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The subsector of pulp and paper presented in 2013 an electric power consumption of 9.3% of electricity consumption in the industrial sector in Brazil. It experienced a significant growth of production in the last 20 years, exceeding 160%, and their consumption of electricity increased by 130%, reaching the level of 19,594GWh. Due to its characteristics, with a known structure and production processes, and its importance in the country's industrial sector, this subsector was selected for study in this paper, to evaluate the behavior of its long-term annual electricity demand, at the horizon of 20 years ahead, in energy efficiency scenarios through bottom-up approach. This approach is data intensive and requires data with good quality; it consists of a hierarchical structure that enables to check how specific actions can affect the results at each level and its effect on higher levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of offset paper production in Brazil. The production system is classified into two subsystems: a forest production subsystem, which involves seedling production, soil preparation, seedling planting, forest maintenance, and wood harvesting and transport processes; and an industrial production subsystem, involving wood pulp extraction and bleaching, chemical recovery, and offset paper manufacturing processes. The environmental analysis includes the primary energy demand, environmental impact assessment, and land use indicators. The primary energy demand indicated that the largest amount of both renewable and non-renewable primary energy is consumed by the industrial production subsystem, accounting for 91.0% of the total energy demand. The potential environmental impact assessment included eight impact categories: acidification, ecotoxicity, global warming, human toxicity – cancer effects, human toxicity – non-cancer effects, nutrient enrichment, ozone depletion, and photochemical oxidation. Most of the potential impacts are attributed to the processes of pulp extraction and bleaching, and offset paper manufacturing, mainly due to the production of electricity and thermal energy. As for impacts on land use during the forest activities, a recent developed approach was applied for the regionalized assessment of impacts. Land occupation impacts on erosion resistance, physicochemical filtration, and mechanical filtration showed a reduction in the soil ecological functions, whereas groundwater recharge indicated a credit for the performance of the soil function. With a view to reducing the main life cycle impacts of the industrial production subsystem, an evaluation is made of alternative production scenarios. The best scenario was the substitution of biomass and diesel in the energy generation unit by biomass gasification and optimization of the recovery boiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We are investigating the use of natural user interfaces (NUI) applied to information and communication technologies (ICT) supporting workplace dynamics in partnership with mental health providers at a hospital in Brazil. We are using a participatory design (PD) process to uncover their paper-based workflow, defined here as paper user interface workflow (PUI) and their appropriation of mobile technologies supporting patients’ socialization process. We chose this group as they have no experience with graphical user interface (GUI) based interaction, are highly nomadic, have a refined workflow, have a high level of interdependence and are appropriating mobile technologies and social media into their workplace; thus, we believe their perspective within a PD setting provide unique insights into NUI design to provide high fidelity data and real time communication, enhancing data accessibility and fidelity on communication among the professionals. Our PD process has produced workflow representations and we are presenting two scenarios; from them we are proceeding to low- fidelity prototyping. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Production systems are being restructured to close production cycles via implementing circular economy (CE) practices. The planted tree industry in Brazil has shown potential for applying CE practices due to its efficient use of resources and inclination towards environmental innovation. However, some gaps and difficulties have been observed in several industrial segments so that the logic of the circular production system is put into practice more effectively and intensely. In this context, the aim was to investigate the use and impacts of CE practices in the Brazilian planted tree industry by sector of operation and scale of enterprises based on the ReSOLVE framework. Data were collected from 34 companies that answered a questionnaire, corresponding to 47.2% of Brazilian planted tree industry companies. Data analysis involved univariate and multivariate statistical techniques, considering the grouping of companies by sector of activity (forest producer, pulp and paper, and timber processing) and scale (small, medium, and large). The results revealed that "pulp and paper" and medium- and large-scale companies had the most significant application of CE practices and reported more significant impacts. [Display omitted] • Explores a segmented analysis of the circular economy by scale and sub-sector groups. • Scores of circular practices and their impacts are presented according to the groups. • The association between circular practices and impacts by group are analyzed. • Propositions to enable the adoption of circular practices are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity markets offer considerable promise but are accompanied by controversies. Here, we map the utilization of native species (NS) from Brazil's biodiversity across eleven industrial sectors: foodstuffs, beverages, textiles, clothing, leather, wood, pulp and paper, biofuels, pharmochemicals, rubber and furniture. We show that there exists a diverse range of NS use in industrial products (48%) and activities (73%). These economic activities represent potential annual exports of approximately USD $50 billion. However, we found that only 1% of the potential business, USD $500 million of annual exports, is consolidated and can be traced to such products. We show that biodiversity markets and larger annual revenues locate in municipalities away from places in which biodiversity products originate. Therefore, the biodiversity business in Brazil remains largely untapped. This prompts a critical examination of the role of biodiversity within the Brazilian industry and its alignment with the Brazilian Biodiversity Law and the Nagoya Protocol. Our study is a pioneering effort that provides strategic recommendations. We suggest that the responsibility for sustainable NS utilization predominantly falls on sectors dominated by major corporations, most notably pharmochemicals and biofuels. These industry sectors possess the potential to lead the transition towards responsible and sustainable biodiversity practices within Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and EPD-like demands have been gaining importance, particularly due to the release of Product Environmental Footprint by the European Union (EU). EPDs could be demanded in international trade, potentially creating a technical trade barrier for emerging economy countries. Thus, those countries should evaluate their readiness to successfully meet this demand. In this sense, this paper aims to analyse and propose strategies for EPD promotion in Brazil. Brazil's situation regarding life cycle assessment (LCA) and EPD development was analysed considering its business, academic, public policy and consumers contexts. In addition, an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) was elaborated based on interviews with EPD stakeholders in the country. These allowed some strategies to be proposed considering the principle of connecting strengths and opportunities, compensating for weaknesses and neutralizing threats. The results showed that Brazil has a technical and institutional context that enables EPD growth due to the initial stage of LCA database, EPD programs, stakeholders' engagement, and availability of experts. However, in general, these aspects aren't in an adequate level for successful EPD promotion. There is still a large path for EPD understanding and life cycle data availability. Besides, financial and technical restriction, especially considering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), present structural barriers. Nevertheless, by promoting EPD, Brazil could have gains in terms of credibility, access to global markets and environmental awareness. The opposite could happen if the country doesn't seize these opportunities. Furthermore, to influence Product Category Rule (PCR) definitions was said to be a key opportunity to avoid rules that disregard Brazilian singularities. Strategies for EPD promotion should focus on sensitizing and engaging different stakeholders in strategic sectors (civil construction, paper and pulp, coffee, ingredients derived from soya and livestock), enhancing technical capacities and life cycle data generation, and strengthening EPD programs to boost the Brazilian internal market and PCR development. Brazilian institutions should be encouraged to follow international discussions on EPD and internalize them, fostering sustainable production and consumption in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high costs of environmentally responsible and socially just approaches are some of the factors that hinder the implementation of sustainable projects in the industrial sector. However, upstream collaborative integration in the corrugated cardboard industry in southeastern Brazil is a reality. In this context, this study aimed to highlight the structure of a collaborative sustainable project in the context of the corrugated cardboard industry, to analyze ESG risk management in the corrugated cardboard industry in the Southeast Region of Brazil, the relationship between ESG risk management and social responsibility in corrugated cardboard industries, the strengths and weaknesses of risk management models in use by the consulted participants, and to propose innovations regarding risk analysis, applicable in sustainable projects with a collaborative bias. The methodology adopted was the case study, with consultation with managers in professional activity in the industrial sector, corroborated by document analysis and systematic review of the literature. We identified preliminary risk analysis (PRA) and failure mode analysis (FMEA) as key practices used by managers in the corrugated paper industry in the region. These practices are insufficient in the convergence of objectives, engagement with the community, and extension of the lifecycle of products and processes. Our findings show that the sustainability of a project may be an extension of the risk analyses carried out in the initial phase, mainly about strategic decision-making and the operationalization of investments. Without bias to the need for risk analysis, the life cycle analysis is also an effective way of highlighting the critical factors, weaknesses, and strengths of a sustainable project. The study indicates the so-called GUT matrix approach (gravity – urgency – tendency) as the most suitable for innovation in risk analyses oriented towards sustainable projects in the analyzed sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drugs of abuse are psychoactive substances illicitly distributed and used worldwide. