Success In Brazil Research Articles

Authentication of sushi and sashimi products from northeastern Pará, coastal Amazon, by DNA barcoding reveals commercial frauds and potential threats to human health and environment

The Japanese cuisine has become a huge success in Brazil over the last years, but little is known about the fisheries resources commercialized to supply this specific market. In the present study, we carried out the first molecular characterization of sushi and sashimi products available in northeastern Pará, coastal Amazon, in order to infer what species have been actually exploited in this trade. We sequenced two mitochondrial DNA regions from 172 samples (138 of fish and 34 of shrimp-derived products) that were divided into 28 haplotypes. The comparative analyses with public DNA barcode databases revealed eight species of fish and three of shrimps among the samples, including cases of commercial frauds. For instance, Ruvettus pretiosus and Lepidocybium flavobrunneum were traded as “anchova” (bluefish), a valid and specific commercial name of Pomatomus saltatrix. Both species can cause gastrointestinal issues, which has led to restrictions on their sale in several countries. All commercialized shrimp-derived products were labeled as “camarão” (shrimp), as generic trade name that could not be applied to identify each species. Furthermore, potentially threatened species have also been recorded in the commercial products, such as Salmo salar and Cynoscion acoupa, classified as “nearly threatened” and “vulnerable”, respectively. The later, popularly known as “pescada-amarela” (acoupa weakfish) has been commercialized as “peixe-branco” (white fish), a designation that is not recognized by the Brazilian regulatory agencies. Both DNA markers (COI and 16S rRNA) were highly efficient in identifying the species from all samples, providing the first list of exploited species for Japanese cuisine along the coastal Amazon. Besides revealing issues in the commercialization of Japanese food items, we recorded a largely overlooked diversity of traded species. These data represent a potential risk to public health and to the environmental conservation such as the presence of exotic species and the exploitation of threatened species that should be considered to support effective policies for the regional regulation of this market.

Corporate Governance Mechanisms and Financial Performance: An Analysis of Listed Companies in Brazil

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the corporate governance mechanisms and financial performance: an analysis of listed companies in Brazil. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The analysis of listed companies in Brazil found that strong corporate governance practices are associated with improved financial performance. Factors such as board independence, transparency, and shareholder rights positively influence profitability, liquidity, and market valuation. This highlights the vital role of effective corporate governance mechanisms in fostering investor confidence and driving sustainable financial success in Brazil. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Agency theory, stakeholder theory & resource dependency theory may be used to anchor future studies on the corporate governance mechanisms and financial performance: an analysis of listed companies in Brazil. By emphasizing the pivotal role of board independence, transparency, and shareholder engagement, the study provides tangible guidance on governance practices that can be effectively implemented to bolster financial performance. Policymakers tasked with overseeing the corporate governance landscape in Brazil

Equivalent biodiversity area: A novel metric for No Net Loss success in Brazil’s changing biomes

This study presents a new method to incorporate the No Net Loss (NNL) principle within corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. This principle aims to ensure that biodiversity losses from human activities are fully offset. In this context, we tackle two main challenges: managing epistemic uncertainties in environmental modeling and accurately assessing compensatory areas needed to replace lost habitats. Focusing on Brazil’s diverse biomes, which are undergoing rapid changes, we highlight the role of expert opinion surveys in addressing the uncertainties of the InVEST Habitat Quality, a model that simulates changes in landscape integrity under different land use scenarios. Our analysis across three of Brazil’s regions – Caatinga Semi-arid, Cerrado Savanna, and Atlantic Forest – leverages open-source data to reveal substantial habitat losses due to activities like wind farm development, mining, and intensive agriculture, leading to a widespread decline in habitat quality. We introduce the Equivalent Biodiversity Area (EBA) metric to support NNL and Net Gain of Biodiversity efforts, measured in hectares. Findings show a reduction in EBA across all studied areas, highlighting the need for effective compensation strategies. Such strategies should merge Legal Reserves and ecological restoration into ESG policies, encourage landholder collaboration, and align with larger environmental efforts, such as watershed revitalization and Biodiversity Credits markets.

