Minas Gerais Research Articles

Study protocol: improving response to malaria in the Amazon through identification of inter-community networks and human mobility in border regions of Ecuador, Peru and Brazil

IntroductionUnderstanding human mobility’s role in malaria transmission is critical to successful control and elimination. However, common approaches to measuring mobility are ill-equipped for remote regions such as the Amazon. This...

Metagenomic Analysis for Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Fever in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Viral hemorrhagic fever poses a significant public health challenge due to its severe clinical presentation and high mortality rate. The diagnostic process is hindered by similarity of symptoms across different diseases and the broad spectrum of pathogens that can cause hemorrhagic fever. In this study, we applied viral metagenomic analysis to 43 serum samples collected by the Public Health Laboratory (Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED) in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever who had tested negative for the standard local hemorrhagic disease testing panel. This panel includes tests for Dengue virus (DENV) IgM, Zika virus IgM, Chikungunya virus IgM, yellow fever IgM, Hantavirus IgM, Rickettsia rickettsii IgM/IgG, and Leptospira interrogans IgM, in addition to respective molecular tests for these infectious agents. The samples were grouped into 18 pools according to geographic origin and analyzed through next-generation sequencing on the NextSeq 2000 platform. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a prevalent occurrence of commensal viruses across all pools, but, notably, a significant number of reads corresponding to the DENV serotype 2 were identified in one specific pool. Further verification via real-time PCR confirmed the presence of DENV-2 RNA in an index case involving an oncology patient with hemorrhagic fever who had initially tested negative for anti-DENV IgM antibodies, thereby excluding this sample from initial molecular testing. The complete DENV-2 genome isolated from this patient was taxonomically classified within the cosmopolitan genotype that was recently introduced into Brazil. These findings highlight the critical role of considering the patient’s clinical condition when deciding upon the most appropriate testing procedures. Additionally, this study showcases the potential of viral metagenomics in pinpointing the viral agents behind hemorrhagic diseases. Future research is needed to assess the practicality of incorporating metagenomics into standard viral diagnostic protocols.

Impacts of Brazilian Green Coffee Production and Its Logistical Corridors on the International Coffee Market

Background: The coffee industry is one of the most important world supply chains, with an estimated consumption of two billion cups daily, making it the most consumed beverage worldwide. Coffee beans are primarily grown in tropical countries, with Brazil accounting for almost 50% of the production. The objective of this study is to examine the Brazilian trade between 2018 and 2022, focusing on state producers, logistical corridors, and importer countries. Methods: The methodology approach revolves around a quantitative method using Social Network Analysis measures. Results: The results reveal a massive concentration in local production (99.5%—Minas Gerais), port movements (99.9%—Santos, Itaguai, and Rio de Janeiro), and country buyers (80.9%—the United States, United Kingdon, and Japan). Conclusions: The study concludes that the Brazilian green coffee supply chain relies on a fragile and overloaded logistical network. Due to that, this study indicates that the stakeholders and decision-makers involved must consider this high concentration of production in some areas and companies. They must also address the bottlenecks in logistical corridors and the fierce competition involved in acquiring and processing Brazilian coffee production because these factors can drastically affect the revenue of the companies operating in this sector.

WE KEEP GOING, WITH RESPECT AND HOPE, CONFIDENT ABOUT THE FUTURE

In 2023, there was a feminine group composed by Aline Andréia Nicolli (Federal University of Acre (UFAC)), Alice Alexandre Pagan (Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS)), Márcia Gorette Lima da Silva (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)), Silvania Souza do Nascimento (Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)) and Suzani Cassiani (Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)) leading the way on Brazilian Journal of Research in Education and Science (RBPEC) as head-publishers. Jonathan Atkinson, as Editorial assistant of production, and Bárbara Altivo, as Media Manager, operated for, through the collaborated job, the different actions/activities of the Journal would be sustained.

The F-0 larva of Angelagrion nathaliae Lencioni, 2008 from Southern Minas Gerais state, Brazil (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

In this study, we described the last instar larva of Angelagrion nathaliae Lencioni, 2008, the first one described for this genus, collected in Inconfidentes and Uberlândia municipalities, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. We compared the diagnostic characters of A. nathaliae with some species of Telebasis Selys, 1865. Despite some similarities with Telebasis larvae, the larva of A. nathaliae can be distinguished from the family by a combination of characters of the mouthparts and gills.