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, they represent a public health issue and are directly related to several social problems. The recent increase in appearances of new psychoactive substances (NPS), derived from structural modifications of existing psychoactive substances, poses a threat to public health and forensic laboratories worldwide, as little is known about these substances. This study aimed to chemically and geographically map drugs of abuse from blotter papers seized by the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State (PCERJ) between 2006 and 2019. High-performance analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Orbitrap mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-MS), combined with statistical analyses, were employed to characterize the seized samples. The most common chemical compounds in NPS found in this study were synthetic phenethylamines, i.e., molecules from the 25I-NBOH (2-(((4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol) and 25I-NBOMe (2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine) families. Prior to 2014, the majority of seized blotter papers contained lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and were concentrated in the Metropolitan region. An upsurge in blotter paper seizures was observed from 2014 to 2017; the most common substances during this time were from the NBOMe family. NBOH compounds emerged in 2016 in coastal regions with high tourism, reaching over 1300 items only in 2017. Only one synthetic cannabinoid was found among the blotter papers seized in Rio de Janeiro between 2006 and 2019. The assembled chemical data and statistical analyses allowed the mapping and monitoring of the chemical profiles of the seized blotter papers, providing a strong foundation for the understanding of the origins and movement of these drugs around the RJ State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to propose a novel SEIR stochastic epidemic model. A distinguishing feature of this new model is that it allows us to consider a setup under general latency and infectious period distributions. To some extent, queuing systems with infinitely many servers and a Markov chain with time-varying transition rate comprise the very technical underpinning of the paper. Although more general, the Markov chain is as tractable as previous models for exponentially distributed latency and infection periods. It is also significantly more straightforward and tractable than semi-Markov models with a similar level of generality. Based on stochastic stability, we derive a sufficient condition for a shrinking epidemic regarding the queuing system's occupation rate that drives the dynamics. Relying on this condition, we propose a class of ad-hoc stabilising mitigation strategies that seek to keep a balanced occupation rate after a prescribed mitigation-free period. We validate the approach in the light of the COVID-19 epidemic in England and in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, and assess the effect of different stabilising strategies in the latter setting. Results suggest that the proposed approach can curb the epidemic with various occupation rate levels if the mitigation is timely. • We propose queue-based stochastic epidemic model for viral epidemics. • The model is tractable yet general and applicable to large populations. • It describes epidemics with general latency and infectious periods. • We derive a control rule that ensure a shrinking epidemic. • Our experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are many factors that affect paper degradation in archives, but air temperature and humidity under inadequate storage conditions are among the most important ones. Such inadequate conditions will trigger biological, chemical and physical processes that may enhance the degradation of papers. On the other hand, users of libraries and archives, where documents are stored, require adequate indoor conditions for carrying out diverse activities. In this paper we analyze the performance of archives with regard to paper and document storage conditions, also given in terms of the Time Weighted Preservation Index (TWPI), against overall comfort conditions, according to ISO 7730 and to the Building Bioclimatic Chart. For that purpose, five different settings were chosen, corresponding to indoor and outdoor conditions of three Brazilian archives, located in diverse climatic regions (Curitiba, 25°25′S 49°16′W, Belo Horizonte, 19°56′S 43°56′W and Rio de Janeiro, 22°50′S 43°10′W). The monitoring period comprehended 12months, with a mid-term data collection. Results showed that there is a significant difference in storage conditions among different locations, even though there is a similarity in indoor thermal comfort conditions. A compromise solution should be sought between storage conditions and human thermal comfort parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper aims to demonstrate the findings obtained through the analysis and application of an unsupervised K-means algorithm on the SINAN database from 2001 to 2022 in Brazil, with the objective of understanding which states have the highest number of tuberculosis cases and identifying similarities among them that may contribute to a higher case rate relative to the local population. We will begin with a brief historical introduction, followed by an overview of the characteristics related to tuberculosis transmission. Subsequently, we will discuss the results obtained from the year-to-year analysis of the collected data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low carbon agricultural techniques, which aim to reduce agricultural emissions without compromising productivity, are being widely adopted as one strategy to promote more sustainable food systems. Evaluating the impact of such practices requires an effective monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system. To our knowledge, no MRV system has been designed or implemented for monitoring and measuring the impacts of the adoption of low carbon agricultural practices. The goal of this paper is to explore the opportunities and challenges of developing a large scale MRV system for low carbon agriculture in Brazil - a major global food producer. The analysis presented in this paper is based on primary data, collected through interviews and conversations with experts, and secondary data from a literature review as well as from public and private databases. Hence, we discuss the three phases of monitoring, reporting and verification. In each case, we analyze the informational needs of an MRV system, evaluate the strengths and limitations of available tools to collect and process these data, and present a vision of how these constituent parts could form a comprehensive MRV system for Brazil. Our analysis reveals technical and governance challenges. On the technical side, challenges include the need to develop emissions factors to calculate mitigation across a range of biomes and low carbon agricultural techniques, and the high costs of gathering and verifying information on farm level. On the governance side, there is a need to generate economic incentives for farmers to share private, farm-level data with a public MRV system. The MRV system could help producers to demonstrate adoption and mitigation, giving them improved access to low-interest credit or certification programs. We conclude that the implementation of a large scale MRV system for low carbon agriculture demands an integrative approach based on a hybrid public-private governance system that prioritizes cost-effectiveness and facilitates smooth information transfer. • Low carbon agriculture needs Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems for measuring and reporting GHG emissions. • We propose an MRV system for Brazil, a country that has huge mitigation potential due to its agricultural activity. • Primary farm-level data about adopted techniques could be combined with remotely-sensed and secondary data about land use. • A hybrid public-private governance strategy could reduce costs and create incentives. • Brazil's case is a relevant benchmark for MRV systems in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a systematic review of the scientific production on climate adaptation in Brazil, using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The analysis of adaptation categories indicated a good balance between social (38 %) and institutional (33 %) adaptation actions, with a lesser share of physical/infrastructure adaptation (25 %). Assessed impacts tend to focus on higher temperature or heat events (21 %), mainly with regard to human health, along with droughts or water resources issues (20 %), particularly agricultural production. The studied biomes or environments showed a predominance of the most populous areas, such as urban (27 %) and coastal (17 %), indicating the need to target climate adaptation actions at the various Brazilian natural biomes, which, together, are addressed in only 30 % of the papers analysed (all six biomes combined). Indexes development and documentary analysis were predominant methodologies. The dialogue between science and society must be improved, especially with public management, in the production, execution and dissemination of climate adaptation actions. Nature-based solutions were listed as emerging solutions for addresing climate