Brazilian Process Research Articles

Pandemic communication in times of populism: Politicization and the COVID communication process in Brazil, Poland, Serbia and the United States

This paper explores patterns of communication during the COVID-19 pandemic in four countries with right-wing populist governments during that period, Brazil, Poland, Serbia and the United States, based on interviews with key actors involved in that process. We look at a number of characteristics normally associated with populist rule and political culture likely to affect pandemic communication, including polarization, cultural populism hostile to expertise, personalized rule and machismo, the performance of crisis, and illiberalism. We find that many of these characteristics can be seen in patterns of pandemic communication across the four countries, but also find significant differences in the response of populist leaders between the U.S. and Brazil, on one hand, and Poland and Serbia on the other. Differences can be linked to different varieties of populism in the four countries and specifically their commitment to libertarian or more statist approaches, which also inform disparate public health policies, as well as to different levels of entrenchment of populists in positions of power. We conclude by discussing the politicization of public health and the lessons of the COVID pandemic for emergency risk communication in the era of populism.

Brazilian reconstitutionalization in the second wave: a competition of democracies

ABSTRACT In the decade and a half following World War II, processes of democratization took place across the globe in what political scientists frequently refer to as the second wave of democracy. This democratization was defined by a series of debates about the true meaning and correct form of democracy. This article examines the drafting of the 1946 Constitution of Brazil within this context. Specifically, this text reviews the ways competing definitions of democracy fueled the debates at the constitutional convention and informed the creation of political institutions. In contrast to previous scholarship on the drafting of the 1946 Constitution that depicts the proceedings as a competition between reactionary conservative and pro-democracy factions, this article finds that this Constitution constitutes a reconciliation of the competing definitions of democracy that existed among the Brazilian political class at that time. This contradicts the commonly held view that the 1946 regime was a muted democratic experiment. Furthermore, the article highlights some of the ways in which the democratization process in Brazil mirrored transitions elsewhere and how it was unique.

Market Practices and Structuring Practices on Market Making: Sustainable Certified and Specialty Coffee Market Dynamics in Brazil

On this paper, in a five years longitudinal study, the theoretical framework the constructivist market studies (CMS) were used to analyze how market practices interacted with structuring practices in the making of market arrangements throughout the sustainable and specialty coffee market development process in Brazil. Through the historical reconstruction of the UTZ certification program in Brazil and the Cup of Excellence (COE) coffee quality competition, based on document analysis and in-depth interviews, it was possible to identify the main market practices adopted by the actors involved in the organization and in market designing. It was possible to select specific translation moments that resulted in different market framings, showing how rules, devices and practices shaped the Brazilian coffee market. Main representational, normalizing and exchange practices were identified and it was highlighted the role of a new analytical category called “market structuring practices”, which acts as an important mechanism for the making of market arrangements and for the shaping and consolidation of market practices (marketization process).

Redesigning tax debt collection process in Brazil: process automation & nudging for tax compliance

Propósito: Este estudio tiene como objetivo contribuir al conocimiento sobre el problema del cumplimiento tributario en Brasil al probar si Business Process Management (BPM) y el Nudge pueden ayudar a mejorar la recaudación de la deuda tributaria. El objetivo es evaluar si este enfoque mixto es efectivo y si puede implementar una transformación duradera en la administración tributaria brasileña.Diseño/metodología/enfoque: Este artículo presenta un estudio de caso orientado a la práctica que utiliza la metodología Business Process Transformation (BPT) para rediseñar y automatizar un proceso de cobro de deudas tributarias aplicando los conocimientos de la teoría del Nudge y luego prueba su efectividad usando experimentación controlada o prueba A/B.Hallazgos: al personalizar los parámetros para la mensajería automatizada con los contribuyentes en función del diseño de comportamiento y las pruebas A/B de los grupos, los autores pudieron identificar un aumento del comportamiento de cumplimiento del 2,90 % junto con un aumento de ingresos estimado de U$ 4 millones (P = 0,01). La evaluación posterior mostró que las nuevas prácticas eran duraderas, lo que indicaba el éxito de los métodos adoptados.Originalidad/valor: este estudio agrega nuevos conocimientos sobre la efectividad de BPT para la administración tributaria brasileña, reafirma cómo el Nudge puede apoyar el cumplimiento tributario en este contexto y ofrece información sobre la combinación de estos diferentes campos de conocimiento.

