Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo

The adoption by the International Labour Organization (ILO) of a special convention dedicated to the struggle against violence and harassment in the workplace, namely the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (C190), is a special opportunity to research the level of protection against these phenomena granted by national legislations and to better understand the ways to improve it. The main objective of this article is to analyze the national approaches of the BRICS countries to the issue of harassment in the world of work in order to identify the current problems and the possible ways of solving them, including through the implementation of the norms of the C190 or following Violence and Harassment Recommendation, 2019 (No. 206) (R206). In the five sections of this article, each of which is dedicated to a separate member state of BRICS, the authors examine the national labor legislation and other laws that are relevant to the topic, the gaps in these norms as compared to the requirements of the C190, and the case law in this field. The research demonstrates that certain BRICS nations, such as South Africa, have implemented a legal framework to address and prevent harassment, having ratified C190. In Brazil, violence and harassment in the workplace are not regulated by a special law; instead, the country’s norms are rather fragmented and tend to protect mostly women, in particular against sexual harassment. On the other hand, countries such as China and India, despite their focus on prohibiting sexual harassment against women, often overlook the aspect of moral harassment. Russia tends to neglect both issues, altogether disregarding the inclusion of specific norms in the labor law.

Purpose To understand undergraduate training in bilingual speech and language therapy in Brazil and discuss its application to deaf individuals. Methods An exploratory, cross-sectional study with descriptive and interpretative analysis conducted between August 2022 and February 2023 in partnership with the Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia. Data were collected through an electronic form sent to the 115 active speech and language programs in Brazil. Results Twenty-three programs participated, mainly from the Southeast Region and mostly public institutions. All programs offer courses on Brazilian Sign Language, mostly in-person, taught by hearing professors, ranging from 60 to 90 hours. Qualitative analysis revealed heterogeneous practices and perspectives on how curricula address deaf individuals’ needs, often lacking a clear stance on understanding deafness and deaf people regarding cultural and linguistic diversity. Other practices are divided into oral/auditory approaches to auditory rehabilitation and the use of technological resources and bilingual approaches that, besides Brazilian Sign Language, emphasize language development stages (oral, written, and signed). Conclusion Brazilian Sign Language content is present in curricula as required by law. However, there is still a tendency to overlook the needs of signing deaf individuals, favor oral/auditory practices, and limit bilingual speech and language therapy training to Brazilian Sign Language knowledge and non-mandatory projects and activities.

Purpose To understand undergraduate training in bilingual speech and language therapy in Brazil and discuss its application to deaf individuals. Methods An exploratory, cross-sectional study with descriptive and interpretative analysis conducted between August 2022 and February 2023 in partnership with the Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia. Data were collected through an electronic form sent to the 115 active speech and language programs in Brazil. Results Twenty-three programs participated, mainly from the Southeast Region and mostly public institutions. All programs offer courses on Brazilian Sign Language, mostly in-person, taught by hearing professors, ranging from 60 to 90 hours. Qualitative analysis revealed heterogeneous practices and perspectives on how curricula address deaf individuals’ needs, often lacking a clear stance on understanding deafness and deaf people regarding cultural and linguistic diversity. Other practices are divided into oral/auditory approaches to auditory rehabilitation and the use of technological resources and bilingual approaches that, besides Brazilian Sign Language, emphasize language development stages (oral, written, and signed). Conclusion Brazilian Sign Language content is present in curricula as required by law. However, there is still a tendency to overlook the needs of signing deaf individuals, favor oral/auditory practices, and limit bilingual speech and language therapy training to Brazilian Sign Language knowledge and non-mandatory projects and activities.

Resumo: O editorial discute a Teoria da Reprodução Social (TRS) e suas contribuições para o Serviço Social, enfatizando a relação entre produção e reprodução social no capitalismo, a partir da proposição de cinco notas. Destaca-se a importância da TRS na análise das opressões de gênero, raça e território, articuladas à exploração do trabalho, assim como para a compreensão da profissão inserida na relação necessária-porém-contraditória entre trabalho reprodutivo e produção de valor.

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars are typically made of epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester matrices. Despite their advantages such as good mechanical properties, low weight, electromagnetic transparency, and non-corrosive behavior, the matrix may degrade when exposed to moisture and alkalinity. It is well documented that epoxy and vinyl ester are more chemically resistant than polyester matrices. However, literature research demonstrated that aged polyester GFRP bars can exhibit comparable mechanical performance. Nevertheless, few studies were conducted to investigate the durability of polyester GFRP bars subjected to different conditioning times and temperatures to obtain appropriate acceleration factors. This study examines the hydrothermal effect of an alkaline environment and distilled water on the mechanical performance of polyester glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. The samples were immersed in distilled water at 60 °C and in an alkaline solution at 30 °C, 40 °C and 60 °C for up to 6 months. The study analyzed the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and apparent horizontal shear strength. Additionally, a predictive degradation model based on the Arrhenius Law was developed. The results indicate a high moisture uptake ability. The apparent horizontal shear strength retention was 69% after six months in alkaline solution, whereas the tensile strength retention was as low as 44%. In contrast, immersion in water resulted in a tensile strength retention of 53%. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed the occurrence of fiber-matrix interface debonding, yet no evidence of fiber degradation was observed. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicates the occurrence of matrix hydrolysis. The long-term behavior of the polyester GFRP bars under study was established.