How is Integration Defined and Measured, and what Factors Drive Success in Brazil? An Integrative Review

How is Integration Defined and Measured, and what Factors Drive Success in Brazil? An Integrative Review

Doce river mining tailings can be an influencing factor in loggerhead turtles reproductive success in Brazil

In November 2015, a tailings dam ruptured and affected the second largest nesting site of loggerhead sea turtles in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive success, and trace elements in female's plasma, freshly laid eggs, unhatched eggs, and dead hatchlings of loggerhead turtles that nest in the coastal area exposed to the mining waste (Povoação, Espírito Santo state) and compare them with animals from an area that was not affected by the tailings (Praia do Forte, Bahia state). Plasma concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Fe, and Zn were significantly higher in samples from Povoação in comparison to turtles from Praia do Forte. In Povoação, unhatched eggs and dead hatchlings had higher As, Cu, Hg, Mn, and Zn concentrations than freshly laid eggs, and trace elements correlated with the hatching and emergence success. Our findings suggest that the higher concentrations of some metals may influence the incubation period and reproductive success of loggerheads in the affected area.

Lessons from Brazil: Opportunities of Bioethanol Biofuel in Indonesia

Brazil has a long tradition of bioethanol production from sugarcane. Following the Middle East crisis in the 1970s, the oil price increased twofold, doubling Brazil’s spending on oil imports. As a result, the country had to find an alternative type of fuel to reduce its expenditure on conventional petrol fuels. With its vast tropical land conditions, the Brazilian government then put massive effort to establish the infrastructure and research of bioethanol from 1975 and 1989. Research plays a pivotal role in the success of Brazil’s ethanol industry. The country was heavily criticised at the beginning of the programme, but today, Brazil is the second-largest ethanol producer after the USA. Brazil produces the cheapest ethanol in the world and does not depend on fossil fuel to supply its energy demand. Indonesia and Brazil share the same landscape and geographical advantages. This paper aims to discuss the success of the Brazilian bioethanol industry and draw important lessons from it. In a nutshell, Indonesia should increase bioethanol production from renewable sources. Also, the modernization of distilleries facilities, the establishment of new production plants, the introduction of subsidies and the reduction of taxes for ethanol producers are needed. In summary, apart from massive research and development, we concluded that effective and strong long-term government commitment play important role in shaping the future of the Indonesian bioethanol industry.

Promoting healthier options? Inside the branding of light cigarettes and targeting youth in Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to understand how the internal strategies of British American Tobacco (BAT) selling ‘light’ cigarettes to young people in Brazil may inform current global efforts to promote new tobacco and nicotine products. We reviewed industry documents in the Truth Tobacco Industry Documents (TTID) Library. In 1976, Philip Morris and BAT introduced ‘low tar’ or ‘light’ cigarettes in Brazil to maintain and attract new young smokers. At the time it was a novel tobacco product that implied lower health risks. While an initial push for ‘light’ cigarettes in Brazil did not materialise in the 1970s, BAT launched a new ‘light’ cigarette, Free, in 1984, with a marketing campaign consisting of symbols of personal freedom and choice to attract young people. In the mid-1990s, BAT used the success in Brazil to expand the lights segment throughout Latin America. BAT drove the lights segment through brand marketing and claims of a healthier alternative. As tobacco companies introduce and market new tobacco and nicotine products, mixing health and imagery messages, governments should recognise aggressive brand marketing messaging to attract new tobacco users and ensure that marketing regulations are enforced.

ESTRATÉGIAS DE ESTUDO E APRENDIZAGEM DE ESTUDANTES BRASILEIROS EM CURSOS DE FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES

This investigation is part of a larger ongoing research carried out in interinstitutional exchange with several universities in Brazil, one in the United States, and one in Portugal. Its main objectives are to identify the study and learning strategies of Brazilian university students from a public educational institution in the state of São Paulo and to analyze them in relation to students’ sociodemographic and academic life variables. The study included 163 university students enrolled in teacher education programs. Data were collected with the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI – 3rd edition) – translated and adapted for use in Brazil – and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical procedures were employed for data analysis. Students responded to the survey on the Platform Autorregular developed for the research. Overall, students reported using a range of learning and study strategies, with LASSI scale means near the mid-point of the five-point response scale. Significant relationships were found between LASSI scales and sociodemographic and academic life variables. We hope that data gathered in the present study can contribute to increase knowledge about factors that promote self-regulated learning and empower students towards college success in Brazil.