Niemeyer in the Desert. Presences of the Russian Avant-Garde in Ibirapuera Park

This article traces how Oscar Niemeyer and his team’s early draft of the Ibirapuera Park project (1951–1954) employs resources from the art and architecture of the Russian avant-garde of the early 20th century. It presents similarities with two projects by architect Ivan Leonidov regarding formal citations and the dispersion of volumes in space. It states a strong link between the Brazilian architect’s work and the suprematist conception of space, which employs empty space as a “desert condition” that aesthetically elaborates on the isolation characteristic of the modern condition. Such use of space articulates Niemeyer’s tragic perception of the modernization process in Brazil. However, the marquee in Ibirapuera Park suggests an integration of the otherwise dispersed volumes. It allows for the social appropriation of space and the coexistence of diverse groups, thus producing a space where integration between bodies remains possible.

A Organização do Currículo na Educação Infantil com Base na BNCC

The National Common Curricular Base for Early Childhood Education (BNCC) is an essential document that guides the educational process in Brazil, providing guidelines for curriculum organization in the initial stage of education. In this article, we discuss the signifi cance of the BNCC in structuring the curriculum in Early Childhood Education, highlighting its methodology of implementation and the expected outcomes for the holistic development of children. To achieve this, we employed a methodology of documentary studies, analysis of educational legislation, and a review of related research literature. Through data collection and synthesis, we aimed to emphasize the principles and objectives of the BNCC, its pedagogical guidelines, and its contribution to curriculum structuring in this educational stage. As a result, we identifi ed that the BNCC aims to promote the holistic development of children, encompassing cognitive, socio-emotional, physical, and cultural aspects. By proposing a curriculum based on these guidelines, we seek to ensure that all children have meaningful and age-appropriate learning opportunities according to their developmental stage. The curriculum becomes more fl exible and contextualized, recognizing the importance of considering each school’s particularities and valuing cultural and regional diversity. Furthermore, the BNCC guarantees rights and equity, as it establishes learning rights for all children in early childhood education, regardless of their origin, social status, or specifi c needs. Organizing the curriculum based on these rights aims to promote educational equity and combat inequalities. The BNCC also highlights the signifi cance of play as a pedagogical principle, recognizing it as a form of expression, learning, and child development. By organizing the curriculum based on this principle, the role of play in the educational process is valued, providing playful and creative moments for children.

Implementação de tecnologias em saúde no Brasil: análise de orientações federais para o sistema público de saúde

Abstract This study aimed to identify the regulatory framework and federal guidelines that support the process of implementing health technologies in the Unified Health System (SUS) through analysis of documents and legislation related to the National Health Technology Management Policy, published between 2009 and 2021. The search and selection of documents and subsequent data extraction were carried out. The documents were grouped into three categories: structural regulatory documents, recommendations on evaluation of technologies, and recommendations on clinical guidelines. In 38.8% of the regulatory documents, citations to implementation related mainly to SUS clinical guidelines were identified; however, no document dedicated to guiding implementation actions was identified. Recommendations related to implementations were identified in 27.1% of the reports and 66.1% of the guidelines, although without standardization and, in general, in little detail, focusing on resources and actions needed for making technology available rather than on methods and interventions for its implementation. The results evidence a gap in formal guidelines to guide the implementation process in Brazil, representing an opportunity for the development of models aligned with the reality of the SUS.

The Lighthouse Disaster Centre concept for citizens based on a comparison of logistics processes in Brazil and Poland

Natural disasters have become more recurrent in the world. Thus, solutions must be addressed for fast and effective response for citizens. This paper proposed the concept of a lighthouse disaster centre for citizens by comparing Brazil and Poland's disaster relief logistics processes. Moreover, a systematic literature review showed that scholars do not address citizens' perspectives. This research gap was confirmed in the documental analysis of legislation in both countries. The lighthouse disaster centre is an effective way to include citizens in disaster relief strategies and procedures in the post-disaster humanitarian logistics context.

Implementation of health technologies in Brazil: analysis of federal guidelines for the public health system.