Kurupi, a phallic Tupi-Guarani deity widely worshipped across Latin America, takes on distinct cultural adaptations in Brazil, influenced by significant historical forces. Despite the impact of the Tupi language on Brazilian culture, the colonial-era criminalization of Indigenous practices and later adaptations have resulted in a desexualized portrayal of Kurupi in Brazilian classrooms. This study compares representations of Kurupi by religious education teachers from São Paulo and the Amazon region. While educators in the Amazon tend to lean towards traditional Indigenous portrayals, teachers in São Paulo often incorporate syncretic elements, blending Indigenous and African influences shaped by popular media. We explore how these portrayals reflect broader trends in Orientalism and show how the Brazilian education system reshapes Indigenous myths to align with dominant urban perspectives, separating them from their cultural roots.

In recent years, organic-inorganic hybrid materials have garnered attention due to their combined and enhanced properties. Given this context, this study focused on the development of a silica/collagen (Coll) hybrid with varying concentrations of Coll (2%, 5%, and 8%), utilizing a simple sol-gel process, with triethyl citrate (TEC) as a plasticizer, aiming to create a material suitable for application in the development of new biomaterials. Coll acted as an organic material, associated with its prevalence and importance in the human extracellular matrix, while silica contributed as an inorganic bioactive material. However, the inherent stiffness of these materials was mitigated by the addition of TEC, known for its biodegradability and non-toxic properties, improving the mechanical attributes of the hybrid. FTIR spectra and TGA thermal analysis confirmed the presence of Coll in the synthesized hybrids. Additionally, the thermal analysis revealed that the incorporation of varying concentrations of Coll influenced the material's thermal stability. SEM analysis revealed that the structure of the silica hybrid containing 8% Coll exhibits features characteristic of a fiber-reinforced composite, along with traces of porosity of varying sizes. Mechanical tests indicated that this sample is particularly promising for bone regeneration applications, especially in regions exposed to lower mechanical stress, such as facial bones, or when used in combination with other therapeutic approaches. These findings underscore the potential of this material in the development of biomaterials for biomedical applications.

Mathematical Oncology has become a pivotal field employing both continuous and discrete models to elucidate cancer-related phenomena mathematically. When addressing physics-based models, these methods typically take the form of differential equations. However, the specific cellular structure and probabilistic behavior of tumors, especially with complex dynamics, necessitate tailor-made approaches. Cell-based models facilitate the monitoring of parameters that may fluctuate across both time and spatial dimensions, often being able to describe the fractal nature of living organisms for more realistic simulations. Building upon existing tumor growth models, our study presents cellular automata simulation techniques to virtualize breast cancer scenarios that accommodate a diverse cell population and capture the patterns of both individual cells and cell clusters. In conjunction with this stochastic approach, we have integrated a model using partial differential equations to simulate nutrient diffusion within the tumor microenvironment, offering insights into complex biosystem dynamics. Our findings indicate that parameter adjustments, especially in the subparameters of the probability modulator, significantly impact the simulated tumor’s growth, apoptosis, and migration patterns. The proposed hybrid cellular automaton model is capable of simulating varying tumor growth scenarios, positioning it as a valuable multivariate dynamics tool for in silico experimentation. Moreover, this model lays the groundwork for further integration with data-driven techniques capable of analyzing clinical data and diagnostic imagery. This anticipated framework, which incorporates fractal and fractional modeling concepts, calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to merge diverse resources and methodologies into innovative concepts in oncology, contributing to the prospective refinement of diagnostic tools and treatment modalities.

