General Objective Research Articles

Natural Image Reconstruction from fMRI Based on Node-Edge Interaction and Multi-Scale Constraint.

Reconstructing natural stimulus images using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is one of the most challenging problems in brain decoding and is also the crucial component of a brain-computer interface. Previous methods cannot fully exploit the information about interactions among brain regions. In this paper, we propose a natural image reconstruction method based on node-edge interaction and a multi-scale constraint. Inspired by the extensive information interactions in the brain, a novel graph neural network block with node-edge interaction (NEI-GNN block) is presented, which can adequately model the information exchange between brain areas via alternatively updating the nodes and edges. Additionally, to enhance the quality of reconstructed images in terms of both global structure and local detail, we employ a multi-stage reconstruction network that restricts the reconstructed images in a coarse-to-fine manner across multiple scales. Qualitative experiments on the generic object decoding (GOD) dataset demonstrate that the reconstructed images contain accurate structural information and rich texture details. Furthermore, the proposed method surpasses the existing state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy in the commonly used n-way evaluation. Our approach achieves 82.00%, 59.40%, 45.20% in n-way mean squared error (MSE) evaluation and 83.50%, 61.80%, 46.00% in n-way structural similarity index measure (SSIM) evaluation, respectively. Our experiments reveal the importance of information interaction among brain areas and also demonstrate the potential for developing visual-decoding brain-computer interfaces.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CIVIL LIABILITY STANDARD OF MOTORSPORT SPORTS LEAGUES IN BRAZIL

Civil liability is a way of resolving patrimonial and extra-patrimonial compensation arising from an unlawful act, represented by an action or omission that causes harm to another, even if the damage is exclusively moral. The research sought to answer the problem found, namely: what is the responsibility of motorsport sports leagues in Brazil for accidents caused during races? Thus, the research had the general objective of defining the responsibility of motorsport sports leagues in Brazil for accidents caused during races. And specifically, analyze the general rules of civil liability provided for in the civil code; verify the agent's civil liability; examine the athlete's term of self-responsibility in motorsport sports leagues. The research modality chosen for the development of the theme is normative-legal empirical research, verifying the norms of the Brazilian Automobile Confederation with norms in force in the legal system, in a qualitative approach of the exploratory type in primary research sources (laws, norms, decrees) and secondary (books, articles, monographs, dissertations and theses). The research presents the application of the general rules of civil liability provided for in the civil code due to the lack of specific regulation by automobile confederations; and the feasibility of the sportsman's responsibility in relation to the civil liability of motorsport sports leagues. In conclusion to the research, it was demonstrated that it is necessary to provide for a normative closure in the statute to guarantee legal security within a sporting space, since it is a place where risk is imminent and is part of the activity, which can cause losses and damages.

Proceso de apropiación de tecnologías digitales por comités de agua potable rural en la región de La Araucanía, Chile

While the coverage of potable water in rural areas has significantly increased in Chile, challenges persist in ensuring its quality, quantity, and continuity. This has required cooperatives and committees providing this service to engage in projects aimed at improving aspects associated with their management, such as transferring technologies that enable data-driven decision-making. The general objective of this study was to understand the obstacles and facilitators involved in the process of transferring a telemetry system by rural sanitary services, using a conceptual approach composed of three perspectives: sociotechnical systems, technological appropriation, and territorial governance. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews with leaders of rural drinking water committees in the La Araucanía region who have been involved in digital technology projects. The adopted theoretical perspectives, as well as the methodology used in this article, indicate that the appropriation of digital technologies by rural drinking water committees should be understood as a complex, territorial, systemic, multi-agent, and multilevel process.

Startups and Artificial Intelligence

The general objective of the research was to determine the advances related to the startups and artificial intelligence. The specific objectives of the research are to identify the most successful startups that use artificial intelligence and the countries that invest the most in startups. Methodology, in this research, 53 documents have been selected, carried out in the period 2018 - 2024; including: scientific articles, review articles and information from websites of recognized organizations. Results, the number of startups is increasing rapidly on various continents and is applied in various economic sectors. Artificial Intelligence is having a significant impact on various human activities around the world. The current concern is the ethical use of AI, which is why various governments and international organizations are establishing recommendations and limitations for corporations that carry out such research. The startups that are currently emerging have artificial intelligence as their main component, due to the great advantages it offers. The United States, China and the United Kingdom are leading investment in startups worldwide. Conclusions, about the general objective of the research, to determine the advances related to the startups and artificial intelligence. The number of startups is increasing rapidly on various continents and is applied in various economic sectors. The current concern is the ethical use of AI. The startups that are currently emerging have artificial intelligence as their main component, due to the great advantages it offers. About the first specific objectives of the research, to identify the most successful startups that use artificial intelligence. On all five continents, there are several startups that use artificial intelligence and seek to provide technological solutions in the various fields of human activity. About the second specific objectives of the research, the countries that invest the most in startups. The United States, China and the United Kingdom are leading investment in startups worldwide.