This study aimed to identify the regulatory framework and federal guidelines that support the process of implementing health technologies in the Unified Health System (SUS) through analysis of documents and legislation related to the National Health Technology Management Policy, published between 2009 and 2021. The search and selection of documents and subsequent data extraction were carried out. The documents were grouped into three categories: structural regulatory documents, recommendations on evaluation of technologies, and recommendations on clinical guidelines. In 38.8% of the regulatory documents, citations to implementation related mainly to SUS clinical guidelines were identified; however, no document dedicated to guiding implementation actions was identified. Recommendations related to implementations were identified in 27.1% of the reports and 66.1% of the guidelines, although without standardization and, in general, in little detail, focusing on resources and actions needed for making technology available rather than on methods and interventions for its implementation. The results evidence a gap in formal guidelines to guide the implementation process in Brazil, representing an opportunity for the development of models aligned with the reality of the SUS.

Stakeholder Analysis as a strategic tool in framing collaborative governance arenas for marine litter monitoring

Monitoring and assessment of marine litter requires multi-stakeholder involvement at national and subnational levels. Collaborative governance approaches are important, but often fail without adequate effort towards identifying and engaging stakeholders with appropriate profiles for the issue at stake. Stakeholder Analysis (SA) is increasingly used to ensure efficient governance arrangements. Our hypothesis is that SA contributes to collaborative governance processes for marine litter policies. We explored a pioneer participatory process in Brazil, where SA was applied to identify, categorize, and prioritize stakeholders, and analyze their power and interest, for the Strategic Plan for Monitoring and Assessing Marine Litter in the state of São Paulo. A top-down/bottom-up approach revealed that snowball sampling complemented the stakeholder assemblage identified by the consultation of experts. Prioritization of data-related stakeholders streamlined the participatory process. The interest-power matrix evaluated stakeholders' influences, guiding specific engagement strategies. We highlight the significance of SA in collaborative governance and mobilizing key stakeholders for effective marine litter monitoring initiatives, contributing to the global agenda to combat marine pollution.

Money in Electoral Campaigns: The Relationship between Money and Politics as a Cause of the Judicialization of Electoral Processes in Brazil

The electoral court is a specialized branch of the Brazilian judiciary that not only organizes and regulates elections in the country but also resolves conflicts between political actors involved in the electoral process. The (mis)use of money in electoral campaigns is one of the causes of the judicialization of electoral processes in Brazil. In fact, among many other reasons, such judicialization can occur when actors in the electoral process (candidates, parties, and party coalitions) are accused, either by their opponents and/or by the Electoral Public Prosecutor’s Office, of irregularities such as abuse of economic power, illegal fundraising or expenditure of electoral resources, electoral corruption, or falsification of the campaign’s accounting records. Through the study of electoral lawsuits filed between 2008 and 2016 against mayoral candidates, this work has two objectives: (i) to dimension the importance of the relationship between money and politics as a cause of the judicialization of electoral processes in Brazilian local elections and (ii) to characterize the candidates that appear as defendants in electoral lawsuits filed by that cause.

Aging, education and some other implications for the silver dividend in developing countries: Evidence from Brazil

Population aging increases dependency levels and can influence the transition from working life to retirement. Changes in population structure have important economic effects, which can be positive when analyzing the impacts of a more educated older labor force but could also impact families and governments. It is important to consider how age and education composition are associated with each other in contexts marked by high levels of inequality. In this paper, we analyze the economic consequences of the aging process in Brazil considering the role of improvements in education and the possibility of the constitution of a silver dividend in the country. We use a series of simulation models, based on the determinants of labor supply and labor income of people aged 45 years and over, to investigate the impacts of changes in the educational composition of the labor force. Our simulations show that the positive association between education, labor supply, and labor income would be more pronounced in scenarios of higher levels of education, labor market stability (high status activities and informality reduction), and changes in retirement rules, specifically the establishment of minimum ages. Such a context would increase the number of older workers and improve productivity, allowing appropriate conditions for the development of a silver dividend in Brazil in a quantitative and a qualitative way.

