State ofMinas Gerais Research Articles

Impact of Credit in Rural Settlements of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of credit from the National Agrarian Reform Program (PNRA) on the income of family plots allocated by the National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INCRA) in the state of Minas Gerais, aiming to identify the correlation between the credit provided and the income generated. Theoretical Framework: Credit programs aimed at family farming enable the development of their activities in a sustainable, regulated manner and in compliance with environmental preservation, facilitating the construction and improvement of production systems according to each producer’s needs. Method: The study uses data collected from the RADIS/UFMT Project, in agrarian reform settlements in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were processed and systematized using the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) regression model, with the use of Stata 16® software. Results and Discussion: The most accessed credit line by the beneficiaries was the Semi-arid line. The hypothesis that credit granted by the National Agrarian Reform Program (PNRA) is positively correlated with the income of plots allocated to families settled by INCRA is confirmed, showing an approximate 19% increase in the income of plots compared to those without access to credit. That is, for every R$1.00 of credit provided to the plot, there is an approximate increase of R$0.19 in income.

Understanding American tegumentary leishmaniasis in urban Montes Claros, Brazil: insights from clinical, immunological and therapeutic investigations.

The challenge of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) continues in Brazil, presenting a persistent public health issue despite initiatives aimed at public outreach, vector control and health education. To gain a deeper understanding of this disease, a study was conducted in an endemic region located in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study monitored 30 resident patients diagnosed with ATL, using serum samples from 6 healthy individuals as controls. The localized cutaneous form of the disease was found to be predominant, with lesions appearing on various parts of the body and the majority of the affected individuals being male. The study found significantly higher levels of IgG anti-α-Gal antibodies in ATL-infected patients compared to healthy individuals. Treatment of 19 patients with meglumine antimoniate resulted in limited improvement in symptoms for most. Nonetheless, the study found that 12 patients who completed treatment with epithelialization of the lesions showed a significant decrease in IgG anti-α-Gal antibodies, indicating potential applications of this antibody in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. The study also identified Leishmania species in 7 analysed patients, revealing 6 cases infected by Leishmania braziliensis and 1 by L. infantum, with a significant difference in the anti-α-Gal responses. The findings of the study emphasize the urgent need for the development of human vaccines and innovative treatment strategies adapted to the diversity of Leishmania species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis and individual patient responses to improve the clinical management of ATL in Brazil and similar endemic regions.

Drug dispensing in public community pharmacies: evidence from the MedMinas project

BackgroundDrug dispensing is a service provided by pharmacists to ensure the supply of medications and other health-related products. However, despite the importance of dispensing services, Public Community Pharmacies (PCP) in Brazil still focus on the control and distribution of medicines and supplies. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate how the pharmacists in charge conduct and the challenges they encounter in dispensing services in PCP.MethodsThis is a mixed methods study, with a representative sample of 26 municipalities (whose populations vary between 37,784 and 409,341 inhabitants) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection took place between April and October 2019 and included interviews and documentary research. Quantitative data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was subjected to thematic content analysis.Results24 dispensing services were analyzed. The PCP had, on average, two active pharmacists and operated full-time (40 h per week). In relation to dispensing services, the most frequently mentioned steps were checking the adequacy of the prescription received, followed by providing counseling to the user about the medicines, mainly regarding administration, storage and disposal. The results highlighted a need for improvements in terms of infrastructure, workforce and the pharmacist’s work process.ConclusionIt is necessary to invest and to design improvement strategies in dispensing services, especially regarding physical infrastructure, human resources and work processes.