Walkability Infrastructures and Urban Rebalancing: The Case Study of L’Aquila City under Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

This paper describes the first results of the application of an innovative methodology for the development of a walkability overall index for urban street infrastructure, aimed at the application of urban design techniques to improve the urban form and its use by pedestrians. The general objective of the research is to identify the performance of the current city walkable network, to structure public policies and strategies consistent with it aimed at rebalancing settlements and infrastructure, and above all at the development of active mobility. The methodology defined integrates three approaches on walkability analysis: geometric–morphological, proximity, and sociality. In this paper, the analysis process related to the geometric–morphological component and partly to that of proximity will be described. It will be applied to the case study of the city of L’Aquila (Italy), a city undergoing reconstruction after the 2009 earthquake. From the first results of the application of the methodology to the case study, it emerges that the urban area analyzed is not capable of hosting walkable infrastructures unless urban design interventions are aimed at structuring an efficient network of pedestrian paths. In the future development of the study, it is expected to conclude the analysis of the proximity and social components, the other two groups of analysis considerations for walkability, which will complete the experimentation of the general methodology.

Digital gender-based violence from the experience of actors in the delivery of justice

Gender-based violence is one of the problems that most afflict Mexican society, and the most affected are women; with globalization and increased access to technology for many people, it has crossed the boundaries of the physical environment to manifest itself in digital spaces. There is a lack of literature approaching this problem, justifying the relevance of this research. The general objective of this paper is to analyze the current context of gender-based digital violence from the experience of public servants who currently provide care to women victims of gender-based digital violence in Nuevo León, Mexico. To carry out this research, a qualitative design was used in which 15 interviews were conducted with people who currently work as public prosecutors in the state of Nuevo León. For the analysis of the information, we opted for a thematic analysis based on the proposal of Braun and Clarke (2006), and for the treatment of the data we used the qualitative software Maxqda. In general terms, it was detected that many of the cases are not reported and involve bureaucratic and administrative problems that limit and hinder attention and resolution.

Analysis of urbanization in the city of Barra do Bugres/MT based on the suppression of vegetated areas using remote sensing

With the advent of the implementation of the University of the State of Mato Grosso - UNEMAT in Barra do Bugres - MT, the city began to house the university population, resulting in the suppression of vegetated areas during its process of intense urbanization. Urbanization triggers changes in land use and land cover, thus generating impacts on the relationships between energy cycles on the surface. Thus, the general objective of this research was to analyze the urbanization of Barra do Bugres-MT from the space-time relationship of the surface temperature and the vegetation index (NDVI) through TM (Thematic Mappes) images from the Landsat 5 sensor in the years 1987 and 2010. Analyzing the surface temperature distribution, it was found that the highest values were concentrated in the north and east portions, more densely urbanized portions. The lowest NDVI values were found in the eastern portion, where there is greater urban density. However, the highest NDVI values were found in regions of the western portion, where despite the greater suppression of vegetated areas from 1987 to 2010, lower urban density and greater presence of native vegetation are observed. The use of remote sensing and NDVI proved to be a viable tool for analyzing the urbanization process in Barra do Bugres-MT between the years of study.

Prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence as factors associated with healthy lifestyles and violence in adolescents

Adolescence is a stage of life characterised by vulnerability, which shapes young people’s trajectories and potentially influences their behaviour. In this crucial period, the promotion of prosocial behaviours and the development of emotional intelligence are understood as key factors influencing adolescents’ psychological and personal well-being. The general objective of this study was to find out the relationship between these two variables - prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence - and their correlation with the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and another fundamental aspect such as violence among young people in the academic context. A total of 743 secondary school students participated in this research with a descriptive-cross-sectional design. This study used several instruments, including an ad hoc questionnaire to assess socio-demographic aspects and school violence, the Prosocial Behaviour Questionnaire (PBQ), the TMMS-24 for the assessment of Emotional Intelligence, the Healthy Lifestyles Questionnaire (HLQ-II) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS). The results highlighted a convincing link between the display of prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence with various dimensions of healthy living such as healthy diet or respect for mealtimes. In particular, the research revealed a pronounced correlation between adolescents who showed greater emotional repair and respect and their lower involvement in school violence and substance use. In addition, the likelihood of having a healthy life was found to be linked to variables such as being male, respect, social relationships and emotional repair. In contrast, the likelihood of having an excessive consumption of certain harmful substances such as alcohol or tobacco was found to be linked to age, empathy and emotional clarity. These results highlight the crucial role that prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence play in shaping adolescents’ lives. In conclusion, the need to promote such variables as prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence in adolescent students in order to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce school violence and substance use in this age group is discussed.

The association between air pollutions and emergency hospitalizations due to COPD and asthma across 16 Polish cities: population-based study.

In recent years numerous initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution have been undertaken in Poland. The general objective was to examine the correlation between air pollution measured by the level of particulate matter ≤10 μm in diameter (PM10) and emergency hospitalizations due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in 16 Polish cities (capitals of the regions). The authors aimed to diagnose the situation across 16 cities over a 5‑year period (2014-2019). Data on the number of hospitalizations was retrieved from the national public insurance system, the National Health Fund. A total number of 22 600 emergency hospitalizations was analyzed (12 000 and 10 600 in 2014 and 2019, respectively). The data on air pollution was accessed via the public register of the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection air quality database. The authors of this article have used the data on PM10 daily exposure in each of the 16 cities in 2014 and 2019. Statistical methods included: non-parametric tests, a 2-stage modelling approach for time-series data, and multivariate meta-analysis of the results. The results indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in PM10 concentration in 2019 in comparison to 2014 in all cities, mainly in the autumn and winter season. However, the correlation between the improvement in the air quality and a decrease in emergency hospitalizations due to asthma and COPD turned out to not be as strong as expected. The authors observed a strong correlation between PM10 concentrations and hospitalizations due to asthma and COPD, but only when air quality norms were significantly above acceptable levels. Air pollution measured by PM10 concentration might be used as one of the predictors of the asthma and COPD emergency hospitalization risk, yet other factors like respiratory tract infection, health care organizational aspect, patient self-control, compliance and comorbidities should also be taken into consideration. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):110-27.

SRSegNet: Super-resolution-assisted small targets polyp segmentation network with combined high and low resolution

Accurate and reliable segmentation of polyp targets is crucial in the treatment of colorectal cancer. However, in clinical practice, polyp structures represent only a small portion of the image, which is essential for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. The small size of lesion areas leads to a reduction in feature representation, thereby affecting the performance of traditional segmentation methods. To address this issue, To address this issue, recent advancements in segmentation methods for small medical objects meticulously extract feature information from these objects using attention mechanisms. However, these methods mainly focus on general small medical objects and perform poorly in the segmentation of small polyps.Therefore, this study fully exploits the advantages of joint learning and multi-task learning. By guiding the high-resolution features to guide the low-resolution encoder through joint learning and fusing effective features from the super-resolution task to assist the segmentation task, our method enhances the model’s ability to extract texture details. We also design a high-resolution guidance module and an information complementation module, effectively integrating learning between different resolutions and tasks.Evaluation experiments on two settings on the Kvasir-SEG, CVC-ClinicDB, CVC-ColonDB, CVC-300, and ETIS datasets demonstrate that our method achieves significant advantages in the segmentation of small polyps, outperforming various state-of-the-art methods.

WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY PROCESSING FIRMS IN KENYA

The significance of the dairy sector in Kenya’s economy cannot be over emphasized. This is because the sector contributes 4% of the national gross domestic product and 19% of the agricultural gross domestic product for an economy that heavily relies on agriculture. Working capital plays a critical role in the success of commercial entities. This study sought to determine the effect of working capital management practices on the financial performance of dairy processing firms in Kenya. The general objective of the study was to determine the effect of working capital management practices on financial performance of dairy firms in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the effect of inventory management practices, debtor’s management practices, creditors’ management practices and cash management practices on financial performance of dairy firms in Kenya. The theories that guided the study are; Keynesian liquidity preference theory, Cash Conversion Cycle theory, Stewardship theory, Risk return trade-off theory and Transaction Cost Economics Theory. The study population comprised the 221 dairy processing firms classified as major and mini processors by the Kenya Dairy Board. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 69 firms for the study. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. A pilot study was conducted to test for the validity and reliability of data measuring instruments. Descriptive statistics namely mean, variance and standard deviation, and inferential statistics namely, correlation, simple and multiple regression was used for data analysis. The results of the analysis were presented using tables. The diagnostic tests to be performed in the study included Normality, Linearity and Multi - collinearity. A statistical package for social sciences software was used to aid the data analysis. Results indicated that inventory management was a key predictor of financial performance. Results indicated that debtor’s management practices were a key predictor of financial performance. Correlation outcomes of the results showed that credit management, and cash management had a positive and statistically significant relationship with the financial performance of dairy firms in Kenya. The regression results showed that cash management and creditors management have a direct positive effect on the financial performance of dairy firms in Kenya. The study recommended that Dairy Firms directors should develop a policy on credit collection detailing the policies and practices to be followed by the Dairy Firms. To enhance their accounts receivables and remove bad debts while boosting sales and inventory turnover, farm owners should rigorously follow up on debts, assess consumers before providing debts, give incentives for early debt payments, and build a solid debt management strategy. Dairy Firms may generally keep the standard payment interval longer than the average collection period to limit receivables payments for short-term needs, lowering finance expenses.

Dynamically coupled kinetic chemistry in brown dwarf atmospheres – II. Cloud and chemistry connections in directly imaged sub-Jupiter exoplanets

ABSTRACT With JWST slated to gain high-fidelity time-dependent data on brown dwarf atmospheres, it is highly anticipated to do the same for directly imaged, sub-Jupiter exoplanets. With this new capability, the need for a full three-dimensional (3D) understanding to explain spectral features and their time dependence is becoming a vital aspect for consideration. To examine the atmospheric properties of directly imaged sub-Jupiter exoplanets, we use the 3D Exo-FMS general circulation model to simulate a metal-enhanced generic young sub-Jupiter object. We couple Exo-FMS to a kinetic chemistry scheme, a tracer-based cloud formation scheme and a spectral radiative-transfer model to take into account the chemical and cloud feedback on the atmospheric thermochemical and dynamical properties. Our results show a highly complex feedback between clouds and chemistry on to the 3D temperature structure of the atmosphere, bringing about latitudinal differences and inducing time-dependent stormy features at photospheric pressures. This suggests a strong connection and feedback between the spatial cloud coverage and chemical composition of the atmosphere, with the temperature changes and dynamical motions induced by cloud opacity and triggered convection feedback driving chemical species behaviour. In addition, we also produce synthetic latitude-dependent and time-dependent spectra of our model to investigate atmospheric variability and periodicity in commonly used photometric bands. Overall, our efforts put the included physics in 3D simulations of exoplanets on par with contemporary 1D radiative-convective equilibrium modelling.

Influencers and Influence: the dissemination of information in times of fake news and post-truth

The end of 2023 was marked, on Brazilian social networks, by a tragedy: the death of a 22-year-old young woman, influenced by a relatively new phenomenon in the social spectrum, the so-called fake news. Given the repercussion of the fact, this work has as its object of study the phenomenon of information dissemination on social networks, under the scope of social network X (formerly Twitter). Based on an information diffusion model, this research has, as a general objective, to evaluate the dissemination of information on social network. Specific objectives include investigating the relevance of the information dissemination model to the issue of disseminating fake news; test the information diffusion model with experimental data obtained from the social network X and validate the results obtained in numerical simulations arising from the information diffusion model. It is concluded, therefore, that the lower the estimated real reach of a post, the longer the information dissemination process will take, which would justify the introduction of joint work between different profiles in partnership with bots to increase the engagement of a post.