Observatório Covid-19 Fiocruz - uma análise da evolução da pandemia de fevereiro de 2020 a abril de 2022

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the living and working conditions of the entire population of Brazil, having a different and more intense effect on groups considered to be vulnerable. The objective of this article is to present an overview of the evolution of the pandemic in the country according to the bulletins of the Covid-19 Fiocruz Observatory in the period between the declarations of the beginning and end of the Public Health Emergency of National Concern (ESPIN, in Portuguese), February 2020 to April 2022. Several of the indicators adopted in the 69 bulletins published for the analysis of the pandemic were used, such as cases and deaths due to SARIs and COVID-19, age groups, % of occupancy of ICU beds, and vaccination, among others. The evolution analysis was organized between years and phases of the pandemic, seeking to highlight what characterized each moment. The closing statement of ESPIN in Brazil coincides with the discussions on the transition from a pandemic to an endemic scenario, without this representing the elimination of the virus, infections, and disease, posing the challenges of advances in vaccination processes in Brazil and around the world, as well as living with scenarios that may require the adoption of temporary protection measures in epidemic periods and periods of greater risk for vulnerable groups.

Covid-19 Fiocruz Observatory - an analysis of the evolution of the pandemic from February 2020 to April 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the living and working conditions of the entire population of Brazil, having a different and more intense effect on groups considered to be vulnerable. The objective of this article is to present an overview of the evolution of the pandemic in the country according to the bulletins of the Covid-19 Fiocruz Observatory in the period between the declarations of the beginning and end of the Public Health Emergency of National Concern (ESPIN, in Portuguese), February 2020 to April 2022. Several of the indicators adopted in the 69 bulletins published for the analysis of the pandemic were used, such as cases and deaths due to SARIs and COVID-19, age groups, % of occupancy of ICU beds, and vaccination, among others. The evolution analysis was organized between years and phases of the pandemic, seeking to highlight what characterized each moment. The closing statement of ESPIN in Brazil coincides with the discussions on the transition from a pandemic to an endemic scenario, without this representing the elimination of the virus, infections, and disease, posing the challenges of advances in vaccination processes in Brazil and around the world, as well as living with scenarios that may require the adoption of temporary protection measures in epidemic periods and periods of greater risk for vulnerable groups.

Drug Product and Drug Substance (CADIFA) Registration process in Brazil

There is a significant demand for improved healthcare and advanced pharmaceuticals in Brazil, presenting lucrative opportunities for foreign investors. However, engaging in business activities in Brazil can be challenging due to various factors. The process of registering pharmaceutical products in the country is time-consuming. Moreover, the highly regulated, complex, and fragmented Brazilian healthcare system, which is prone to corruption, can pose significant difficulties for small and medium-sized enterprises lacking the necessary financial resources and market knowledge. To comply with regulations, companies must provide detailed information about their drug products, including specifications, leaflets/labels, precautions, and other crucial details, all of which must be submitted in Portuguese in a comprehensive dossier. It typically takes close to a year to complete the medical registration process. In Latin America, specifically Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, there is a push to promote the registration of generic products by reducing the associated costs. Despite the obstacles and issues faced, Brazil's population of nearly 200 million people, its strategic position within Latin America, and its growing economy collectively present an appealing and promising market for various pharmaceutical sectors, offering potential for profitability.

Gaps and Impediments to Organ Donation in Brazil: A Literature Review

Objective: To explore the factors that hinder organ donation in Brazil. Methods: A literature review was carried out, seeking the main factors that hamper organ donation, using the following descriptors: organ referral, brain death, and intensive care. Results: 54 studies published in the last five years were found: PubMed (n=15), EMBASE (n=32), Lilacs (n=1), Mendeley (n=16) and SciELO (n=0). Family members’ refusal is the main difficulty in the organ donation process in Brazil. The systematization of organ capture and distribution and the efficiency of diagnosing brain death proved predictive factors for higher rates of family acceptance and efficiency in the process stages. Conclusion: Measures to systematize organ procurement and distribution and the health team’s training can benefit the Brazilian organ donation scenario.

Preserving trust in democracy: The Brazilian Superior Electoral Court's quest to tackle disinformation in elections

ABSTRACT Trust is the foundation on which democracy is built. Not coincidentally, it is the main victim of attacks by disinformation merchants bent on undermining the electoral process and the democratic environment. This article outlines the efforts of the Brazilian Superior Electoral Court (TSE) to tackle the effects of ‘information disorder’ on its democratic process, discussing its partnerships with digital platforms and civil society to guarantee transparency and to build trust and integrity in electoral processes in Brazil. The TSE aims to increase the electorate's access to information and its resilience to disinformation, as well as build official mechanisms to respond to these threats. Related decisions issued by the court will also be analysed. The article demonstrates how these initiatives have helped the TSE to reduce disinformation in the electoral information ecosystem and enabled a more informed exercise of the right to vote.

