Universidade Regional de Blumenau

This chapter examines the evolution of sports betting as a new frontier of behavioral addiction, tracing a historical overview that extends from ancient civilizations to the contemporary digital era, characterized by technological innovations and a wide array of betting modalities. It presents data on the global prevalence of gambling involvement, highlighting statistics and epidemiological data that describe the associated impacts of gambling-related disorders. The updated diagnostic criteria in ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR are reviewed, providing a detailed understanding of the characteristics of these disorders. The text explores vulnerability factors, including genetic, physiological, and temperamental dimensions, and discusses the neurobiology and cognitive aspects that shape choice behavior, emphasizing the interaction between the prefrontal cortex and brain areas associated with the processing of emotions and rewards. Additionally, it examines the sociocultural and economic contexts influencing gambling involvement, along with frequently observed psychiatric comorbidities. The chapter also addresses case assessment and formulation and presents principles and applications of cognitive and behavioral approaches, describing theoretical models, techniques, and practical examples that demonstrate effective interventions. Thus, the chapter offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in gambling behavior, underscoring the importance of multidimensional strategies for treating disorders related to hazardous gambling and sports betting.

This chapter aims to provide parents and caregivers with evidence-based guidelines for addressing the use of digital media by children and adolescents in an assertive and safe manner. Considering the pervasive presence of digital technologies in daily life, the contributions of parental mediation are discussed as a preventive strategy against the potential risks associated with the inappropriate or excessive use of these technologies, such as exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and other problematic usage patterns. The text presents evidence-based strategies to foster a balanced digital environment within the family context, including setting screen time limits, carefully selecting content, and emphasizing the importance of dialogue and active participation by caregivers in their children’s digital interactions. By proposing evidence-informed practices, this chapter seeks to promote a more informed and responsible management of digital media use, strengthen family relationships, and contribute to the development of digital and social skills in children and adolescents.

The use of synthetic insecticides and fungicides is the main method for controlling of coleopteran pests and fungal contamination during storage. However, intensive use of these products has caused several negative impacts. Thus, as an effective and safer alternative, essential oils (EOs) are a promising and efficient solution for integrated management in storage systems. The present study aimed to investigate the biological activity of Piper mikanianum EO against storage pests and fungi. The EO was extracted by hydro-distillation for 4 h, and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. A total of 29 compounds were identified in P. mikanianum EO, with safrole as the major compound, corresponding to 30.46%. This compound was later isolated by crystallization. The insecticidal effect of P. mikanianum EO and safrole was evaluated by fumigation, causing 100% mortality of Sitophilus zeamais, Sitophilus oryzae, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, and Rhyzopertha dominica at 138.38 μL L⁻¹ of air. The fungicidal activity was assessed by volatilization and direct contact against Fusarium graminearum. Piper mikanianum EO and safrole inhibited fungal growth by volatilization at 92% and 78.3%, respectively, at a 100% concentration; by contact, both treatments caused inhibition above 90% at a 1.5% concentration. Safrole showed a lower value (0.5%) of minimum inhibitory concentration compared to EO (1.5%) by contact. These results confirmed the potential of P. mikanianum EO and its main compound, safrole, as biopesticides in the combined management of storage pests and diseases, proving to be a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides.

This study explored the potential for performance enhancement using a Ru(III) salophen-type Schiff base complex as a co-catalyst in conjunction with PtSn/C for ethanol electro-oxidation. This type of compound is recognized as a cost-effective synthetic catalyst for oxidation reactions, which can improve the electrocatalytic activity of platinum-based catalysts while remaining less expensive. The ligand and complex were synthesized and characterized using various techniques, including FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopies, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Electrocatalytic experiments revealed that the mixed catalyst PtSn/C:[Ru(ndsp)(Cl)(H₂O)] at a mass ratio of 4:1—comprising 20% of the catalyst mass—outperformed pure PtSn/C. It achieved a peak current density of 32.5 mA/cm², approximately 1.7 times higher than that of pure PtSn/C, and the onset potential for the ethanol oxidation reaction occurred at a less positive value. Maximum catalytic efficiency was observed at a pH of 0.3 and increased with higher ethanol concentrations. These results indicate that the addition of the Ru(III) complex significantly enhances the catalytic activity of PtSn/C, making it a promising and cost-effective candidate catalyst system for direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) applications. Graphical Abstract