High-grade gliomas (HGG) are a neuro-oncology challenge due to their aggressive nature,with conventional therapies like radiation and chemotherapy often yielding limited success. Cesium-131 (Cs-131) brachytherapy is a promising adjunct due to its short half-life (9.7 days) and high energy, enabling targeted radiation delivery with less exposure. GammaTile (GT Medical Technologies) uses Cs-131 seeds in a bioresorbable collagen matrix, enabling immediate post-surgical radiation while safeguarding healthy tissue. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the current evidence of using Gammatile in HGG. We performed a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched for eligible trials. A random-effects model was used to calculate the Proportions and Means, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and a significance level of 5%. Statistical analyses were conducted with RStudio 4.3. Twelve studies included 110 patients, 57 male (51.8%), with a mean age of 50.2 years and a follow-up of 29.47 months. Four endpoints were analyzed: Mortality (Proportion 6%; 95% CI 2% to 15%; I² = 0%); Recurrence (Proportion 100%; 95% CI 11% to 100%; I² = 0%); Overall Survival (OS) (Mean 27.30 months; 95% CI 17.34 to 42.96; I² = 63.9%); Progression-Free Survival (PFS) (Mean 8.81 months; 95% CI 7.43–10.43; I² = 0%). GammaTile shows promising outcomes for HGG, with mean OS of 27.30 months, and PFS of 8.81 months. Despite the 100% recurrence rate, the 6% mortality rate suggests contribution to prolonging patient survival.

Buddhism in Latin America and the Caribbean is still a demanding field of research. Most of the existing studies are limited to specific countries, primarily Brazil and Argentina. The few publications that approach the issue within a broader geopolitical context such as Central America, South America, or Latin America do not have sufficient academic depth. The present article contributes to filling this gap. Based on an inventory of Buddhist centers and temples established in the region the article offers an overview of the current state and common denominators of institutionalized Buddhism in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate the cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and osteogenic effect of EndoSequence BCSealer HiFlow (BCH) and Bio-C Sealer (BCS) in osteosarcoma cells SAOS-2 compared with AH Plus Jet. Materials and Methods For cytotoxicity analysis, the [3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazole)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide-MTT; Sigma/Aldrich] method was used after 24, 48, and 72 hours. For cellular bioactivity, alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) was evaluated after 7 and 14 days. Statistical Analysis MTT assay was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test and over time using ANOVA and Sidak’s test. For ALP analysis, the one-way ANOVA and Student’s paired t-tests were used. Results BCS was like AH Plus Jet. After 72 hours, BCH and BCS did not differ from AH Plus Jet and showed similar behavior in terms of viability. ALP showed a difference only after 14 days. BCH had the lowest bioactivity value. AH Plus Jet and BCS were like each other. Conclusion AHP was more viable for SAOS-2, and the biocompatibility of Calcium silicate-based sealers was acceptable. The present finding assessed the biocompatibility of Calcium silicate bioceramic sealers, such as BCS, EndoSequence BCH, and AH Plus Jet, is acceptable and they have osteogenic effect and bioactivity.

Spiritism has been closely linked to a Christian moral ideal since its beginnings. The greatest exponent of classical Spiritism in Brazil was Chico Xavier, who preached austerity, humility, and charity towards others, strongly based on strict moralism, which was valued as an ideal of behavior. The last few decades have brought major changes, and Spiritism has undergone a significant amalgamation with New Age ideas and practices. One of the most prominent aspects of this process is the individualized concern for spiritual progression. This paper aims to reflect on the influences of the New Age on Spiritist morality in Brazil and its internal repercussions among Spiritist groups. In addition to Brazilian thinkers on Spiritism, materials from Spiritist centers and texts for internal dissemination were consulted. The conclusion is that although there have always been different interpretations of Spiritism with the same doctrinal guidelines, the current scenario shows a diversification that puts denominational unity itself in check. There are tentative points indicating a possible rupture. The seemingly simplified option of abandoning the term Spiritist and all its underlying morals may appeal to some, but it would entail losses that not everyone is willing to accept.

Green spaces are part of the urban infrastructure and, with growing urbanization and the problems caused by global warming, they have gained prominence in recent research, highlighting the ecosystem, environmental, and social services they provide. In this context, this paper aims to discuss, through a bibliometric analysis and a literature review: the characteristics of urban green spaces; and the social and environmental contributions resulting from the ecosystem services they provide to society, with emphasis on mitigating the effects of climate change in the urban environment; as well as exemplifying the main types of green infrastructure used and the challenges for urban managers related to urban green infrastructure. The bibliometric analysis was based on the ‘Proknow-C’ methodology, starting with a preliminary investigation of the topic to select the search keywords, followed by a search of the Scopus and Web Of Science database portfolios, returning a total of 2945 documents, to which filters were applied, resulting in the final selection of 72 articles used to prepare the systematic literature review. There were several studies evaluating the contributions of infrastructure to the urban environment, highlighting the ecosystem services provided. Another relevant aspect was the classification of these infrastructures according to their functions, morphological characteristics, scale, land use and ecosystem services. Given the lack of research into the planning and management of urban green areas, it is proposed that studies be carried out that take into account current management demands, highlighting the importance of these studies integrating innovative and multidisciplinary concepts.