Challenges of household medical waste collection systems: an analysis of regulatory instruments and stakeholders in three Latin American countries

Household medical waste is often improperly disposed of in several countries, despite the presence of a collection mechanism. This study attempts to identify the challenges of medical waste collection systems, focusing on the regulatory instruments and the stakeholders involved in this process in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. A descriptive analysis was conducted to identify the differences between these countries. The results reveal that, in general, only 7 out of the 20 regulatory instruments for solid waste are applied in the household medical waste collection process, focusing on the direct stakeholders in the human medicines market, from manufacturers to consumers. The main challenges identified are incorporating veterinary medicines, defining roles for all stakeholders involved, such as healthcare providers and health teaching institutions, and expanding the use of regulatory instruments. These findings support the use of legislation to reduce the stakeholder contributions gap for the collection of household medical waste.

Abstract 23: Comparative Analysis of Time Between Diagnosis and First Treatment of Malignant Prostate Cancer in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS)

Abstract Purpose: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in males in Brazil, with an increase of 29% new cases every year. Treatment may be done by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Due to its size and diversity, the country has noticeable inequalities in the Unified Public Healthcare System (SUS). Therefore, we intend to analyze the time between malignant prostate cancer diagnosis and first treatment with possible disparities in this process in Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional design of data collected from the Oncology Panel of DATASUS’s Hospital Information System. The study analyzes the time between diagnosis and initial treatment for malignant prostate cancer between 2015 and 2020. There were 4 intervals: the same day, 1-30 days, 31-60 days, and above 60 days. Results: The number of prostate treatments in Brazil, through the Public Health System (SUS), between January 2015 and December 2020, was 153.802. From those, 18.545 were performed the same day of diagnosis; 11.025 in the 1-30 days interval between diagnosis and treatment; 19.960 in the 31-60 days interval and 104.272 above 60 days. Hence, 49.530 (32,2%) treatments were performed within 60 days and 104.272 (67,8%) were performed after 60 days of diagnosis. Conclusion: The Brazilian Law stipulates that the care must be provided within 60 days of diagnosis. However, the results of this study shows there is a significant delay in this system, which affects the morbimortality of the majority of patients subjected to postponements. As a result, it is essential to determine the extent of these consequences to improve the management and execution of malignant prostate cancer treatments. Citation Format: Luiza Seixas de Sá Beltramo, Fernando Azambuja, Pedro Antonio Paludo Menna Barreto, Pedro Arthur Zimmer Silveira, Laura Tibola Marques da Silva, Lucas Kieling, Rafaela de Andrade, Arthur Minas Alberti, Gabriele Eckerdt Lech. Comparative Analysis of Time Between Diagnosis and First Treatment of Malignant Prostate Cancer in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 23.

Front-of-package label in Brazil: Comparison of guideline daily amounts, traffic-light and warning systems

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are considered a global public health problem related to dietary factors. In this sense, front-of-package (FOP) labeling is a valuable tool to help consumers assess food products’ composition and make healthier choices. The mandatory FOP labeling adoption process in Brazil was initiated in 2014 and ended in 2020. This work aims to evaluate consumer’s perception and preference towards three different FOP label systems (Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA), Traffic-Light (TL), and Triangular Warnings (TW)) and identify which one is more effective in improving consumer’s understanding. An online survey with 1671 participants was conducted with a nutrient quiz, a healthiest product quiz, and questions about perception and preference. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and logistic regression. TL performed better on the nutrient quiz than GDA. On the healthiest product quiz, TL and TW had a higher rate of correct answers. GDA was considered helpful in deciding which product to buy. TL was considered easy and quick to understand. TW was considered incomplete but helpful in deciding which product to buy. TL was the preferred label, followed by GDA and TW. The evidence from the present study highlights TL and TW’s potential to help consumers understand the products’ nutritional profile. However, any FOP label implementation must be accompanied by educational campaigns to ensure the population can understand and use it effectively.