This study aims to analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by the Metropolitan Area (MA) of Xalapa, México, in the context of climate uncertainties. The methodology was divided into two phases: the first involved analyzing variations in temperature and precipitation patterns from 1960 to 2020, using historical climate data sourced from the WorldClim platform, processed with R statistical software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Through time series analysis and linear regression modeling, the study identified key climate variability patterns. The second phase mapped and examined social groups and their respective actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, thus formulating climate action strategies. The results indicate an increase of 1.24°C in minimum temperatures and 1.31°C in maximum temperatures between 1960 and 2020. In addition, a decrease in precipitation frequency was observed, resulting in a reduction of 19.4 mm in the analyzed period. However, the region has experienced more intense precipitation events, with the pattern of rainfall becoming more concentrated in the more populous areas. These shifting climate patterns could present significant challenges, including increased pressure on water supply systems due to prolonged droughts, negative impacts on agriculture, and a growing need for investments in disaster risk management. The study also highlights opportunities to implement adaptive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of global warming, supported by a participatory governance model that has historically been established in the region.

This work aimed to demonstrate how careful control of the reagent concentration and the order of their addition can be used to fine-tune the characteristics of 3D-reduced graphene oxide structures decorated with silver and how this affects the applicability of these materials as electrochemical sensors. The materials were prepared by using an environmentally friendly single-step route in an autoclave, using only water as a solvent and ascorbic acid as a reductant, while varying the order of addition of the reagents and the amount of metal precursors. The presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant leads to the formation of Ag2O particles in addition to pure Ag. A greater quantity of metal precursors resulted in a more compact macrostructure with smaller particles. The late addition of CTAB promoted the formation of smaller silver nanoparticles, which preferentially decorated the edges and folds of the rGO sheets. Computational calculations allowed for the elucidation of the mechanism responsible for this preferential morphology. The main advantage of the method used is its ability to synthesize simultaneously and in large quantities different materials in a fast, single-step approach. The synthesis route can influence the formation and characteristics of the silver particles, such as their composition, size, and shape. This architecture creates efficient conduction networks with maximum utilization of spaces and interfaces, acting as a conductive layer for the Ag or Ag/Ag2O nanoparticles that decorate the macrostructure. The macrostructures showed applicability in furosemide sensing, with LD and LQ reaching 21 ± 2 and 69 ± 8 μmol L–1, respectively.

This study involves synthesizing thin films through an interfacial method, which relies on composites of Prussian blue nanoparticles and nanostructures derived from graphene, known as crumpled graphene. The resulting compounds...

Resumo Fundamento A edoxabana é um anticoagulante oral que se mostrou segura e eficaz na prevenção de acidente vascular cerebral em pacientes com fibrilação atrial (FA). Dada a ampla utilização da edoxabana desde sua aprovação, é crucial avaliar seu desempenho no contexto clínico brasileiro. Objetivos O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a segurança e a efetividade da edoxabana no tratamento de pacientes com FA no Brasil. Métodos O EdoBRA é um estudo multicêntrico, prospectivo, observacional, conduzido em 30 centros de pesquisa no Brasil. Eventos de sangramento foram considerados medidas de segurança, e eventos cardiovasculares foram considerados para medidas de efetividade. Análises descritivas foram realizadas. Curvas de Kaplan-Meier foram geradas para análise do tempo para o evento, e um intervalo de confiança de 95% usado conforme apropriado. Resultados Entre os 705 pacientes recrutados, 590 foram incluídos na análise por apresentarem pelo menos um evento relatado ou durante o seguimento. As médias (±DP) dos escores de risco CHA2DS2-VASc e HAS-BLED foram, respectivamente, 3 (3,3 ± 1,6) e 2 (1,8 ± 1,2). Durante o acompanhamento de um ano, foram relatados nove sangramentos maiores, incluindo cinco casos de sangramento gastrointestinal [PI 0,85 (IC95% =0,82; 0,88]). Entre os eventos cardiovasculares registrados (n=68), houve quatro eventos de acidente vascular cerebral [PI 0,68 (IC 95% 0,65; 0,71)], um ataque isquêmico transitório [PI 0,17 (IC 95% 0,16; 0,18)] e um tromboembolismo venoso [PI 0,17 (IC 95% 0,16; 0,18)]. Nenhum evento embólico sistêmico foi relatado. Conclusão Em uma população idosa com várias comorbidades, recebendo edoxabana como tratamento de rotina para FA, as taxas de evento cardiovasculares sangramento maior foram baixas.