Multimorbidity patterns and socioeconomic conditions: Association with functional limitations in older adults

This study evaluated the association between multimorbidity patterns and socioeconomic conditions with functional limitation in individuals aged 60 years or older from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with data from the last National Health Survey. Dependent variables were functional limitations in basic (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The independent variables were multimorbidity patterns and socioeconomic conditions. Multimorbidity patterns were defined using an exploratory factor analysis. The association between multimorbidity patterns and dependent variables was tested using logistic regression models adjusted for covariates. Multimorbidity patterns were associated with limitations in BADL and IADL, except for the metabolic profile for IADL. Individuals with higher income had lower chances of being limited in BADL. Older adults with a higher level of education and income had lower chances of limitation in IADL. Multimorbidity patterns and socioeconomic conditions were associated with limitations in BADL and IADL.

Desafios para a Manutenção e Preservação de Coleções Zoológicas: um Estudo de Caso de Coleções de Mastozoologia em Minas Gerais, Brasil

Zoological collections serve as a basis for implementing public policies aimed at conserving natural environments. In Brazil, the majority of institutions that house zoological collections are university institutions, the majority of which have challenging conditions to maintain them as would be ideal. The present study aims to carry out a survey of the main institutions that have zoological collections in the state of Minas Gerais and, using a questionnaire, understand what are the biggest challenges faced in maintaining the collections. The research was directed to ten institutions. From the points raised, it was observed that, in the 21st century, the lack of financing and attack by pests (e.g., fungi and moths, among others) on preserved materials are the main obstacles to institutions, followed by inadequate physical spaces for storage. of material, lack of professionals and fallen biological material. Based on the above and the data collected by the research, it is suggested that public and/or private financing are extremely important in the conservation of zoological collections in the state of Minas Gerais.

The Ecological Modernization Paradigm applied to fiduciary donations to traditional peoples organizations in the Brazilian Cerrado Biome

This article aims to understand the modus operandi used by the Center for Alternative Agriculture in Northern Minas Gerais (CAA), an non-governmental organization of traditional peoples from the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais, in the course of the implementing the Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Indigenous Peoples, Quilombolas and Traditional Communities of the Brazilian Cerrado Biome (DGM Brazil Project). Based on an empirical study carried out while I was an employee of a non-governmental organization, I propose a differentiated theoretical-methodological format for interdisciplinary research, combining professional experience, documentary analysis and bibliographic review. The article is concerned with linking this experience to other economic and political contexts, with emphasis on the recent dynamics of management and implementation of fiduciary donations by non-governmental organizations in Latin America. It supports the hypothesis that these experiences reproduce the Ecological Modernization Paradigm, based in the belief in efficiency as a means of achieving sustainable development.

Challenges of environmental impact assessment in addressing environmental risk: insights from Brazilian practice in mining dams

ABSTRACT Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Risk Assessment (RA) are critical tools for assessing and managing environmental impacts and risks of projects. However, their integration remains a challenge. This study examines how EIA practices account for risks in evaluating the environmental feasibility of mining dam projects in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We analyzed licensing processes for projects approved between 2004 and 2022, using data from the state’s environmental agency. Methods included documentary and content analysis of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and review reports. Among the 25 cases analyzed, most focused solely on risk control without performing RA. Only two cases included RA, and two others lacked any risk-related information. Review reports revealed that only two went beyond considering risk control when assessing environmental feasibility. This suggests decision-making relies on a narrow focus on risk control. Furthermore, there is a misalignment between the EIS content and the criteria for project acceptability in review reports. Finally, we explore how politicization may undermine the EIA’s role in objective, and evidence-based decision-making. These findings underscore the superficial and fragmented approach to addressing environmental risk in mining dam assessments in Minas Gerais.