change impacts, acting both for mitigation and adaptation. Popular participation was pointed out by several authors as fundamental in the joint construction of these actions, as well as the provision of information on access to climate finance, which may be of interest to both public and the private sectors. • A review of the scientific production in climate adaptation in Brazil was performed. • Indexes development and documentary analysis were the predominant methodologies. • Only 30 % of papers evaluated the various natural biomes in Brazil, such as the Amazon. • Engineering fields need better integration with the human aspects of climate change. • Popular participation and the dialogue between science and society must be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the embedded systems along with the first in-orbit results of FloripaSat-I, a complete CubeSat mission developed at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The satellite's service module has three main subsystems, each with an embedded processor and its peripherals. This paper presents an overview of the nanosatellite architecture designed for the mission, including the embedded systems, functionalities, and components. Launched in December 2019 atop a Chinese Long March 4B rocket, FloripaSat-I has been since then transmitting mission data, which is a metric used to validate its open-source service platform through flight heritage. The results collected in orbit are presented and discussed, as well as the student's perception about the challenges in the project. With the analysis of the results, it is possible to identify technical points to be improved by external groups with interest to reuse the open-source service platform for the next missions, and the impact that this teaching–learning methodology has in the students. • We present the FloripaSat-I embedded systems. • Flight results regarding the first three months are presented. • We validate the FloripaSat-I service platform with flight inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to introduce a new sustainable business excellence model, called Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 (KMEM21), a theoretical framework that combines Knowledge Management and Business Excellence Models (BEMs), proposing an approach applicable to organizations to directly contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper through a qualitative-exploratory methodology makes an analysis and benchmarking, emphasizes the integration of Knowledge Management and three specific Business Excellence Models (Management Excellence Model (MEG) from Brazil, Baldrige Excellence Framework, and EFQM). This integration uncovers relationships between organizational concepts associated with Knowledge Management and BEMs, which contributes to new insights in the literature regarding these concepts' interplay. BEMs are presented as tools that can catalyze the power of Knowledge Management towards achieving SDGs. However, it's noted that the existing BEMs might not be adequate, as the goal extends beyond organizational improvement and excellence to encompass sustainable development aligned with SDGs. The article suggests that specific organizational concepts, identified through a literature review and aligned with Knowledge Management and BEMs, can be selected as indicators associated with the constructed KMEM21 and the SDGs. These indicators are intended to form a bridge between the new model and the SDGs. However, given the comprehensive nature of the theory, model development, application, result acquisition, and analysis, the article's primary contribution will be in its focus on elaborating the instrument and technique, demonstrating the creation of a theoretical framework for the SDGs. Future works will showcase the application of the proposed KMEM21 method in five Brazilian organizations, members of Global Compact, to compare the achieved objectives and the results obtained with the organizations' performance and their sustainability reports. [Display omitted] • There is a visible relationship between knowledge management and business excellence models, aided by shared organizational concepts. • Achieving the SDGs in organizations can be done by using the traits incorporated into knowledge management and business excellence models. • The Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 represents an original approach, acting as a new sustainable business excellence model. • A comprehensive model can be constructed using a methodology that incorporates an instrument, a technique, and a method. • KMEM21 presents a strategic path that aligns with business excellence principles and the sustainable development objectives, offering a framework for organizational success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the potential implications of the proposed European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the recently adopted United Kingdom (UK) legislation on deforestation-free supply chains (henceforth 'the legislation') for different stakeholders in Brazil. These regulations intend to address global commodity-driven deforestation and forest degradation by ensuring that targeted commodities and products placed on (or exported from) markets are of minimal risk of being associated with - in the EU - deforestation and forest degradation or - in the UK - illegal deforestation. The paper examines potential compliance readiness in cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soybean and tropical timber supply chains in Brazil, indicating specific challenges that may arise. Through the construction of a "Compliance Likelihood Index", our research provides comparable indications to policymakers on sectors and stakeholders that may need stronger support to meet the requirements, in order to maintain Brazil's access to EU and UK markets. The paper indicates that coffee is the sector with the highest level of incentivization and smallest hurdles for compliance, while the cattle sector may face stronger challenges to rapidly adjust its production system towards a deforestation-free value chain and prove compliance. Results of our analysis also highlight the need for collaboration between the EU/UK and Brazil in order to promote alignment between domestic and demand-side legislations so that they are mutually reinforcing. Results of this exercise, which has a focus on the producer-country view of demand-side legislation, will contribute to discussions on the merits of different approaches to strengthen the governance of deforestation-risk commodity trade. [Display omitted] • Brazil's coffee sector may currently have the greatest likelihood of ready compliance. • Cattle may be the sector to which the regulations may pose the greatest challenges. • The EU and UK should focus on providing financial means and technical assistance for smallholders. • The EU and UK legislation will need to be accompanied by domestic policies and regulations in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multifractal analysis of the Ionosphere Layer. • Intermittence in Ionosphere Layer. • Ionosphere Layer out-of-equilibrium. A digital ionosonde of the type known as Canadian Advanced Digital Ionosonde (CADI) is operational at Jatai ( 17.2 o S , 51.9 o W), Brazil. This ionospheric sounding station is located under the equatorial ionospheric anomaly crest. The F-layer electron density profile presents considerable day-to-day variability, even during the undisturbed conditions, and is still one of the less understood aspects of the physics of the ionosphere. The propagation of waves into the ionosphere may be playing an important role in this day-to-day ionospheric variability. In this paper we used the multifractal approach in order to understand the physical process underlying to rise to plasma bubbles. Results shown that the ionosphere layer is in out-of equilibrium, independent of the presence or not of the planetary waves (PW), equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) or another ones. Wavelet techniques are also used to investigate the action of these plasma bubbles over the planetary waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A human-jigger parasite system with control policies is established. • A time-optimal control problem with limited resources is proposed. • A numerical method combining the control parametrization scheme with the interior point algorithm is constructed. • A trade-off between the optimal eradication time and the effective funding is provided. Tungiasis, as an epidermal parasitic skin disease, leads to long-term injury and life threats to humans in resource-limited countries. In this paper, we aim to minimize the epidemic duration of tungiasis disease with limited resources. A human-jigger parasite system with four control policies for humans and jiggers is established. We propose a time-optimal control problem, in which the eradication time and limited resources are involved. By applying the Pontryagin's minimum principle, we prove that, only bang-bang controls are admitted for all the control policies. Furthermore, a numerical scheme combining the control parametrization scheme with the interior point algorithm is constructed. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out using actual data of humans and jiggers in Brazil. From all the results, we conclude that, there is a trade-off between the optimal eradication time and the effective funding; once the effective funding is properly used, the disease can be controlled effectively; strengthening personal protections, improving treatments for humans and making adulticiding efforts contribute to keeping humans away from the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal aim of environmental impact assessment (EIA) is to foster sustainable development. Sustainability can be conceived along a 'weak' and 'strong' continuum, in which the latter holds that substitution of natural capital is severely limited, and evidence suggests that weak sustainability prevails in decision-making supported by EIA. Therefore, based on the assumption that strong sustainability is the required goal to protect biodiversity and mitigate future climate change, the aim of this paper is to establish the concept of transformative effectiveness to better evaluate how EIA can foster the transformation of stakeholders' frames of references towards strong sustainability. The EIA systems of the US, EU, and Brazil were analyzed to identify the implicit and explicit drivers towards transformative change to a strong sustainability goal. A literature review of transformative change within impact assessment was used for identifying the necessary changes that need to come from both within policy actor networks and from the wider social-ecological-technological system in which EIA operates. From this, a new dimension of transactive effectiveness is characterized that can help to evaluate the extent to which EIA practice is transforming towards strong sustainability as a goal. • Transformative effectiveness for evaluating EIA introduced. • Strong sustainability purpose and principles in EIA identified. • Transformative purposes of EIA in Brazil, European Union, and US detailed. • How learning in EIA can transform stakeholders' values. • Transformation change in EIA at micro- macro- and meta-scales discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Control latrine played a typical geochemical behavior of a contaminant source. • Alternative latrine oxidized almost completely ammonium to nitrate. • Nitrate removal efficiency promoted by sawdust layer was of 42% on average. • Isotopes analyses corroborated N-species hydrogeochemistry trends across latrines. • Relative placement of sawdust and BOF slag layers impacted denitrifiers performance. Nutrients, like nitrate and phosphate, and pathogens are the primary contaminants released into groundwater by on-site sanitation systems, which are an effluent disposal outcome for regions not covered by sanitation infrastructure, as periurban communities in developing countries. As appropriate setback distances between pit latrines and supply wells often cannot be met to avoid groundwater contamination, especially in a densely-populated situation, efficient, low-cost and accessible technologies are extremely necessary to protect water resources and surpass critical and persistent public health problems. This paper presents 1-year field-testing of an alternative latrine (AL) that incorporates two waste materials as permeable reactive barriers (PRB) in an irregular settlement at the municipality of São Paulo (Brazil). Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag in contact with wastewater effluent increases its pH level, which causes pathogens inactivation and phosphate adsorption. Sawdust under water saturation creates reducing conditions that encourage the growth of denitrifying bacteria that remove nitrate. A control latrine (CL) was constructed 90 m apart from AL with similar hydraulic characteristics and nonreactive materials for hydrochemical comparison. It was evident for AL the formation of well-defined nitrification and denitrification reaction zones, whereas CL overall presented nitrogen in its ammoniacal form, with incipient nitrate production at CL bottom, indicating that nitrification is probably boosted below that. BOF slag had attenuated microorganisms and phosphate almost completely, but nitrate removal average efficiency was 42%. The high pH effluent generated in BOF media may have also affected in the short-term the denitrifying bacteria in sawdust barrier 1 m below. The inverted position of the reactive barriers, i.e., sawdust PRB overlying BOF slag PRB, should be a more suitable design to achieve nitrate and pathogens removal. This kind of sanitation solution employing cheap and accessible waste materials have never been applied in the design proposed in this paper and also was a novelty for Brazilian context, proving to be a suitable technology to meet local needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the supply chain and reverse channels of expanded polystyrene packaging connection in Brazil and their roles to discuss the main challenges towards circular economy. In order to achieve this goal, we propose a four-step method, anchored in the literature, technical visits, and interviews with experts in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry. First, the EPS supply chain was characterised and mapped, and secondly, the stakeholders and logistics activities in reverse channels were analysed. Third, the Brazilian legislation and chain structure was reviewed to obtain an understanding of how this can influence the activities developed in reverse channels. Fourth, with an analysis of the data collected before, the barriers to implement EPS reverse chain were presented. The main results establish that the EPS can complete one cycle of the circular economy, which is recycling, but products need to be separated and washed. The most significant waste generators are public and private institutions, residences, and retailers. Notable barriers to its recycling are a lack of understanding of the nature of expanded polystyrene recycling by Brazilian people, high transport cost due to material density, and the dispersion of post-consumer expanded polystyrene in several regions of the country linked with the small number of recycling facilities. Finally, this issue could be explored in industries and companies that require their managers to adopt strategies to improve reverse logistics in order to promote the circular economy. The companies' actions could facilitate a stronger circular supply chain since they could increase recycling efforts, reduce expanded polystyrene waste, and present new business models. The resulting generation of employment would contribute to the quality of life of contemporary society. The findings presented in the paper enable industries to identify and guide the most demanding significant steps and processes, and to shift the reverse chain and expanded polystyrene recycling to ensure that they operate more efficiently. • Reverse logistics as the first step towards circular supply chain. • The paper maps the expanded polystyrene packaging supply chain and its reverse logistics. • This paper presents the barriers that hinder the reverse logistics in Brazil. • The main challenges are related to the consumers and the recycling industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban solid waste management (SWM) is a central problem in major cities worldwide. This topic is particularly relevant for developing countries, given the constant growth of slums. SWM is an essential part of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), which appears to be a viable method of incorporating social, environmental and economic goals as pillars for the sustainable development of an organization and its supply chain. Although the literature offers a large and growing number of publications in SSCM and SWM, there is not yet a study that addresses SWM in a slum of a developing country from the SSCM perspective and there still a need for more sustainable waste management strategies involving all relevant stakeholders. Through a longitudinal case study conducted in the largest slum of Brazil (Rocinha), this paper aims to address these research gaps by developing a framework for SWM from the SSCM perspective in areas of slums. The research findings indicate that to tackle environmental problems related to SWM in such areas, it is necessary to solve basic social issues related to education, security, and infrastructure, with the integration and support of government, local community and industry. Although some progress has been observed in the last 10 years in Rocinha, the studied real-life setting shows that in practice, the performance of SWM stakeholders, particularly industry, is far from fulfilling the social and environmental pillars of SSCM. The proposed framework encompasses government and the community viewpoints in addition to the industrial focus and points to practical actions based on SSCM enablers, reinforcing a holistic and multi-perspective view, and the need for integrated management for better SWM in slum areas in developing countries. As it is a first attempt in this direction, additional research in similar settings is required to evolve the analysis towards more generalizable findings. • This paper analyses urban SWM from the SSCM perspective in developing countries. • A real-life setting of SWM in a large slum is analysed. • The industry should be more active in the social and environmental pillars of SSCM. • The paper offers actions for SWM in Rocinha in a model supported by SSCM's enablers. • A SWM framework is offered from a SSCM perspective orientated for areas as slums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous investigations on sunglasses standards, limits and insertion of missing requirements have been suggested for ocular safety. In this paper, we evaluate the degradation of the lenses (category and ultraviolet protection) as sunglasses are exposed to solar radiation for periods considered still within its lifetime. Our study includes 44 unbranded sunglasses: 12 were submitted to a solar simulator (0.46 suns) for 2500 h and spectroscopy was performed every 25 h. The remaining 32 were submitted to a 10-sun solar simulator for 962 h of exposure, and transmittance spectroscopy and UV protection evaluation have been done. These exposure conditions are equivalent to wearing sunglasses for a period over 2 years, for 2 h daily. Standards require 50 h exposure as the aging test. Under this condition, only one lens failed the requirement. However, our longer-term irradiation (sunglasses desired lifetime period exposure) experiment in solar simulator shows that the majority of lenses will eventually fail the standard requirement, suggesting the revision of such aging test. Additionally, there has not been any significant alteration on UV protection. Summarizing, current parameters, for the resistance to radiation test for sunglasses on standards, is ineffective for ocular safety within its lifetime. In summary, current parameters for the resistance to radiation test for sunglasses, required by ISO 12312-1 standard, are ineffective for sunglasses average lifetime required by population. • Prof. Ventura has been evaluating sunglasses in Brazil since 1996 and striving for standards for sunglasses in tropical countries to be adequate. • In 2013 Prof. Ventura, as the only scientist in the committee, wrote the Brazilian standard for sunglasses with parameters appropriate for these countries (NBR15111:2013). • However, it was repealed in 2015 for political industrial issues and ISO12312-1 took place as a mirror standard, with European parameters to be used. • Since then, Prof. Ventura and her team have been scientifically dedicated to the requirements of ISO12312-1 for appropriate parameters to be added or changed in this