Implementation of telemedicine as a medical practice in the undergraduate curriculum

Our study aimed to develop a project to implement telemedicine, using the ProntLife platform, in the clinical and internship cycles of the undergraduate Medicine course at two institutions in the Inspirali group, UNIBH and FASEH, with UNIBH located in Belo Horizonte ( BH), and FASEH in Vespasiano, metropolitan region of BH, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methodologically, the study is descriptive, qualitative and quantitative. The data taken from ProntLife were treated through content analysis, thematic modality. Furthermore, a literature review was carried out using the PUBMED, LILACS and SCIELO databases. We demonstrate the importance of using telemedicine in simulated practical activities and in the outpatient clinics of Medicine courses, where the positive effects on the training of undergraduates can be assessed, both in skills and competencies, as well as providing vulnerable groups with greater access to health care. It is worth noting that all the positive points reported impact the health services that partner with medical teaching institutions.

A new species of Micrapate (Insecta: Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) from Brazil, with a key to Brazilian species

Micrapate spinula Liu, sp. nov., is described from the cerrado savanna biome of Brazil (Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais), together with information on its biology and natural enemies. A key to the Micrapate species known from Brazil is provided.

Characterizing traditional Brazilian house typologies by means of intervisibility analysis

This paper analyzes the morphological differences in traditional urban architecture in Brazil between the typologies of rowhouses and urban or suburban mansions, from the mid-eighteenth to the early twentieth century. It focuses on the relatively uniform and conservative context of the states of Rio de Janeiro, Goiás (including Tocantins), and Minas Gerais. This study highlights defining characteristics of each of the two typological series. While most previous studies have looked at tree graph analysis to assess the topological connections between individual spaces, this research turns to intervisibility analysis, evidencing the morphological centers of compositions. The results highlight how visual integration analysis confirms the overlap between the spatial composition of both rowhouses and mansions and the attributes of social life specific to each of these typologies. These attributes include the location of the family room in the rear of rowhouses and, in contrast, the primacy of ceremonial spaces in the front of mansions.

Correlation between waste generation, population and GDP of cities in Sergipe, Brazil

The problem of solid waste (garbage or rubble) is a global problem that affects the environment, public health, and the quality of life of people all over the world. In this work, a literature review and quantitative research were carried out on the websites of the Institute of Water and Sanitation and Dataviva of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, to collect the data needed to verify whether or not there is a correlation between population size, waste generation and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. This work used the correlation coefficient, which is widely used to measure the relationships between variables and what they represent, and is important for drawing up overviews in studies with many related variables so that it is possible to understand how the variability of one affects the other. The results show that population size and per capita waste generation showed a weak positive correlation and GDP per capita and per capita waste generation showed a very weak negative correlation. It can be concluded that economic and population aspects can influence the total volume of waste generated, but that they did not emerge as determining factors in isolation, showing that different populations (in terms of age structure, household arrangement structure, and cultural habits, among others) practice different consumption patterns, generating different amounts of solid waste.

Exploring Irregularities in Brazilian Public Bids: An In-depth Analysis on Small Companies

In Brazil, bidding processes constitute the main method through which the Public Administration acquires goods and services, and they aim to select the best proposal between several bidding companies. Analyzing public bids can reveal several negotiating characteristics between companies and the public sector, including alerts of fraudulent activities involving such businesses. This article presents two approaches for detecting irregularities within small companies using data extracted from public bids in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. For each approach, we perform exploratory and geospatial analysis to better understand specific characteristics of the companies with irregularity alerts. Furthermore, we execute a network analysis to examine the underlying connections between such companies. Our findings reveal the efficacy of both approaches in indicating small companies that may be involved in fraudulent activities. Our methodology and results represent a significant advance for the public sector as they have the potential to enhance mechanisms for overseeing and preventing fraud within bidding processes. 

Taphonomy and paleohistology of a dinosaur rib from Marília Formation, Bauru Group, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Bauru Group (Campanian–Maastrichtian) has one of the richest fossil records of Cretaceous in South America. All dinosaur fossils from this unit were assigned to Saurischia, most of them poorly preserved. We present the histological and taphonomic analysis of a dinosaur dorsal rib fragment from the Marília Formation in the western state of Minas Gerais. Thin sections were prepared to describe the microstructures of the bone tissue and the fossilization processes involved in preserving the specimen. An elemental analysis was also performed to verify the chemical composition of the fossil and rock matrix. Haversian bone was identified in the rib cortex, and no growth marks or an external fundamental system were found. The rib probably belonged to a saurischian dinosaur because of its plank shape and elliptical cross-section. Hypotheses regarding taphonomic processes were inferred. An extended period of subaerial exposure, followed by high-energy transport, was interpreted due to extensive fractures and signs of abrasion on the outer surface of the bone. Pyrite pseudomorphs (framboids) indicate that the bone was deposited in a reductive environment. After burial, the rapid precipitation of calcite and alkaline stability allowed the preservation of apatite during the recrystallization phase. The manganese hydroxides were deposited on apatite crystals during early diagenesis. We concluded that the fossil rib presented a common taphonomic bias identified among vertebrate fossils of the Bauru Group, which is associated with the exposure of the bones to arid and semiarid climates, their transport into the depositional environments and pedogenetic influence during fossil diagenesis.

