases covering the period from 2010 to 2022. The sample included 5,638 non-financial firms from developed countries (the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France) and emerging countries (China, Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Brazil), considering three levels: time, firm, and country. The results revealed a negative relationship between sustainable practices and firms&amp;rsquo; cost of equity. Furthermore, firms in developed countries that adopt sustainable practices tend to have a lower cost of equity than those in emerging countries. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate in academic literature and help to reduce investors&amp;rsquo; uncertainty when allocating capital to sustainable firms. Finally, the results support regulators in confirming the effectiveness of sustainability-oriented policies.

Reflection on the bicentennial of Brazil's independence in the period from 1822 until 2022

This article reflects on the international conference for the bicentenary of Brazil's independence, held in São Paulo, from the 6th to the 15th of February 2023, organized by the University of São Paulo and sponsored by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). It aimed to publicize the essence of the bicentenary of Brazil's independence, which was led by Emperor D. Pedro I, in 1822. Throughout the history of Brazil, there were two reigns, the first was that of D. Pedro the First, who succeeded his father in 1821, and the second was the reign of D. Pedro II, which began in 1840. The causes and actions that led to the abolition of slavery in Brazil. It was concluded that Brazil's independence was achieved on September 7, 1822, and was manifested by the scream on the banks of the Ipiranga river in São Paulo, by the characters who were involved together with D. Pedro I. Thus, Brazil ceased to be kingdom of Portugal. On November 15, 1889, the Federative Republic of Brazil was proclaimed, thus ending the monarchy regime.

Fact-Checkers on the Fringe: Investigating Methods and Practices Associated With Contested Areas of Fact-Checking

This study investigates the methods and practices used by self-identified fact-checkers situated on the fringe of the field of fact-checking to support their agenda for public recognition and legitimacy. Using a case study approach and selecting nine cases across five countries (Russia, Brazil, India, China, and Singapore), we identify the most common distinguishable attributes and tactics associated with this ambiguous collection of actors. In addition to identifying how fringe fact-checkers weaponize fact-checking practices and exploit or mimic the social standing of accredited fact-checkers, we critique examples where state-supported fact-checkers associated with authoritarian governance structures fact-check for national interests. We propose a spectrum of fact-checkers including those where public or general interest fact-checkers follow journalistic ideals and align with accredited communities of practice or non-accredited peer recognition, and a collection of fringe fact-checkers ranging from “special interest” actors promoting specific political agendas to hostile actors with disruptive, destructive, and openly propagandistic interests and aims to destabilize the global public sphere. The article contributes to current research and debates about the institutionalization of fact-checking and the understudied area of fact-checking impersonation, a problematic activity associated with misinformation and propaganda on platforms and the internet.

EFFICIENT MARKET HYPOTHESIS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: BRICS-T COUNTRIES

The impact of COVID-19 on financial markets has become a significant topic of research in the literature. Particularly, the declaration of the outbreak as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, altered investors' risk perceptions and led to major fluctuations in stock markets. In this study, the response of stock indices in BRICS-T countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Türkiye) to the pandemic declaration was analyzed using the Event Study method. The event window was set as -5 to +5 days, and the estimation window was selected as the 90 days preceding the event. As a result of the analysis based on the comparison of normal and abnormal returns, it was found that all BRICS-T stock markets, except China, were not semi-strong form efficient. In addition, the results of the paired sample t-test applied to all stock markets demonstrated that the difference between abnormal returns calculated before and after COVID-19 was statistically significant. In this context, it was concluded that, unlike previous outbreaks, the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant fluctuations in financial markets. This study provides an important contribution to understanding the effects of the pandemic on emerging markets and examining investor behavior.

Fintech competencies in emerging markets: Cognitive hybrid decision-making approach

The purpose of this study is to make a priority analysis for the factors affecting fintech competency for emerging markets. A novel 3-stage decision-making model has been established to reach this objective. First, missing evaluations are completed by using recommender systems. The next stage includes the weight calculation of the criteria via quantum spherical fuzzy cognitive maps. The final stage gives information about the ranking of BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) for the fintech competency performance. It is defined that technological infrastructure plays the most crucial role in this regard.