standard. • So, this paper has an important appeal for eye safety in the standards for sunglasses, which benefits all countries that mirror it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Physical therapists from dermatology report having knowledge to be able to implement EBP. • Physical therapists from dermatology believe having skills to be able to implement EBP. • There were inconsistencies on some answers about knowledge and skills related to EBP. Dermatology is a relatively new subdiscipline of physical therapy with growth potential. Therefore, it is important to identify whether professionals from this area have the knowledge and skills required to offer the best available service based on evidence-based practice. To describe the self-reported behavior, knowledge, skills, opinion, and barriers related to the evidence-based practice of Brazilian physical therapists from the dermatology subdiscipline. An adapted electronic questionnaire was sent by the Brazilian Association of Dermatology Physical Therapy via email to all registered members. The data were analyzed descriptively. The response rate was 40.4% (101/250). Brazilian physical therapists from the dermatology subdiscipline reported that they update themselves equally through scientific papers and courses, and access preferentially databases that offer scientific papers in the Portuguese language. Respondents believe they have sufficient knowledge to use evidence-based practice, inform patients about treatment options and consider their choices in the decision-making process. However, there were inconsistencies in responses regarding the experience with evidence-based practice during undergraduate or postgraduate degree, as well as having discussions about evidence-based practice in the workplace. The barriers most frequently reported were difficulty to obtain full-text papers, lack of quality of the scientific papers, applicability of the findings into clinical practice, lack of evidence-based practice training and difficulty to understand the statistics. Brazilian physical therapists from the dermatology subdiscipline have positive perceived behavior, believe that they have sufficient knowledge and skills, and have favorable opinion related to evidence-based practice. However, there are inconsistencies related to some aspects of knowledge and skills set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper simulates hypothetical student loan schemes for Brazil. • Designs are assessed in terms of affordability for graduates and size of subsidies. • A copula approach is applied to simulate dynamic earnings paths for graduates. • ICL with surcharge, limited concessions and progressive repayment rates is favoured. • A nationwide ICL is technically and institutionally feasible in Brazil. This paper simulates student loan schemes for Brazil. A copula approach is applied to simulate dynamic earnings paths for graduates. Repayment patterns are then simulated for time-based and income-contingent loan designs. The results show that the Brazilian time-based scheme involved unsustainable repayment burdens for many graduates and contributed to the scheme's high default rates. We also show that the new income-contingent scheme is also likely to involve high taxpayer subsidies. We consider alternative designs with different strengths and weaknesses but favour an income-contingent scheme with a loan fee, repayment rates at 50% of current income tax rates and an interest rate at the government's cost of borrowing upon graduation and above initial tax threshold. We conclude by emphasising that full involvement of the federal revenue system is more desirable than the present approach of employer withholding. This would increase the earnings base and reduce costs, which is important for Brazil's current precarious fiscal situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special volume of the JCLP is mainly built upon articles presented at the 6th International Workshop Advances in Cleaner Production held in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2017. The event had provided a progressive interdisciplinary meeting for knowledge advance and information trade. Papers in this issue cover a broad range of perspectives of cleaner production strategies and practices, and a special focus was placed upon the type of contribution – practical, conceptual/practical, conceptual - and the scale of their coverage – local, regional and global. The papers provide understanding on the research intended to systematically include cleaner production in the path sustainability, and identifies the extent to which cleaner production practitioners directly and indirectly provide local, regional and global solutions. Key results of this introductory article include research on: efficient and responsive use of energy and resources; the search for reduced emissions, the role of managerial support and environmental assessments, and the implementation/analysis of closed-loop systems of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Municipalities benefited by the FUNDEF redistribution increased teacher salary. • Municipalities harmed by the redistribution increased expenses by hiring teachers. • The amount transferred led to an increase in teachers and a decrease in salaries. • The net value was more important to salary levels than the absolute value. • Results suggest that bargaining power is an important factor in hiring decisions. Abstract This paper examines the teacher hiring decisions of Brazilian local governments in response to an education funding reform, called FUNDEF. The reform redistributed funding across municipalities and determined a minimum spending on teachers. While several papers have already examined the overall effect of the FUNDEF reform, this is the first analysis of the effects of the municipalities' relative positions after the redistribution on hiring decisions. Using a simulated difference-in-differences model, I find that FUNDEF only led to salary increases in municipalities that benefited from the redistribution. Contrary to its initial goal, municipalities harmed by the redistribution responded by increasing hiring. Additionally, employing a simulated instrumental-variable model, I find that the amount received in FUNDEF transfers did not lead to pay increases. Models of government-union interaction are used to explain these results, suggesting that the bargaining power is the main driver of teacher pay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to draw attention to the intricacies of hybrid network governance in a challenging institutional landscape. The empirical focus is a case study of the recovery process from the Fundão dam rupture, Brazil's most significant environmental disaster, and the largest in the world involving tailings dams. To drill into the barriers to cross-sector partnerships, we adopted a multi-methods approach, including interviews, grey materials and documents, participant observation and social network analysis. We identified interrelated barriers and grouped them into institutional, power and knowledge barriers, which act through a positive feedback loop leading to a structural arrangement that is inadequate for collaboration in disaster management. As a result, the Doce river basin's recovery process has taken the form of a wicked industrial disaster, enabling a "chain reaction" of increasing wickedness. We thereby advance cross-sector partnership research by drawing attention to the underlying causes of failure and offer guidance to public and private managers on possible strategies to address the barriers to cross-sector partnerships. • Wicked industrial disasters are processual phenomena, not just an event with an impact. • Interrelated barriers create a positive feedback cycle hindering collaboration. • Cross-sector partnerships barriers are complex and create uncertainty and dispute. • Cross-sector partnership should have been formed based on moral and material concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the effects of public policies on the occurrence of natural disasters related to extreme rainfall. By using a unique and geolocated database on natural disasters in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I test whether variables related to public policies - e.g. forest cover and urban infrastructure - affect the occurrence of natural disasters, conditional on the existence of extreme rainfall. Results point to a significant role for public policies in order to mitigate effects of extreme weather events. More specifically, results point to an important role for urban infrastructure, as proper sewage and waste collection, and forest cover in reducing the impacts of extreme rainfall. Moreover, I discuss how these heterogeneous effects have distributional consequences and can be linked to the Environmental Justice literature. Finally, this paper reinforces the idea that adaptation policies to disasters are essential in reducing local vulnerabilities and can yield distributional and fiscal benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have compared the profitability of organic and conventional producers, but present very conflicting results. Although in the majority of these papers selection bias due to observables is accounted for, the possibility of selection based on unobservables has been largely overlooked. In this paper, we compare these two types of producers using a large and unique data of about 4.2 million family farmers in Brazil. Standard propensity score matching techniques are used together with the procedure recently developed by Oster (forthcoming) to address concerns about omitted variables. Our results confirm the working hypothesis that organic producer's profits are lower than conventional ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane ethanol is an alternative to fossil fuels that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and offer socioeconomic benefits, but at the same time have a series of negative impacts. Brazil is the second largest producer of fuel ethanol globally, with this production predicted to almost double over the next 15 years. However sugarcane ethanol production in the country has been shown to interact with a range of ecosystem services. It is only when such interactions are understood that we can fully determine the potential trade-offs, synergies and sustainability outcomes of biofuel production in the country. This paper explores the local perceptions about the impacts of