Study on access to social protection policies by homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The study analyzed the access of homeless people (HP) to health and social protection policies, including emergency measures, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belo Horizonte (BH), capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Its main objective was to provide data on the profile of HP in the municipality, in addition to evaluating existing public policies focused on HP, based on the time frame of the health emergency. Study with mixed methods design with triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data. It used official databases in parallel with document analysis, interviews and focus groups. As a result, the cartography showed that in the first months of the pandemic the municipality had difficulty reorganizing the health system, which underwent constant protocol updates, consolidating, however, over the months. Important emergency interventions in the municipality of BH involved activities that facilitated HP’s access to the provision of services, including intersectorality between health services, social assistance and the third sector. The temporary offer of various intersectoral services, simultaneously with the offer of daytime shelters by organized civil society, was considered a key factor for the expansion and intensification of care networks for HP during the emergency phase. Itinerant services were among those with the greatest positive evidence of service to HP, with emphasis on the ‘Consultório na Rua’. The study concluded that understanding the profile of homeless people in BH and the intersectoral variables that impact HP contributes to better directing investments in interventions for these individuals and increasing the effectiveness of health and social protection systems, in line with with the work carried out by the third sector. Key messages • Understanding the inter-sector variables that impact Homeless People contributes to better targeting of investments in interventions in protection social. • Knowing the profile of the homeless population makes it possible to organize more effective health care and social assistance.

Approach to Mental Disorders in Dental Education in a Brazilian State

Oral diseases present higher prevalence in people with mental disorders, which makes dental care a possible means for screening and referral to mental health specialized care. Because some dental conditions can be caused by or associated with mental disorders, dentists can identify patients’ mental health care needs. However, they have shown low confidence and a lack of training in dealing with mental health patients, which may indicate a deficiency in the approach to mental disorders in dental education. This study aimed to verify whether undergraduate Dentistry courses in a Brazilian state introduce knowledge about adult mental disorders into their curriculum content. The courses operating in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were assessed by information available at the e-MEC system, the official database of courses and Higher Education Institutions in Brazil, and at institutions’ websites. Two researchers independently assessed pedagogical projects, curriculum matrices, syllabi, and teaching plans. Psychology disciplines Applied Psychology and Psychology-related were identified, and their syllabi and teaching plans were screened, searching for themes related to mental disorders and/or psychopathology. Of the 73 courses included, 34 were evaluated, and only five courses presented disciplines with some approach to mental disorders and/or psychopathology. The results showed that a large part of undergraduate Dentistry courses assessed do not address knowledge about adult mental disorders as part of dental education. Considering the impact of mental disorders on oral and systemic health, it is important to reflect on the role of dentists in mental health care and on the responsibility of Higher Education Institutions regarding the development of skills and competencies of these professionals. The results of this study draw attention to the need to address adult mental disorders in dental education, reinforcing mental health as an important aspect of patients’ general health.

Genetic characterisation of Annona crassiflora as basis for conservation and breeding

Abstract Annona crassiflora is a fruit-bearing tree species native to the Cerrado that has ecological and economic potential, mainly due to the production of attractive and useful fruits for a number of species, including humans. To provide a basis for its conservation and breeding, the objective was to assess the diversity and genetic structure of natural populations of the species using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. Eight populations were analysed in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with 24 individuals randomly sampled in each population, reaching a total of 192 trees. Ten ISSR primers were used, resulting in high genetic diversity for the combined data (H* = 0.35 and I* = 0.52). However, a wide range of representative values was observed in the individual assessment of populations, with JAN, GM and MC standing out for their low genetic diversity, resulting in H* of 0.19, 0.23 and 0.24 and I* of 0.28, 0.34 and 0.35, respectively. An analysis of molecular variance showed greater variation within populations, indicating gene flow (Nm), but genetic differentiation between populations was moderate. Bayesian analysis, although resulting in four genetic groups, revealed the presence of a majority group for the GM and JAN populations. We propose measures to maintain these populations, such as raising awareness of local extractivism and planting genetically divergent seedlings. Furthermore, we recommend including of all populations in conservation and breeding programmes, aiming to cover the maximum genetic variation for the species.

RESIDE: REPRESENTATIVE DATABASES FOR MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION TOOL

RESIDE is a software that allows designers and decision-makers to simultaneously consider issues related to energy consumption for environmental conditioning and water heating, construction costs and public policies from the initial planning stages of residential developments. However, its use is conditional on the existence of a database for the context analyzed. Understanding the growing importance of addressing the innate complexity in sustainability-oriented design activities, this article presents a procedure to identify representative databases for the state of Minas Gerais, in order to enable the use of the RESIDE multi-criteria decision tool.