Anthropometric parameters in metabolic syndrome in brazilian adolescents: confirmatory factor analysis

This study aims to identify the influence of anthropometric variables on the patterns of clustering of metabolic and hemodynamic variables in the metabolic syndrome in adolescents, being an epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical study conducted with 635 adolescents from public schools in the municipality of Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: the metabolic, hemodynamic and anthropometric parameters were evaluated and the data analysis was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows software. Results: three diferente models stratified by gender were adjusted that were estimated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis by the maximum likelihood method implemented in the IBM SPSS AMOS 23.0 software. Conclusion: The profile found could contribute to the consolidation of the SM construct, allowing early identification and favoring the creation of strategies to prevent this disease, avoiding adverse clinical outcomes.

Promoting safe and appropriate use of miltefosine to treat tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil: A best practice quality improvement project.

Miltefosine is a new drug that was recently approved for the treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) by the Brazilian health system. It has a teratogenic potential and requires follow-up of patients undergoing treatment. Improving compliance with best practices is essential to ensure the safe and appropriate use of this drug. This project aimed to implement best practices for the safe and appropriate use of miltefosine in the treatment of TL in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. Five best practice criteria were established based on the best available evidence. A baseline audit was conducted to measure current practice against best practice. Barriers to best practice were then identified and a follow-up audit was conducted to evaluate changes after the implementation of improvement strategies. Two sites were analyzed: a leishmaniasis reference service in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, and the 28 regional offices. The baseline audit evaluated data from 197 miltefosine requests distributed across 13 regional sites. All requests from the reference service were compliant (100%). This is in contrast to the 60% compliance rate at the regional offices. The improvement strategies included intensifying direct communication with the regional health professionals, which increased the average compliance rate to 79.5%, 6 months after the interventions were introduced. This best practice implementation project effectively increased the compliance rate for the audited procedures. Communication from the reference site with the regional health professionals successfully increased compliance with best practices and promoted the safe and appropriate use of miltefosine. These strategies should analyzed and applied to improve other programs. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A184.

Development of pilot plants for engineering education

The rapid changes in social interactions and the easy access to information brought by technological advances require that professors rethink and rebuild teaching to maintain its quality. Active methodologies have been used to ensure the development of essential skills in professionals to deal with the current challenges and demands of the job market. This study presents the use of active project-based methodologies with undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. This study aims to report on the implementation of a pilot plant for the causticizing stage of the pulp and paper Kraft Process and the development of two prototypes of industrial sludge drying equipment using solar energy and to evaluate the impact of the activities on the professional training of the people involved and the development of skills and competencies expected of engineering professionals according to the National Curriculum Guidelines, such as the ability to work in teams. The students could apply their technical knowledge in real situations in an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaborative environment that encourages the resolution of complex engineering problems innovatively, with a holistic and humanistic vision that also considers social and sustainable aspects. They also demonstrated increased motivation and experienced the connection between industry and academia, which is essential to demonstrate the applicability of the techniques learned during the courses.

The case for a climate bonus: waste pickers’ perceptions of climate change in Minas Gerais

While the work of waste pickers advances urban sustainability, there has been little focus on how climate change impacts affect them. This paper reports on a pilot study with 61 waste pickers in Minas Gerais, Brazil to understand their perspectives on climate change impacts and actions. It explores how waste pickers experience climate change impacts at home and at work, their adaptive strategies and the specific actions and actors needed to address these impacts. Waste pickers have practical knowledge and experience of climate events. But due to precarious employment and lack of access to services, infrastructure and social support, their responses are improvised and inefficient. They require better institutional support and their proposals must be incorporated into a negotiated approach to urban resilience. Proposals such as the climate bonus – similar to the existing recycling bonus – may help address the structural drivers of vulnerability for waste pickers in Minas Gerais.

Experience of mothers of children affected by Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome

This study aims to know the experience of mothers of children affected by Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZS) in a city in northern Minas Gerais. This is a research with a qualitative approach. For the treatment of the data was performed the Content Analysis proposed by Bardin. The diagnosis of the child with CZS caused in women the loss/mourning of the idealized child and the confrontation of the reality of the real child. This new perspective demands of women, their children and their support network a new march aimed at seeking treatment and improving quality of life. The experiences reported may contribute to the qualification of health services that deal directly with children with CZS, as it can be an important tool for guiding and evaluating the management and implementation of health care aimed at the healthy development of these children and promoting the quality of life of their entire family.