sugarcane production on ecosystem services in two municipalities in the state of Sao Paulo with significant sugarcane production: Capivari and Rancharia. Impact perceptions have been elicited through interviews with local residents, with the results showing that perceptions vary between the two study sites and are affected considerably by the different local experiences with sugarcane production. For example, although sugarcane farming has been traditionally performed in Capivari, it has been Rancharia that has experienced more recently a rapid sugarcane expansion that has caused considerable changes in land use and farming patterns. Interview results also suggest that the negative effects of sugarcane farming can be reduced through the adoption of good agricultural practices and the enforcement of existing laws, as many respondents cited considerable improvements in ecosystem health from such actions. Assessing the perception of local communities such as the one reported in this paper can be crucial in designing policies and planning land uses that enhance the sustainability of biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technical qualification is required to adequately meet the responsibilities related to solid waste management (SWM). Given that the successful SW policies requirements implementation at the local level relies on the ability to plan and the efficient management of public services, this paper aims to verify if municipalities have working teams that are prepared for this challenge. To accomplish this goal, three indicators were proposed to evaluate these human resources: Professional Qualification Level (PQL), Multidisciplinary Level (ML) and Leadership Level of Education (LLE). A proportional stratified sample with SWM leaders from 156 Brazilian municipalities participated in a survey. The results showed that although some municipalities were able to provide teams and find solutions to implement plans and actions, some smaller municipalities were not able to organize themselves adequately for this implementation. This paper provides a diagnosis of the human resources dimensions associated with the administrative capacity of municipal governments for the successful implementation of the Brazilian Solid Waste Policy (BSWP) at the local level. There is a need to improve the administrative capacity of municipalities to ensure the satisfactory implementation of the BSWP. The shortcomings identified in this paper should be addressed by the government to ensure that the constitutional right to waste management is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new service development process model for transport services for the inclusion of wheelchair users. In line with the principles of Universal Design, the new model aims to develop services for the widest possible range of users, including people using wheelchairs. The model is based on existing models, case studies in Brazil and Germany, and complemented with specific support material regarding wheelchair users, ultimately devised to guide the development of services that include such users. The paper illustrates a demonstration of the model in a real situation in Germany, with the development of a service for wheelchair users where early consideration of their needs results in clear benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy (bioeconomy) requires more efficient utilization of the biomass generated from agricultural production. This can be achieved through the cascading use of biomass, which also offers the potential of creating additional value from biomass by developing novel products. Taking sugarcane as a case study example, this paper aims to analyze how well Brazil, the world’s leader in sugarcane production, is positioned to reach these goals. The paper combines two conceptual tools: one is the ‘biomass-based value web’, which was developed as an extension of the value chain concept with the aim to capture the links within and between value chains that arise from the cascading and joined use of biomass. The other concept is that of the ‘national innovation system’ (NIS), which serves to identify the different types of actors involved in the biomass value web and the linkages between them. For empirical data collection, the study combined three methods: a mapping of the physical biomass flows in the value web, in-depth interviews with the actors involved, and the application of the ‘Net-Map’ tool to identify the actors in the NIS and their linkages. The findings show that the development of Brazil’s international competitiveness in sugar and ethanol was based on political incentives that resulted in a strong network of institutions that focused on these two products. However, to become a front-runner in the future bioeconomy, the existing innovation network needs to be expanded. In particular, it is important to integrate national and international private sector organizations. The findings also suggest that industries need stronger incentives to collaborate with knowledge institutions. Long-term consistent policies and funding opportunities for risky investments are also required to further strengthen Brazil’s innovation network to meet future opportunities and challenges of the bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the significance of international conferences for higher education institutions (HEIs)’ promotion of sustainability. The paper has undertaken a detailed review of the scientific literature on strategies of HEIs to promote sustainability, hence identifying eight HEIs strategies that these institutions can adopt to become more sustainable (developing an Institutional Agenda, promoting Research, improving Teaching, enhancing green Campus Operations, stimulating community Outreach, and promoting Knowledge Dissemination). Based on this review, and focusing on knowledge dissemination, particularly on the academic events (conferences, seminars and workshops), 69 international academic conferences on sustainability were selected for analysis (from 2012 to 2016). From these conferences 21 proved suitable for a text mining analysis due to the data availability - i.e. articles published online. These articles were organized and submitted to the Collocations Extraction process, creating a list of important terms for each conference, based on their frequency in the articles. Furthermore, the relevance of these terms was tested using the Google Trends tool, to evidence the frequency of their Google searching. Finally, two conferences were selected for a more in-depth analysis, exploring their results and contributions (REGSA and LINKS conferences) to promote sustainability. The main results of the paper outline that international conferences have become important HEIs’ strategies to promote various issues of sustainability, through sharing knowledge, experiences, projects, initiatives and methods. It can be noticed a high interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary character of these events, illustrated by the multitude of promoted topics and participation, but also an increasing interest to actively involve stakeholders in discussing and promoting sustainability and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the estimation of biogas energy use from the anaerobic treatment system of cattle, swine, and poultry slaughter units in Brazil. The simulation includes spatial distribution of the results and geographical comparison with other energy matrices and clean sources of electricity generation. The paper is divided into four sections: 1) the database formation, which included a survey and geocoding of cattle, swine and poultry slaughter units across the country; 2) a literature review covering the period from 2000 to 2020 to obtain the average Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) for each of the effluents; 3) a simulation of electricity generation in the slaughter units, according to their classes and origins; and, 4) the preparation of national distribution maps of slaughter units, national bioenergy potential, by state and by animal origin, comparison maps of Electric Slaughter Units (ESU) using hydroelectric, photovoltaic and wind power plants, as well as the comparison map between the biomass energy use (biogas, sugarcane bagasse and black liquor). The slaughter units bioenergetic potential presented on the maps that the density in the distribution of these units adopts the effluent treatment proposal. Moreover, biogas is considered a decentralized energy matrix, but the density of slaughter units within the work proposal opposes this concept. The results indicated the formation of a corridor with a high potential for electricity generation, coinciding with regions that experience electrical stress in Brazil. In numbers, the potential would be enough to supply a population of up to 900,000 inhabitants, emphasizing ESU as a potential alternative for electricity using biogas. This is because the Brazilian meat market is somewhat consolidated, important worldwide and continuously generates effluents, which can add up to 28% to electricity from biomass. The greatest bioenergy potential was obtained in the Midwest region (1792 MW), followed by the South (1486 MW), Southeast (1278 MW), North (923 MW) and Northeast (236 MW) regions of the country. In terms of clean energy, when comparing the distribution of slaughter units with photovoltaic, wind and hydroelectric plants, a large territorial gain is observed (more uniform distribution in the country) and in relation to the electrical use of biomass, biogas use from ESU would promote it as the second largest matrix representing about 31% of national energy. • Bioenergy potential from slaughterhouses in Brazil was modeled. • Midwest Brazil has the highest bioenergetic potential from slaughterhouses. • Slaughter units' biogas can potentially be part of Brazilian energy matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical climate-smart agriculture could be a cost-effective and scalable nature-based solution toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the coming decades. Nevertheless, the lack of integrated on-farm CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O flux measurements remains a barrier to including these systems in certification programs and the carbon (C) market. This systematic literature review critically examines field-measured GHG emission studies within climate-smart agri-systems in Brazil, aiming to: (i) integrate GHG-measured data, (ii) explore