Brazilian Genetic Diversity for Desirable and Undesirable Elements in the Wheat Grain

Micronutrient deficiency affects billions of people, especially in countries where the diet is low in diversity with inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods, and higher consumption of staple food, i.e., cereals, that have low concentrations of micronutrients. Genetic biofortification is a strategy to mitigate this problem and ensure nutritional security. Wheat is a target of genetic biofortification since it contributes significantly to the caloric requirement. The biofortification process involves a screening related to the presence of genetic variability for grain mineral content. Also, the accumulation of toxic elements must be considered to ensure food safety, because if ingested above the allowed concentrations, it represents health risks. In this sense, this study aimed to quantify the micronutrients iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese and toxic elements arsenic and cadmium in a Brazilian wheat panel grown in Southern Brazil. The presence of genetic variability for the accumulation of micronutrients in the grain was detected; however, we observed that only the copper and manganese accumulation meet the human daily requirements. Iron, zinc, and selenium were detected in insufficient concentration to meet the daily demand. Arsenic and cadmium accumulation were not detected in wheat grain. The wheat genotypes grown in Brazil displayed a similar profile to that found in other countries which may be due to common high-yield breeding goals and the narrowing of the genetic variability, observed worldwide. Thus, the wheat genetic biofortification success in Brazil depends on the introduction of foreign genotypes, landraces, and wild relatives.

Will I have a potential successor? Factors influencing family farming succession in Brazil

As the predominant form of land use worldwide, family farming is important in meeting the global challenge of food security. The present research sought to identify the factors influencing the process of family farming succession. In an effort to do so, we analyzed 150 responses to a farmer survey conducted in a region suffering a lack of younger successors. The analysis, based on descriptive statistics and logistic regression models, highlighted the importance of income as a factor encouraging succession. Logistic regression models showed that the number of family members employed, the farm size, the farm’s annual income, and incentives for succession are main factors that influence expectation of a successor in the family farming succession process. The identification of these factors provided important insights for the development of interventions policies to encourage successors to take over family farms.

Teaching writing in Brazilian public high schools

Writing skills are crucial for high school students’ academic, social, and professional success in Brazil. Developing the ability to write, however, is a demanding process that requires considerable support from teachers. The purpose of this study was to survey the population of high school language arts teachers in two Brazilian states about their writing instructional practices, including the use of instructional practices supported by scientifically based research (evidence-based practices), perceptions of their preparation, and perceived self-efficacy in teaching writing. A second aim of this study was to examine whether teacher perceived preparation and self-efficacy predicted teachers’ use of evidence-based writing practices. Nine hundred fifty-three teachers completed the survey. The teachers’ responses point to some potential shortcomings in high school writing instruction, as the majority of teachers reported spending only 50 min per week teaching writing. Although teachers indicated that they were familiar with and used a variety of evidence-based writing practices in their classrooms, they used these practices infrequently. Further, teachers rated the preparation they personally undertook outside college or in-service higher than the preparation they received in college or in-service. The present study provides tentative support for the following recommendations for reforming high school writing instruction in Brazil: (a) increasing the amount of writing instruction and time students spend writing; (b) placing more emphasis on evidence-based writing practices; and (c) strengthening professional development for writing teachers in teacher education degree programs and for those already in the field.