Extraction and characterization of essential oils from fresh and dry leaves of Pinus elliottii

Essential oils are secondary metabolites whose properties have been studied mainly with emphasis on antimicrobial, biological and pharmaceutical fields, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, pest control and insect repellents. Essential oils from fresh and dry leaves of Pinus elliottii were extracted by hydrodistillation, chemically characterized and quantified by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. The plant leaves were collected in a reforested area in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The two main components in both characterized essential oils were Germacrene D and β-Pinene. In the essential oil from fresh foliage, Germacrene D (47.71%) was the majority component, while in the essential oil from dry foliage, β-Pinene (30.06%) was the majority component. Literature data point that essential oils with large amount of Germacrene D may act as antibacterial and repellent agents. Additionally, literature data also support that essential oils with large amount of β-Pinene exhibit several biological properties, similar to the Germacrene D, in addition with a wide range of medicinal and pharmacological activities. Thus, from our results and with literature data, it is possible to elucidate new potential applications to essential oils from fresh and dry leaves of Pinus elliottii.

MORTALIDADE DE PESSOAS IDOSAS POR NEOPLASIAS MALIGNAS DOS ÓRGÃOS GENITAIS

Introduction: This article discusses malignant neoplasms of the genital organs in the elderly, in both sexes, in the last ten years, as the elderly population and the number of cancers in the reproductive systems are growing. Objective: To investigate the mortality of elderly people due to malignant neoplasms of the genital organs, according to sex, in the state of Minas Gerais, in the last 10 years. Methodology: This is a descriptive study, with a quantitative, longitudinal approach, carried out using secondary data collected through DATASUS (Informatics Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System). Results and Discussion: From 2013 to 2022, 15,036 deaths of elderly men due to malignant neoplasms of the genital organs were recorded, and 7,965 deaths of elderly women, which corresponded to 65.37% and 34.62% respectively. Men were the most affected by neoplasms of the genital organs in the period studied, and deaths increased with age; It is believed that this is due to the greater omission in seeking public health assistance. In men, the most evident cancer was prostate cancer; in women, the cervix. Conclusion: Health monitoring of elderly people is essential, as this is the population that has grown the most in recent years, in addition to being the most affected by neoplasms. The research highlighted an overview of the number of cases that can favor the planning of strategies to approach this population.

GESTÃO DA MICRO E PEQUENA EMPRESA: DESAFIOS EMPRESARIAIS EM CENÁRIO DE CRISE DECORRENTE DA PANDEMIA DO COVID-19.

The main approach of this paper is to analyze the challenges imposed by the management of micro and small companies, considering the crisis scenario in a municipality in Minas Gerais. So it was approached as a research problem what are the challenges imposed on MSEs in a crisis scenario, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in a city in the interior of the state of Minas Gerais? Using the method of a bibliographic review to support the field research, which in turn was carried out through the application of face-to-face questionnaires to sixtyeight micro and small entrepreneurs in the municipality of Piumhi / MG, with non-probability sampling for accessibility and later analysis of the data collected in the questionnaires. The results showed the business profile and the issues that most impact the ventures in relation to issues related to restrictions and general changes due to the pandemic, and it was verified that online sales have been one of the resources most used by Micro and Small companies in the sector. business. Finally, the work with regard to the practical implications, had the possibility to identify the main effects on MSEs in a crisis scenario, indicating appropriate practices to be implemented by microentrepreneurs. Key words: MSE management; Crisis scenario; Business challenges

Performance evaluation of a wastewater treatment plant from a dairy in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: a case study.