geographical representativeness and connections between organizations and authors, (iii) analyze distributions of studied GHG molecules, climate-smart system types, and productive components, (iv) conduct a meta-analysis on the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, and (v) identify methodological and scope gaps, providing insights for future research directions. The systems considered include no-till, well-managed pasture, integrated crop-livestock, and integration with trees (i.e., crop-forestry, livestock-forestry, crop-livestock-forestry, and multistrata agroforestry). Out of 1200 papers mentioning GHGs and climate-smart systems, 74 contained reliable on-farm flux measurements. Most authors were Brazilians affiliated with Embrapa and public Universities. Studies concentrated on the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, with scarce data for other biomes. Over half of the trials assessed individual GHG molecules and only one climate-smart system. Urochloa spp. and Avena spp. were the most studied forage genera, while soybeans and corn dominated annual crops. Eucalyptus spp. and beef cattle were common trees and animals. No-till, integrated crop-livestock, and agricultural integrations involving trees showed soil C–CH 4 influx from 0.8 to 1.0 kg ha−1 y−1. Transitioning from pasture monoculture to integrated systems decreased N–N 2 O emissions by up to 1.63 kg ha−1 y−1. Converting extensive grazed land to intensified-integrated systems reduced animal CH 4 intensity, with cuts of up to 122 g CH 4 per kg of average daily weight gain. Future research must urgently address methodological issues, such as de-standardization (e.g., 8–10 flux units found per GHG molecule) and the absence of crucial ancillary variables. In conclusion, adopting diversified climate-smart agri-systems shows potential to mitigate GHG emissions, but caution is advised when extrapolating our numerical findings due to limited data across Brazilian edaphoclimatic conditions. We urge scientists to prioritize frequent on-farm measurements of all three GHGs (CO 2 , N 2 O, and CH 4) along with agroecosystem C sequestration across multiple climate-smart systems, enabling reliable and comparable net GHG flux calculations to identify the most sustainable option. Advancing and standardizing GHG measurements in Brazil offer an opportunity to enhance GHGs inventory accuracy, calibrate models, and promote policies and investments that expand refined tropical climate-smart agriculture. [Display omitted] • We systematically reviewed GHG measurements in Brazilian climate-smart agri-systems. • Well-managed pastures, no-till, and integration-based systems mitigate GHG emissions. • Brazilian GHG dataset incompletely represents systems and environmental complexities. • Producing agri-GHG field data is still vital for policies, investments, and C market. • Future GHG research should standardize flux units and include ancillary variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looking at Brazilian privatisations between 1991 and 2018, we investigate how net privatisation prices react to restructuring policies that are implemented before the sale as well as to private ownership structures that emerge at the sale. We innovate by accounting for restructuring and ownership at the same time and also by exploring a unique dataset that covers 139 transactions, mainly built through fieldwork. The paper provides policymakers with a "do's and don'ts" checklist to extract higher value from the sale. The checklist can be used as a policy guideline for new privatisations in Brazil and potentially in other emerging economies. • An empirical study on net privatisation prices arising from auctions is conducted. • A unique dataset of Brazilian privatisations between 1991 and 2018 is explored. • Bidding strategies are sensitive to restructuring policies implemented before the sale. • Revenues react to private ownership structures that emerge at the sale. • Policy prescriptions for privatisations in emerging markets are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the legitimacy of pilot projects in Kilosa and Kondoa districts of Tanzania and the Amazon region in Brazil. The analysis is both normative – i.e., based on external criteria – and sociological – i.e., based on local people’s perceptions. Results show that the quality of decision-making in terms of local participation, balanced representation, openness and sufficient information increases local acceptability of REDD+. The research also suggests that power asymmetries may undermine legitimacy if not dealt with. Finally, the paper reveals that legitimacy outcomes differ under various contexts, which calls for REDD+ processes to be flexible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 20 years, extreme weather-related events like floods, landslides, droughts, and wildfires have caused the death of 1.23 million people and a loss of 2.97 trillion dollars. Studies show that low and lower-middle income countries are the most impacted ones given the lack of investment in disaster risk management. To reduce the impact of these events, weather researchers have been developing numerical weather models that inform public agencies about the impending extreme events in advance. Despite being powerful tools, these models can suffer from several sources of uncertainty, ranging from the approximation of micro-scale physical processes to the location-dependent calibration of parameters, which is especially critical in developing countries. To minimize uncertainty effects, researchers generate several different weather scenarios to compose an ensemble of simulations that typically are inspected using manual, laborious, and error-prone approaches. In this paper, we propose an interactive visual analytics system, called X-Weather , developed in close collaboration with weather researchers from Brazil. Our system contributes a set of statistics and probability-based visualizations that allows the assessment of extreme weather events by effortlessly navigating through and comparing ensemble members. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the system through two case studies analyzing tragic events that happened in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. [Display omitted] • Our visualizations help identify extreme weather scenarios in large simulation ensembles. • Our web-based system enables the investigation of individual weather ensemble members. • Two case studies highlight our system's utility by analyzing extreme weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a computational model based on interval type-2 fuzzy systems for analysis and forecasting of COVID-19 dynamic spreading behavior. The proposed methodology is related to interval type-2 fuzzy Kalman filters design from experimental data of daily deaths reports. Initially, a recursive spectral decomposition is performed on the experimental dataset to extract relevant unobservable components for parametric estimation of the interval type-2 fuzzy Kalman filter. The antecedent propositions of fuzzy rules are obtained by formulating a type-2 fuzzy clustering algorithm. The state space submodels and the interval Kalman gains in consequent propositions of fuzzy rules are recursively updated by a proposed interval type-2 fuzzy Observer/Kalman Filter Identification (OKID) algorithm, taking into account the unobservable components obtained by recursive spectral decomposition of epidemiological experimental data of COVID-19. For validation purposes, through a comparative analysis with relevant references of literature, the proposed methodology is evaluated from the adaptive tracking and forecasting of COVID-19 dynamic spreading behavior, in Brazil, with the better results for RMSE of 1. 24 × 1 0 − 5 , MAE of 2. 62 × 1 0 − 6 , R 2 of 0.99976, and MAPE of 6. 33 × 1 0 − 6 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel coronavirus respiratory disease COVID-19 has caused havoc in many countries across the globe. In order to contain infection of this highly contagious disease, most of the world population is constrained to live in a complete or partial lockdown for months together with a minimal human-to-human interaction having far reaching consequences on countries' economy and mental well-being of their citizens. Hence, there is a need for a good predictive model for the health advisory bodies and decision makers for taking calculated proactive measures to contain the pandemic and maintain a healthy economy. This paper extends the mathematical theory of the classical Susceptible–Infected–Removed (SIR) epidemic model and proposes a Generalized SIR (GSIR) model that is an integrative model encompassing multiple waves of daily reported cases. Existing growth function models of epidemic have been shown as the special cases of the GSIR model. Dynamic modeling of the parameters reflect the impact of policy decisions, social awareness, and the availability of medication during the pandemic. GSIR framework can be utilized to find a good fit or predictive model for any pandemic. The study is performed on the COVID-19 data for various countries with detailed results for India, Brazil, United States of America (USA), and World. The peak infection, total expected number of COVID-19 cases and thereof deaths, time-varying reproduction number, and various other parameters are estimated from the available data using the proposed methodology. The proposed GSIR model advances the existing theory and yields promising results for continuous predictive monitoring of COVID-19 pandemic. • Proposed a generalized SIR (GSIR) framework for pandemic modeling and prediction. • An integrative model that captures the pandemic data via distinct waves emerging at different times. • Explicit expressions are derived for the susceptible, infected and removed populations. • Dynamic modeling of system parameters that can capture the impact of policy decisions. • GSIR model is tested on COVID-19 data and can serve as a good alternative to existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SARS-CoV-2 virus was first registered in Brazil by the end of February 2020. Since then, the country counts over 150000 deaths due to COVID-19 and faces a profound social and economic crisis; there is also an ongoing health catastrophe, with the majority of hospital beds in many Brazilian cities currently occupied with COVID-19 patients. Thus, a Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) scheme used to