Political Public Relations and Image Management

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore political public relations and image management.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to political public relations. Preliminary empirical review revealed crucial insights into the multifaceted nature of political communication and its influence on public perceptions and reputations. It emphasizes the significance of strategic communication in effectively managing image and reputation, highlighting the benefits of proactive strategies like media relations, crisis management, and message framing. Additionally, authenticity and transparency emerge as pivotal factors in political image management, fostering trust and credibility among constituents. Furthermore, the study stresses the importance of adapting communication strategies to evolving media landscapes and audience preferences, advocating for innovation and audience-centric approaches. Lastly, ethical and responsible communication practices are deemed essential for maintaining trust and legitimacy, emphasizing the need for honesty, transparency, and respect for diverse perspectives. Overall, by understanding the complexities of political communication dynamics and embracing ethical and audience-centric approaches, political entities can successfully navigate image management challenges and cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Agenda Setting theory, Attribution theory and Social Identity theory may be used to anchor future studies on political public relations and image management. The recommendations for political actors in managing their image encompass adopting a strategic communication approach that aligns with organizational goals and values, prioritizing transparency and authenticity to build trust among constituents, establishing a crisis communication plan to address crises effectively, integrating social media strategies responsibly to engage with followers and counter negative narratives, investing in personal branding efforts to connect with voters on a personal level, and prioritizing stakeholder engagement to demonstrate responsiveness and inclusivity. These recommendations underscore the significance of strategic planning, transparent communication, crisis preparedness, social media engagement, personal branding, and stakeholder collaboration in political public relations and image management, ultimately aiming to enhance communication effectiveness and cultivate a positive public image.

Knowledge necessary for teaching practice: myth or challenge?

This article, which is the result of a qualitative research, bibliographical review and documentary analysis, was constructed from the discussions and texts used in the subject Teaching Knowledge and Teaching Processes, of the Professional Master's Degree in Education, offered by the Federal University of Tocantins. It aims to answer the following guiding question: What knowledge does a teacher need to acquire in order to perform their teaching role with quality? The general objective of the study is to discuss the knowledge needed for teaching practice focused on the teaching and learning process: Describe nuances of the historical process of teaching practice in Brazil; Analyse which factors influence the quality of teaching practice, through authors who discuss the theme; It is concluded that the search for the knowledge necessary for the teaching profession is a challenge, since education is a dynamic and complex field, new scientific discoveries, new methodologies and technologies emerge, which requires the teacher to continuously improve to meet the needs and the new profile of the students. Therefore, teachers need to transpose theoretical knowledge into classroom practice, making it teachable. However, there is a lack of investment in education and teachers need support in the provision of continuing training, both in the public and private sectors.

Managing Online Reputation in the Age of Cancel Culture

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to examine managing online reputation in the age of cancel culture.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to online reputation in the age of cancel culture. The study highlighted the importance of proactive reputation management strategies, stakeholder engagement, and adaptation in navigating the complexities of cancel culture in the digital era. By emphasizing transparency, authenticity, and responsiveness, individuals and organizations can mitigate reputational risks and maintain trust and credibility online. Drawing upon insights from social psychology theories and empirical research, the study underscores the need for continuous monitoring, collaboration, and ethical leadership to address systemic issues and promote positive online behavior. Overall, the study emphasizes the significance of adaptability, empathy, and strategic communication in effectively managing online reputation amidst the challenges of cancel culture.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Social Learning theory and Attribution theory may be used to anchor future studies on managing online reputation. In managing online reputation amidst cancel culture, prioritizing transparency and authenticity in communication is crucial for building trust and credibility with stakeholders. Organizations should develop comprehensive crisis communication plans tailored to the digital landscape, enabling swift responses to reputational crises and minimizing negative publicity. Proactive monitoring of online conversations allows organizations to anticipate and mitigate emerging issues, shaping public perception positively. Additionally, prioritizing stakeholder engagement fosters meaningful relationships and demonstrates accountability, while upholding ethical principles safeguards credibility and mitigates reputational harm. Continuous evaluation of reputation management efforts ensures adaptability and improvement, enabling organizations to navigate cancel culture challenges effectively and preserve trust with stakeholders.