Great expectations: a critical perspective on Open Educational Resources in Brazil

ABSTRACTNearly two decades have passed since the Open Educational Resources (OER) movement was launched. Its success in Brazil can be illustrated with the establishment of a UNESCO Chair in Open Education in 2014, in one of the country’s most prestigious universities. Crucially, OER were included in the 2014–2024 National Education Plan, a key piece of national educational legislation, as a category of educational technologies framed as tools. Assuming metaphors such as this play a key role in the ways we think, speak and act, this article presents a critical perspective on OER in Brazil. Examining the implications of the main metaphors used to construe OER in local media and academic sources, the text argues that these metaphors reflect hegemonic discourses on educational technology, concealing the non-neutrality of technological artefacts, obscuring issues concerning curriculum and pedagogy, and overlooking actual local needs. The article discusses issues concerning local OER advocacy, positioned in respect to specificities of a context where education, albeit a constitutionally established right, may be poised to undergo radical changes in the near future.

Soybean-maize succession in Brazil: Impacts of sowing dates on climate variability, yields and economic profitability

Abstract The soybean-maize succession is an important production system used in Brazil. The greatest challenge related to this kind of system is to define the best sowing dates for the producing regions with different climatic characteristics, improving farmer´s economic profitability. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the best sowing dates for the above-mentioned crop system considering simulations with three crop simulation models (FAO-AZM, DSSAT and APSIM) in a multi-model approach, and to determine the economic profitability of this system at national scale. Previously calibrated and validated models were used to simulate soybean yields for 29 locations in 12 states, with sowing dates ranging from end of September to beginning of January for a period of 34 years (1980–2013). The maize off-season sowing was done just after the soybean harvest, ranging from end of January to beginning of May. The yield data was converted to gross revenue according to the prices commonly practiced in Brazil and then to net revenue by subtracting the production costs for each assessed region. The optimal sowing date varied according to the Brazilian region. For Central Brazil, the highest net revenue was obtained when soybean was sown between the end of September and beginning of October. This period is also recommended in Southern Brazil, because sowing delay can reduce maize yield due to risks of frosts and low solar radiation availability. In the Northern Brazil, mainly in Para state, the soybean sowing should start in November, when net revenue is maximized.

Self-testing, communication and information technology to promote HIV diagnosis among young gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil.

Self-testing, communication and information technology to promote HIV diagnosis among young gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil.

Understanding Necessity Entrepreneurship

Necessity Entrepreneurship (NE) haven’t been closely covered in literature, especially with the speed of development in the last half century and the influence on different socio-economic perspectives. In this book review paper NE is synthesised as a means for self-employment solution on demand. Services of necessity entrepreneurs’ survival and their type of mindset are reviewed, along with their best practices. Brazil success as a model NE country is covered as an example of what can any country do to move people out of poverty through NE schemes. Other NE schemes as: fall-back system, close mentorship and coaching are explored in this review to show their importance compared to financial support. The paper recommends clear transition programs of self-employment and self-reliance that goes beyond the government responsibility by calling for more involvement of private sector, NGOs and even religious organisations. Further, book future improvements are suggested to give this book more shining role towards this highly important subject.

Comments: Offshore Makes a Comeback

Editor's column All eyes in the upstream continue to be on the growth in unconventional production, particularly in the US. But the offshore arena may be making a quiet comeback, at least in the near term. The US Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Latin America, and other spots have seen renewed interest of late, as operators enforce capital discipline to make these expensive projects feasible given the current price climate. Many offshore megaprojects were cut or scaled back when oil prices began to drop sharply in 2014 and, while global offshore output has been steady, it has not grabbed the head-lines that surging shale production has. World offshore output has remained about 27 million B/D over the past decade. US Gulf of Mexico production, which is rising, made up a quarter of US output in the early 2000s but captures only 16% of the total now with the rise in unconventionals. US Gulf of Mexico production in 2017 rose to 1.65 million B/D, the highest annual level on record, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). It is expected to increase this year and in 2019, maintaining record highs. Output will creep to 1.7 million B/D in 2018 and then to 1.8 million B/D in 2018, according to the EIA. This is due mainly to projects that were sanctioned before the price downturn and went forward in 2016 and 2017. The EIA says that seven deepwater fields will start production this year and another three will start up the following year. Shell will begin production from three fields over the period—Gotcha, Rydberg, and Kaikias. Hess and LLOG both will start up two fields, and Stone Energy and Apache will bring one field each online. An offshore auction by the US government in March, the largest for drilling prospects off the US Gulf Coast in history, attracted only modest interest from operators, proving that they are still wary of market conditions. The bidding was for 77 million acres of deep- and shallow-water tracts. Interest offshore Mexico and Brazil remains high. Brazil’s offshore auction in late March brought winning bids from ExxonMobil, Wintershall, Chevron, Shell, BP, Statoil, and Qatar Petroleum. Several operators said their break-even price for offshore projects is now under $50/bbl, well below where prices were trading in mid-April. The success of Brazil’s auction was not only because of rising oil prices and better capital discipline among operators, but also changes in Brazil regulatory laws that made the projects more attractive. That followed a deepwater auction in Mexico earlier this year that saw aggressive winning bids from Shell, which snatched up nine blocks, as well as Petronas and Qatar Petroleum. But offshore production will not catch US onshore output, which continues to outpace expectations despite fears of infrastructure bottlenecks and people shortages. Total US production will reach 11 million B/D this year, a whole year earlier than projected in March, the EIA said in April. Output is averaging 10.2 million B/D so far this year. The EIA expects US production to reach 11.18 million B/D next year.