The use of carbonaceous materials derived from biomass, such as those used to support platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells, has increased in recent years due to their advantages regarding sustainability and the circular economy. These biomass-derived materials, whose physicochemical characteristics, such as porosity and surface area, can be controlled through thermal and chemical activation, have become increasingly popular. This study obtained activated carbon by chemically treating biomass residues of tucumã, which was then used as a support for platinum and platinum-tin nanoparticle catalysts. These catalysts were evaluated for the electrochemical oxidation of ethanol. The activated carbon exhibited predominantly acidic functional groups, especially carboxylic (4.158 mM g⁻¹) and carbonyl (3.447 mM g⁻¹) groups, rather than basic groups (4.525 mM g⁻¹). Additionally, the catalysts displayed reflections typical of the face-centered cubic structure of polycrystalline platinum at 39.2° and 45.7° (2θ), corresponding to the (111) and (200) planes, respectively. Lastly, this study found a significant correlation between ethanol concentration and peak current density, with an asymptotic increase in current for both catalysts as ethanol concentration increased. Interestingly, the PtSn/AC catalyst showed a slight decrease in current density from 8.44 mA cm⁻² at 0.8 mol L⁻¹ ethanol to 8.24 mA cm⁻² at 1.0 mol L⁻¹ ethanol.

The importance of family businesses in the global economic landscape is widely acknowledged, and initial progress has been made in exploring the interrelationship between family businesses and the contexts in which they operate. This study investigates the influence of family businesses, geographic location, and gender diversity within Brazilian companies. For this purpose, it uses an extensive database, encompassing over 2.8 million active Brazilian companies, and employs the Atalanta algorithm to identify family businesses. Using a logit model, the results reveal significant differences in gender diversity between family and non-family businesses, as well as variations between urban and rural areas. Theoretical contributions include advances in understanding the importance of the regional context in the management of family businesses, as well as expanding the debate on gender diversity in such business contexts. Practically, family businesses can adopt more inclusive policies to enhance their performance, especially in regions where gender diversity is still limited. Regional public policies that encourage inclusion could also promote the development and long-term sustainability of family businesses.

Background: Atherosclerotic disease is a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population, and it is important to detect factors that can influence its prevention. Objective: To evaluate the association of cardiovascular risk factors with carotid plaques in participants of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) - Brazil. Methods: A total of 1,953 participants were assessed for the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity) and sociodemographic variables (gender, age group, Germanic culture, color/race self-declared, and alcohol consumption), waist circumference measurement, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio. The presence of carotid plaques was analyzed by ultrasound. The association between the study variables and carotid plaques was assessed using the Chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Plaques were present in 56.5% of hypertensive patients (p<0.001), 49.8% of dyslipidemic patients (p<0.001), 62% of diabetic patients (p<0.001), 52% of smokers, 29% of those who had never smoked (p<0.001), 39.5% of sedentary people and 33.1% of non-sedentary people (p=0.014), 43.7% of obese people and 26.1% of eutrophic people (p<0.001). Conclusion: Carotid plaques were prevalent in men, aged between 60 and 79, white, hypertensive, dyslipidemic, diabetic, smokers, sedentary and obese, illiterate, in economic class A1/A2, and of Germanic culture, and low alcohol consumption.

This study aimed to review scientific publications on reports of violence against children and adolescents in Brazil from 2018 to 2022 based on a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. Selection encompassed quantitative and qualitative studies published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish from the PubMed Central, LILACS, and SciELO databases. Two trilingual reviewers analyzed the studies according to the eligibility criteria, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The 21 eligible studies were then analyzed, and the social determinants of health listed were grouped into categories (territory, race/ethnicity, gender, age, type of violence, drugs, perpetrator, and where the act occurred) to create a narrative synthesis about each one. The results show worrisome patterns of ethnic-racial inequalities regarding violence, pointing towards a greater vulnerability of the black population. Analyses based on gender, age, and type of violence also reveal a particular vulnerability of girls, especially regarding sexual violence. The perpetrators were mainly identified as the victims’ fathers and mothers, highlighting the relevance of the family setting in enabling violent acts and showing the need for interventions focused on this context. The underreporting of cases indicates the importance of improving report mechanisms and raising community awareness to ensure that the reality of violence against children and adolescents is presented accurately.