International Trade Agreements and Livestock Industries

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore international trade agreements and livestock industries.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to food safety regulations. The relationship between international trade agreements and livestock industries is complex, offering both opportunities and challenges. While these agreements facilitate market access and competitiveness for livestock producers, they also pose risks such as increased competition from foreign imports and environmental sustainability concerns. The effectiveness of trade agreements in promoting sustainable growth hinges on aligning trade objectives with broader policy goals, including food security and social welfare. Policymakers must strike a balance between promoting trade liberalization and safeguarding domestic interests, considering the diverse impacts on stakeholders. Moving forward, there is a need for greater coherence between trade policies and development objectives, emphasizing inclusive growth and cooperation to ensure the sustainable development of livestock industries globally.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Comparative Advantage theory, Heckscher-Ohlin model and New Trade theory may be used to anchor future studies on international trade agreements and livestock industries. The study yielded several key recommendations. These included enhancing the harmonization of sanitary and phytosanitary standards, promoting mutual recognition of regulatory measures, investing in infrastructure and capacity building, facilitating market access and diversification, promoting sustainable production practices, strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and promoting inclusive and participatory decision-making processes. These recommendations aimed to improve market access, ensure compliance with trade commitments, enhance sustainability, and foster inclusive development in the livestock sector.

Exponential growth of ESG funds: a comparison of funding speed and profitability

In this paper, the general objective is to investigate and compare the speed of fundraising and the profitability of ESG Funds in relation to traditional investment funds in the Brazilian financial market between 2010 and 2021. To achieve this goal, we focused on three specific objectives: analyzing the growth rate of ESG Funds' net assets, evaluating the profitability of these funds and examining the impact of macroeconomic variables such as GDP, IPCA and interest rate (CDI) in this context. Using a quantitative methodology, the research analyzed comprehensive financial data on the funds, including information on asset value and profitability indicators. The results show an exponential growth in the ESG Funds' assets over the period studied, setting them apart from traditional funds. In addition, the profitability of ESG Funds proved to be competitive, often surpassing that of conventional funds, suggesting a paradigm shift in the Brazilian financial market. This study provides valuable insights into the evolution of ESG Funds in Brazil, highlighting their growing importance and potential for economic sustainability. The analysis of macroeconomic variables also revealed that ESG Funds not only remain resilient in different economic scenarios, but can also offer a sustainable and profitable path for investors aware of environmental, social and governance challenges.

The use of health education as a tool to combat the spread of fake news about vaccination

Vaccines can be understood as technological advances that aim to induce an immunological response through exposure to certain infectious agents, or specific particles thereof. The immunological response obtained creates memory and is capable of reducing the risk of developing diseases, as well as reducing mortality and complications in the event of an eventual infection. The general objective of this study aims to highlight how nurses' actions in the context of health education can help combat fake news related to vaccination. Fake news gained strength with the advent of social networks, and the spread of fake news increasingly threatens several achievements already achieved, including in the area of health. In this sense, there is an intimate relationship between the dissemination of fake news, the anti- vaccine movement and vaccine hesitancy. This is an investigation carried out through a review of scientific literature, which by definition has a qualitative- descriptive character. For its preparation, the findings of 21 works related to the proposed theme were selected, analyzed and summarized. The time frame covered the period from 2018 to 2023, that is, the last 6 years. Data were obtained through the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, VHL/Lilacs and Scopus. It was evident that the growing vaccine hesitancy may be associated with factors such as the population's distrust in relation to scientific information about immunization agents, related to the dissemination of fake news regarding the beneficial and adverse effects of vaccines. Above all, the strength of social networks in disseminating these untruths was demonstrated, and the need for public policy interventions and strategies to combat this misinformation.

The training of pedagogues at the Universidade Federal de Rondônia and their preparation to work from the perspective of rural and in-clusive education

In this article, we present an analysis of the Pedagogical Political Projects of the Pedagogy Degree Courses (PPCs) offered on the campuses of the Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), focusing on the teacher training of the pedagogue from the perspective of Rural Education. The research is based on the assumption that, according to the 1988 Federal Constitution, everyone has the right to education, which implies the need for adequate teacher training to meet this demand, considering their socio-historical, economic, geographic and cultural singularities. Therefore, the general objective of this article is to analyze the offer of subjects that contribute to the training of professional Pedagogues, within the perspective of Rural Education that includes rural populations. The research uses bibliographic and documentary methods, with a qualitative approach, following the guidelines of Gil (2008) and Stake (2001). The PPCs of the six UNIR campuses were analyzed: Ariquemes, Guajará-Mirim, Ji-Paraná, Porto Velho, Rolim de Moura and Vilhena, which offer the degree course in Pedagogy, using the data available on the page of each course/campus. The results obtained in general, the UNIR campuses include in their curricula subjects referring to one or more groups that make up the rural populations, but they do not offer pedagogical practice subjects with an emphasis on Rural Education.