Education and economic growth in Brazil of 2000s

Brazilian economy was appointed, at the middle 2000s, as a bright promising economy in a global scale. Following the prognostic, Brazil was confirmed as an emergent nation along the years, and even on the harsh period of the international financial crisis of 2008, Brazil still follows his own positive growth path. Among others, some statistics were considerably important to demonstrate Brazil success, such as: GDP, trade balance, consumption, investments and further, launching Brazilian economy on the top 10 largest economies in the world. Despite these positive aspects, the Brazilian education did not follow the same path. While there were improvements in economic-social aspects, such as: reduction of poverty, income equality, social inclusion, housing, sanitation and others, the quality of primarily education did remained in a lower level than world average, according to PISA tests and specialized educational works. These two distinct features contribute to the existence of a paradox between: education and economic growth. The aims of this article is to present the positive and negative aspects of Brazilian economic growth path, pointing out achievements and fails. For then presents a critical view on education system using PISA and others reports. Paradoxically the level of Brazilian education has not become a barrier preventing economic growth, however the gap between education and economic progress would indicate an obstacle ahead. Indeed this will be a necessary challenge to the future of Brazilian government and society.

The Impact of Poultry Imports Liberation on Income Inequality in Indonesia

Livestock is one of the sectors that has great contribution to the national economy and absorbs labor force significantly; by about 4.24 million households are looking for livelihoods in this sector. By the possibility of liberation of poultry imports, such as Brazil's success on dispute of Indonesian poultry imports in the WTO, it isestimated that the income level of the worker in the poultry sector will be disrupted. By employing the Input-Output and Social Accounting Matrices analysis, this study simulates and analyses the impact of poultry import liberation on households' income in Indonesia. The results show that the domestic consumptionsare affected by the imports due to tariff reductions and will further affect the national and sectoral domestic output. The low levels income households who work in agriculture and live in rural areas receive a greater impact of income decrease than urban households, while non-agriculture households who live in urban have a positive impact on income levels. The study also finds that the discrepancy of the income level of several class of households are widen after the liberation of poultry imports.

Biofuels, Bioenergy and the Bioeconomy in North and South.

Biofuels, Bioenergy and the Bioeconomy in North and South.

Dinheiro realmente importa? Uma análise do financiamento de campanha nas eleições para a ALERGS em 2014

O presente artigo analisa a relação entre o financiamento de campanha e votos para a eleição de 2014 na Assembleia Legislativa do Rio Grande do Sul (ALERGS) entre todas as 668 candidaturas. Partindo do pressuposto da literatura de que o financiamento é uma variável-chave para explicar o sucesso eleitoral, mostra-se que ele somente é verdadeiro quando não há outras variáveis intervenientes. Quando a análise é controlada pela variável carreira política, a importância do dinheiro diminui consideravelmente. Deste modo, o artigo aponta que a literatura deve ser mais cautelosa quanto à importância do dinheiro para explicar o sucesso eleitoral no Brasil.