Several studies have focused on alternative cementitious materials to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The aim of this study was to analyze the contribution of the partial substitution of Portland cement by red ceramic construction waste (RCCW) in the reduction of GHGs, through the life cycle assessment (LCA). The impacts were analyzed by varying the levels of substitution of cement by RCCW at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40% and compressive strengths of 30 (C30) and 45 (C45) MPa. The system boundary adopted was "cradle to gate," and the inventory data were processed in OpenLCA 1.10.3 software and Ecoinvent 3.7.1 database, using the "CML-IA baseline" method with midpoint approach, for the global warming potential and ozone depletion categories, and the "cumulative energy demand" method for calculating embodied energy. The results showed a 26% reduction in environmental impacts in all categories analyzed with an increasing substitution content and, the variation was of approximately 3% between the C30 and C45 concretes with 40% substitution. The manufacturing of raw materials and transportation (processes analyzed together) showed a greater influence on GHG emissions. Keywords: LCA; global warming; ozone depletion; embodied energy

Chagas disease is a serious public health problem worldwide. In Brazil, the state of Pará has the largest number of reported cases. This article analyzes the spatial distribution of this disease and its relationship with socioeconomic, environmental, and public policy health variables in three mesoregions in the Pará state from 2013 to 2022. This ecological study used secondary data obtained from official Brazilian agencies. Spatial analysis was carried out using the flow, kernel, and bivariate global Moran techniques expressed in thematic maps. A total of 3664 cases of the disease were confirmed, with the highest number of cases being reported in the northeast of Pará. A seasonal pattern of the disease, an epidemiological profile similar to other diseases in the Amazon region, and the spatial dependence between the disease prevalence and socioeconomic indicators were observed. The most intense movement of patients for treatment was to the Belém metropolitan mesoregion, which has the majority of the health services and professionals. The disease showed an inhomogeneous pattern of cases in terms of the spatial distribution, with a direct relationship between areas with a higher number of cases and those with human clusters. The socioenvironmental origins of the disease transcend mesoregion boundaries and stem from the historically unsustainable development model in the Amazon.

Objective To investigate the association between polypharmacy and low functional capacity among older adults residing in southern Brazil. Method This cross-sectional observational study involved 511 older adults participating in the Study of Health in Pomerode (SHIP-Brazil) study. A structured questionnaire interview was conducted, including sociodemographic, behavioral, general health, and healthcare variables. Functional capacity was assessed using a 0-to-100 scale and quartiles based on the SF- 36 questionnaire. The association between polypharmacy (five or more medications) and low functional capacity (25th percentile or lower) was estimated using logistic regression. Results Among the participants, 48.3% used five or more medications. The median functional capacity was 65 (IQR 40–85). A negative correlation was observed between the functional capacity scale and the number of medications (rho = -0.3068; p > 0.001). The likelihood of having low functional capacity was 2.8 times higher (95% CI 1.8–4.1) among those consuming five or more medications compared to those consuming four or fewer. This association remained significant across all adjusted models, with the greatest reductions observed for clinical (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.6) and healthcare-related variables (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.9). Conclusion There is an association between polypharmacy and low functional capacity, even after adjusting for socioeconomic, lifestyle, general health, and healthcare-related factors. It is essential to implement health promotion actions targeted at the population aged 60 years or older who use medications, ensuring effective and safe treatment while preventing low functional capacity.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a associação entre a polifarmácia e baixa capacidade funcional entre pessoas idosas, residentes no sul do Brasil. Método Estudo do tipo observacional seccional realizado com 511 pessoas idosas participantes do estudo “Vida e Saúde em Pomerode-SHIP Brazil”. Uma entrevista com questionário estruturado foi realizada, contendo variáveis sociodemográficas, comportamentais, condições gerais, de saúde e assistenciais. A capacidade funcional foi estimada em escala de zero a 100 e quartis com base no questionário SF-36. A associação entre a polifarmácia (cinco medicamentos ou mais) e baixa capacidade funcional (quartil 25 ou menos) foi estimada por regressão logística. Resultado: Dentre os participantes, 48,3% utilizavam 5 ou mais medicamentos. A mediana da capacidade funcional foi de Conclusão Há uma associação entre polifarmácia e baixa capacidade funcional, mesmo após ajuste por fatores socioeconômicos, de estilo de vida, condições gerais, de saúde e assistenciais. Faz-se necessário implementar ações de promoção a saúde direcionadas à população de 60 anos ou mais que utilizam medicamentos, de modo a garantir tratamento efetivo, seguro e que evite a baixa capacidade funcional.