Wastewater generated in dairies has a strong polluting potential and must be treated for disposal into water bodies or reuse. The objective of this work was to analyze the efficiency of removing pollutants through the processes used by a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of a dairy located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. For this purpose, the results of the characterization analyses referring to raw and treated wastewater were interpreted. The results showed that the sequence of processes used in the WWTP (water/oil separation, dissolved air flotation, followed by biodegradation in an upflow anaerobic filter) is efficient in removing on average 99.1% of COD and 98.7% of BOD5. For treated wastewater, data on pH and concentration of total suspended solids, total ammoniacal nitrogen, surfactants, settleable solids, and oils and greases also met the standards for disposal into water bodies. For reuse in agriculture, treated wastewater can be used for irrigation, but it is recommended to additionally evaluate the Escherichia coli parameter. When evaluating the existence of linear correlation between COD and BOD5 data, it was possible to find only a moderate correlation (R2 equal to 0.7) for treated wastewater.

Psychometric Evidence of the Self-Care Actions Scale Focusing on Basic Activities of Daily Living for Elderly People

Introduction: Basic Activities of Daily Living are indicators of functionality and physical independence and are part of the functional capacity of elderly people. Objectives: to interpret the psychometric properties of the Self-Care Actions Scale with Focus on Basic Activities of Daily Living (EACAC-ABVD). Methods: This was a methodological, descriptive and analytical study. The sample consisted of 1200 participants, of both sexes, aged 70 or over, living in cities in the south of the state of Minas Gerais. The instruments used were: Instrument to characterize the basic conditioning factors of elderly people; Self-Care Actions Scale with Focus on Basic Activities of Daily Living (EACAC-ABVD) and Scale to Assess Self-Care Capabilities (EACAC). Results: EACAC-ABVD consisted of 25 items and four domains: 1) Personal hygiene activities (Cronbach's α = 0.968); 2) Eating and oral hygiene activities (Cronbach's α = 0.924); 3) Movement activities (Cronbach's α = 0.882) and 4- Personal appearance activities (Cronbach's α = 0.717). The convergent validity performed between the EACAC-ABVD and the EACAC presented: 1- (r = 0.275 and p: <0.001); 2- (r = 0.225 and p: <0.001); 3- (r = 0.196 and p: <0.001); 4) (r = 0.106 and p: <0.001) and total (r = 0.203 and p: <0.001). Discriminant validity: EACAC-ABVD with age group (p: <0.001) and education (p: <0.001). Conclusion: The EACAC-ABVD demonstrated reliability and validity appropriate for research and nursing care

Mining disaster in Brumadinho (Brazil): Social vulnerability from the perspective of the fisherman community

On January 25, 2019, the state of Minas Gerais (MG) in Brazil witnessed yet another disaster involving the collapse of a mining tailings dam. The disaster occurred in the municipality of Brumadinho, belonging to VALE S.A. One of the activities most affected by the disaster was fishing, which suffered from the immediate death of fish, limitations on the use of water resources and uncertainty about the quality of fish for consumption. In addition, this environmental disaster may have caused socio-environmental and economic impacts, severely damaging the region's riverside community and professional artisanal fishermen. This study was carried out with the fishing community and sought to assess their social vulnerability. In order to characterize the activity and identify possible damage, semi-structured interviews were conducted in May 2022. To analyze the qualitative data, the “RAPFISH” method was adapted, considering the following dimensions: 1- social, 2- perception of environmental risk and health, 3- economic, 4- management and technology, and 5- professional organization and governance. The results showed that the fishing communities have managed to maintain and improve their conditions in some of the dimensions considered, but still present situations of social vulnerability. They indicated that fishing is fundamental to family livelihoods and continues to be practiced regardless of the community's perception of risk. However, raising awareness about fish quality, marketing and consumption after the disaster requires more information and monitoring. Our approach was able to show that, among the five components, the social, environmental and economic dimensions are priorities for planning future actions.