plan appropriate social distancing measures (and relaxations) in order to mitigate the effects of this pandemic is formulated in this paper. The strategy is designed upon an adapted data-driven Susceptible–Infected–Recovered–Deceased (SIRD) model, which includes time-varying auto-regressive immunological parameters. A novel identification procedure is proposed, composed of analytical regressions, Least-Squares optimization and auto-regressive model fits. The adapted SIRD model is validated with real data and able to adequately represent the contagion curves over large forecast horizons. The NMPC strategy is designed to generate piecewise constant quarantine guidelines, which can be reassessed (relaxed/strengthened) each week. Simulation results show that the proposed NMPC technique is able to mitigate the number of infections and progressively loosen social distancing measures. With respect to a "no-control" condition, the number of deaths could be reduced in up to 30% if the proposed NMPC coordinated health policy measures are enacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Buildings Labels (GBL) are indicated as one of the means with the potential to contribute to sustainable development. Worldwide, more than 850,000 green buildings have already had their project and development helped by just three of the GBLs (LEED, BREEAM, and BASIX). Brazil, however, has only 874 LEED-certified projects. Aiming to propose strategies to foster the adoption of GBL in the country, this paper developed an interpretative model involving barriers to them in Brazil. For this, the technique of Validated Interpretative Structural Modeling (VISM) was developed aiming to add statistical validity to interpretative models even in situations of research with small sample sizes. VISM is a modeling technique that incorporates the simplicity of Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) with the significance testing procedures of Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Adopting the VISM, the barriers model was then developed in five steps: (1) identification of indicators; (2) definition of constructs; (3) identification of relations between constructs; (4) validation of relations between constructs; and (5) creation of the conceptual model. As a result, VISM proved to be an effective innovative modeling technique in the development of models for exploratory research and presents results consistent with the reality studied. Regarding the model developed, the main barriers identified by the study to the adoption of GBL in Brazil are: "environmental protection mechanisms"; "costs and return on investment"; "mistrust of the benefits from GBL"; "corporate and public awareness"; "maturity and market economics"; and the "project, construction, and operation of green buildings". • The paper develop a model of barriers to adoption of green buildings labels in Brazil. • The paper present the technique of Validated Interpretative Structural Modeling. • The technique can help exploratory research with small sample sizes. • ISM models with circular and cross relationships can be validated. • Environmental protection mechanisms and costs hinder green buildings labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obligations arising from legislation and other instruments affect the macro-level decision-making related to the transition toward a circular economy (CE), which is a multifaceted topic since it tries to aggregate the interests of different stakeholders. In this context, this paper aims to analyse the current policies, strategies and initiatives related to the CE transition from a multicriteria perspective and under the lens of NIT (New Institutional Theory). This is the first approach that analyses which CE strategies and related practices boost the transition from a macro-level perspective, using a multicriteria method and considering developed and emerging economies. For this reason, this paper can be helpful for researchers and practitioners involved in implementing strategy and policymaking aimed at the transition toward a CE. It also contributes to the discussion on the global transition to the CE by identifying differences and similarities between countries. The proposed methodology has been applied to compare the realities in Italy and Brazil. The perceptions of several stakeholders from the two countries have been gathered through a questionnaire to evaluate numerous strategies against several social, environmental, economic, and technical criteria. The main results are: Italy presents a proactive behaviour, a higher level of institutionalisation, and a coercive isomorphism related to European regulations and strategies. In contrast, Brazil has reactive behaviour, a lower level of institutionalisation, and is impelled by mimetic isomorphism. Although it is possible to observe several advances in the last years in Brazil, the transition to a CE is still in the early stages compared to Italy. [Display omitted] • Transitioning to a new economic model is not a quick and straightforward process. • Transition requires changes in countries, regions, cities, supply chains and companies. • Some strategies and related practices have been adopted to enable the transition. • National legislation and Action Plans can boost the transition toward a circular economy. • In developing countries, the exploration of CE concept and its potential benefits has been rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A generic optimization model for biorefineries design overarching the entire supply chain, from biomass to market, that allows the modeling of complex biomass systems, such as forests. • A robust formulation that handles uncertainties on both biomass productivity and product selling prices. • An uncertainty model that allows the control of the degree of conservatism regarding negative uncertainties materialization. • A case study for a eucalyptus biorefinery implementation in Brazil producing paper-grade pulp, electricity, and lignin illustrating the capabilities of the proposed model. The dependence of biomass growth on uncontrolled environmental factors and the lack of confidence in product selling price estimation imposes challenges for the efficient design of biorefineries, especially for forest systems, which present complex and long-termed growth behavior. The present work proposes the expansion of an optimization framework for forest biorefineries design to handle uncertainties on both biomass productivity and product selling prices. A robust formulation is proposed under a box and polyhedral uncertainty set formulation allowing its conservatism degree to be controlled. A case study of a eucalyptus biorefinery in Brazil illustrates the model's capabilities. The canonical worst-case approach to uncertainties on selling prices leads to a null optimal Net Present Value (NPV) and, on biomass growth, leads to a design that uses a 70% excess of lands. Scenarios of a controlled degree of conservatism lead to designs closer to the uncertainty-free optimal NPV of 136 bi BRL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

College students graduating in a recession have been shown to face large and persistent negative effects on their earnings, health, and other outcomes. This paper investigates whether students delay graduation to avoid these effects. Using data on the universe of students in higher education in Brazil and leveraging variation in labor market conditions across time, space, and chosen majors, the paper finds that students in public institutions delay graduation to avoid entering depressed labor markets. A typical recession causes the on-time graduation rate to fall by 6.5% in public universities and there is no effect on private institutions. The induced delaying increases average graduation by 0.11 semesters, consistent with 1 out of 18 students delaying graduation by one year in public universities. The delaying effect is larger for students with higher scores, in higher-earnings majors, and from more advantaged backgrounds. This has important implications for the distributional impact of recessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian Navy (BN) has its combatant force concentrated in an area with only one exit to the sea. Brazil has an extensive coast that needs to be patrolled and, in case of any kind of conflict, the BN must be able to defend the sovereignty and interests of the country. For this purpose, it is necessary a robust and decentralized naval force, which allows the fulfillment of its mission. This paper aims to classify the most suitable cities in Brazil to be established as naval bases, through the application of the ELECTRE-MOr hybrid method. Seventeen cities were analyzed, which have an opening to the sea and have a pre-existing minimum port structure. The alternatives were evaluated by specialists from the BN, with more than twenty years of active service, in the light of operational, economic and strategic criteria. As a result, five alternatives were classified as the most indicated to be headquarters for the decentralization of the naval power: Belém/PA, São Luis/MA, Fortaleza/CE, Recife/PE and Aratu/BA. This article presents relevance to academia and society, as it represents the application of a method in the state of the art to support the decision-making process in a significant problem for the sovereignty of Brazil, presenting a methodology that can be applied in problems of tactical, operational, strategic and political levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep Learning has been successful in developing e-learning applications, including engineering question classifiers. However, we are not aware of any classification model to date that recognizes the level of difficulty of questions in the Portuguese language. To overcome this challenge, this paper proposes a data-driven classifier model. A corpus was built with exam questions from the "Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio" in Brazil, whose hit level was validated by millions of students and a difficulty label was assigned to them. Then, a pipeline was designed, in which a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) received the matrix of the question vectors and predicted the probability of the classes of difficulty, in the output layer. Besides, its performance was measured. As a result, a data-driven classifier was obtained that identifies the difficulty of questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]