Unraveling the genetic diversity of Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) in isolated limestone outcrops: Conservation strategies.

Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) located on limestone outcrops are vulnerable to degradation caused by timber logging and limestone extraction for cement production. Some of these forests represent the last remnants of native vegetation cover, functioning as isolated islands. Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) is a tree frequently found on limestone outcrops in the central region of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and identify suitable populations for the establishment of Management Units (MUs) for conservation. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity in ten populations sampled from the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. The species exhibited substantial genetic diversity (HT = 0.345; PLP = 97.89%). Populations SAH, JAN, and MON demonstrated elevated rates of polymorphic loci (> 84.2%) along with notable genetic diversity (He > 0.325). Additionally, these populations were the primary contributors to gene flow. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most genetic variation occurs within populations (91.5%) than between them. In the Bayesian analysis, the ten populations were clustered into five groups, revealing the presence of at least three barriers to gene flow in the landscape: 1) the Central Plateau or Paranã River valley; 2) near the Espinhaço mountains or the São Francisco River valley; and 3) around the Mantiqueira mountain range, Chapada dos Veadeiros plateau, and disturbed areas. A positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between genetic (θB) and geographic distances (r = 0.425, p = 0.008). Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of Management Units in Minas Gerais state, encompassing the (1) southern region (MIN population), (2) central region (SAH population), and (3) north region (MON population), as well as in Goiás state, covering the (4) Central Plateau region. These units can significantly contribute to preserving the genetic diversity of these trees and protecting their habitat against ongoing threats.

Serra da Canastra National Park: Influence of forest fires on the RUSLE C factor and its impact on water erosion

The adverse impacts of soil degradation and nutrient loss resulting from water erosion are significant environmental concerns that have profound implications for both water quality and biodiversity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of forest fires on soil loss through water erosion in the Serra da Canastra National Park, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), which considers rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and slope and vegetation cover, the C factor (vegetation cover) values were obtained from data from literature and methods based on the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI). Validation was carried out using data on total sediment, water flow and daily runoff from the hydrosedimentological station and the InVEST software. The results highlight the significant impact of wildfires on soil loss through water erosion and indicate that areas recently affected by wildfires, especially on steep slopes and with more erodible soils, are subject to the highest rates of soil loss. Soil loss rates varied from 0.75 to 12.55 Mg ha-1 yr-1, in part due to the different ways of obtaining factor C. The research emphasizes the need to conserve vegetation cover to prevent soil erosion, particularly in regions impacted by forest fires. This study offers valuable insights that can contribute to enhancing the sustainable environmental management of the Serra da Canastra National Park.

When to switch from pasture to compost barn? An economic analy-sis of four scenarios in Minas Gerais, Brazil

In Brazil, producers are migrating from pasture production systems to compost barns in search of greater profitability. These decisions are taken without an analysis of the cost, economic feasibility, and risks involved in this change. Our study investigates the economic feasibility and risk of implementing the compost barn system and compares it to pasture production in the state of Minas Gerais’ southern region. Four scenarios were developed using data from literature and a panel of experts. They inform the production margin, the evaluated production system, investment data, revenue data and cost data. The scenarios were evaluated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. All scenarios had negative minimum values for NPV and IRR, indicating the probability of not being economically viable and demonstrating the risks involved in the dairy activity. However, scenarios 2 (Pasture, from 501 to 1,000 liters/day) and 4 (Compost Barn, from 1,000 to 2,000 liters/day) had positive means for NPV, with the highest probability of occurring values greater than zero. The analysis of the IRR result reinforces the better performance presented by scenarios 2 and 4, with greater probabilities of positive return and, consequently, lower risk. Scenarios 1 (Pasture, up to 500 liters/day) and 3 (Compost Barn, from 501 to 1,000 liters/day) can be discarded by the producer as an investment alternative.

Validation of the MGB-IPH hydrological model for flows simulation in paired watershed in minas gerais, Brazil.

Simulating hydrological behavior makes it possible to analyze and predict water availability in river basins, anticipate potential events and carry out quantitative water balances using various scenarios. These scenarios arise from changes in land use and landscape over the years, the occurrence of extreme events and the effects of climate change. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Large Basin Hydrological Model (MGB-IPH) for representing rainfall-runoff in the paired watershed of the Piracicaba River and Piranga River in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the usual calibration and validation procedures. The results of the average statistical performance indices NASH, NASH-Log, BIAS, R², D and Dr showed that the model was able to simulate the seasonality of the watersheds and presented good adjustments, with a tendency to overerestimate the flow, but within acceptable limits. It is concluded that the model performed satisfactorily in its ability to simulate the hydrological behaviour of the Piracicaba River and Piranga River watersheds, despite its limitations and the lack of input data, making it an applicable tool in local contexts.