O PAPEL DO AGENTE COMUNITÁRIO DE SAÚDE NA MELHORIA DOS DADOS EPIDEMIOLÓGICOS COMO REDUÇÃO DE ÓBITOS SENSÍVEIS À ATENÇÃO BÁSICA

Introduction: The Community Health Agent (CHA) is responsible for working in the prevention and promotion of health by informing the Family Health Strategy (FHS) team of the population’s needs. Objective: To analyze the responsibilities of CHAs in the care of patients with certain conditions sensitive to primary healthcare, such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the municipality of São João Del Rei/MG (SJDR) in the year 2020. Methodology: A quantitative study was conducted using data from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), gathering the number of deaths from certain preventable causes due to the performance of Primary Health Care (PHC), alongside a literature review. Results: The municipality of SJDR reported deaths from causes sensitive to PHC interventions, such as DM, HTN, and AMI in 2020. When compared to the state of Minas Gerais, the municipality had nearly twice the number of deaths from HTN and AMI, highlighting the need for patient engagement with PHC, as the high mortality rates from these causes negatively impacted the state’s data. Conclusion: It is concluded that the municipality of SJDR had higher mortality rates from DM, HTN, and AMI compared to the state of Minas Gerais in 2020. These data suggest the need for more effective and targeted interventions to prevent the worsening of these conditions, with the role of CHAs becoming crucial in this contexto.

Future climate suitability of Hemileia vastatrix in arabica coffee under CMIP6 scenarios.

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is one of the most important commodities today, with a high economic value worldwide. Coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk. et Br.) has been showing a high impact on Brazilian coffee trees among the various diseases that attack coffee. The climate has a great influence on the development of diseases, especially when fungi are the causal agents. This study aimed to carry out the zoning of climate favorability for coffee leaf rust in the traditional and main coffee-producing regions of Brazil. The study was conducted in 13 locations in the states of Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Goiás and Bahia. Air temperature and daily precipitation data for the current scenario were collected using the WorldClim version 2.1 platform for the last climatological normal and future climate change data. The ideal climate conditions for coffee leaf rust consist of a mean air temperature ranging from 21 to 25 °C and precipitation >30 mm per month. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects scenarios associated with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports consisted of the Shared Socio-Economic Pathways SSP-1 2.6, SSP-2 4.5, SSP-3 7.0 and SSP-5 8.5, the latter being considered one of the most catastrophic. All steps to carry out the suitability zoning were performed in a tool using the QGIS geographic information system software. Zoning for coffee leaf rust had three classes: favorable, relatively favorable and unfavorable. Currently, the largest coffee-producing region in Brazil has 49.1% of its analyzed area classified as favorable, 39.2% as relatively favorable and 11.7% as unfavorable. In the current scenario, Patrocínio and Três Pontas are locations with high coffee production in which the favorable class is predominant. The state of Minas Gerais has an annual mean of 55.3% of its entire territory apt for the disease, with the highest occurrence between September and March. Climate change has a negative impact on the development of coffee leaf rust, mainly in the long term, as in the period of 2081-2100, in which the SSP-5 8.5 scenario led to a decrease in the favorable and unfavorable areas and an increase in the relatively favorable areas of 9.8%, 18.6% and 71.5% for the Brazilian territory, respectively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Analysis of land use change after the Brumadinho tragedy and its legal implications

On January 25, 2019, the “Barragem I” in Brumadinho, state of Minas Gerais, caused significant socio-environmental damage when it burst. 665 victims were identified, with 270 deaths, and unprecedented environmental impacts in the watershed. In this study, we assess land use and land cover changes following the dam damage and the legal implications of these changes. The results show that the tailings extended over 306.95 hectares, burying approximately 98 buildings. Of this area, 45.9% was occupied by native vegetation, 22.19% by agricultural activities, and 2.5% by urban areas. The event caused irreversible impacts on the water quality of the Paraopeba River, decimating ecosystems, leading to socioeconomic destabilization of the region and violating legal environmental requirements. Principles and laws clarify that the principle of prevention, human dignity, and the laws of the National Policy on Dam Safety, the Federal Constitution, and the National Environmental Policy were violated.