Memory, learning, anxiety, and depression have concerned science for years, increasingly leading to research into new therapeutic targets. The study investigated the effect of acupuncture stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) on memory, anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in healthy rats. Healthy rats were divided into groups: (1) control, without treatment; (2) acupuncture in the left ABVN; and (3) acupuncture in the right ABVN. Tests were conducted to evaluate memory (inhibitory avoidance and object recognition), anxiety-like (open field, elevated plus maze, and light/dark box), and depressive-like (sucrose preference and forced swimming) behaviors. In addition, the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of the rats was evaluated. The control group did not show any changes in the behavioral tests. The animals that received acupuncture (ABVN-R and ABVN-L) remained longer on the light side of the light/dark box test compared to the control group. Acupuncture in the ABVN-R also increased the concentration of BDNF in the hippocampus of the animals. Accordingly, acupuncture stimulation of the ABVN did not show an antidepressant effect or improve memory in healthy animals; however, it did show an anxiolytic effect and increased neurotrophic levels in the hippocampus.

We studied a group of howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in Dumont, São Paulo, Brazil, inhabiting a highly fragmented 9.88-ha riparian forest within the Cerrado biome, affected by agriculture, cattle ranching, and clay extraction. This critical scenario poses a local extinction risk, as highlighted in São Paulo’s Red Book. Additionally, this species has been suffering from yellow fever epizootics and, in the near future, may also face extinction due to inbreeding. While their folivorous diet aids adaptation to degraded areas, the role of social relationships in isolated groups remains understudied. Using the scan sampling method, we recorded 30 behavioral categories and classified individuals into five sex-age groups: adult male (AM), adult female (AF), sub-adult male (SAM), juvenile (JUV), and infant (INF). Behavioral patterns were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify social functions within the group. Despite habitat fragmentation, the monkeys' behavior aligned with findings from studies in conserved areas. AFs showed higher frequencies of intra-group maintenance behaviors, suggesting a matrifocal structure, while AMs exhibited dominant and territorial behaviors. Only JUVs and INFs engaged in play, and SAMs occupied the group’s periphery. AM territoriality may also contribute to group cohesion, warranting further study. A division of roles between AFs and AMs was evident. Although howler monkeys demonstrate behavioral plasticity, further research is needed to understand their persistence in the increasingly fragmented Cerrado biome of São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold measurements for the estimation of body fat in adults. METHODS: We analyzed data from 292 adult participants enrolled in a cross-sectional population-based study. Four skinfold measurements were performed, and body fat percentage was estimated using the Petroski formula. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed using a tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance device. The measurements were compared using Student's t-test, Robinson's coefficient of agreement, Cronbach's alpha, and linear regression models (slope and intercept). RESULTS: The mean percentage of body fat estimated by skinfold measurements was higher compared to bioelectrical impedance analysis (29.0 vs. 27.9; p<0.001), but the agreement between the methods is good (alpha=0.88; Robinson's coefficient of agreement=0.91). Linear regression models showed a good correlation (r2=0.69). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of −1.02 (−1.54 vs. −0.50) between the two techniques. The agreement was better in women, those aged 20-39 years, those with a body mass index<25, and those with a waist-to-height ratio<50. CONCLUSION: The two methods showed a good agreement between the mean values of body fat percentage and can be used in population studies. However, their results should be considered with caution in men, people aged 40 years and older, overweight people, and those with a waist-to-height ratio≥50.