Schistosomiasis risk mapping in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using a decision tree approach, remote sensing data and sociological indicators

Schistosomiasis mansoni is not just a physical disease, but is related to social and behavioural factors as well. Snails of the Biomphalaria genus are an intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni and infect humans through water. The objective of this study is to classify the risk of schistosomiasis in the state of Minas Gerais (MG). We focus on socioeconomic and demographic features, basic sanitation features, the presence of accumulated water bodies, dense vegetation in the summer and winter seasons and related terrain characteristics. We draw on the decision tree approach to infection risk modelling and mapping. The model robustness was properly verified. The main variables that were selected by the procedure included the terrain's water accumulation capacity, temperature extremes and the Human Development Index. In addition, the model was used to generate two maps, one that included risk classification for the entire of MG and another that included classification errors. The resulting map was 62.9% accurate

A geoprocessing approach for studying and controlling schistosomiasis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Geographical information systems (GIS) are tools that have been recently tested for improving our understanding of the spatial distribution of disease. The objective of this paper was to further develop the GIS technology to model and control schistosomiasis using environmental, social, biological and remote-sensing variables. A final regression model (R² = 0.39) was established, after a variable selection phase, with a set of spatial variables including the presence or absence of Biomphalaria glabrata, winter enhanced vegetation index, summer minimum temperature and percentage of houses with water coming from a spring or well. A regional model was also developed by splitting the state of Minas Gerais (MG) into four regions and establishing a linear regression model for each of the four regions: 1 (R² = 0.97), 2 (R² = 0.60), 3 (R² = 0.63) and 4 (R² = 0.76). Based on these models, a schistosomiasis risk map was built for MG. In this paper, geostatistics was also used to make inferences about the presence of Biomphalaria spp. The result was a map of species and risk areas. The obtained risk map permits the association of uncertainties, which can be used to qualify the inferences and it can be thought of as an auxiliary tool for public health strategies

Fatores de proteção relacionados à promoção de resiliência em pessoas que vivem com HIV/AIDS Protective factors and resilience in people living with HIV/AIDS

Este artigo busca, com base na revisão da literatura, articular o conceito de resiliência com questões da realidade de vida de pessoas portadoras de HIV/AIDS. Em especial, será enfatizada a análise dos fatores de proteção tradicionalmente descritos como promotores de resiliência (características individuais e rede de apoio social e afetiva). Os estudos revisados revelam que existem importantes fatores de proteção, que contribuem para a saúde e bem-estar dos portadores de HIV/AIDS, entre eles o enfrentamento cognitivo e a aceitação da infecção; a participação da família no tratamento e como fonte de apoio afetivo; o papel das organizações governamentais e não-governamentais e a religiosidade. Acredita-se que a compreensão da resiliência como uma "capacidade do ser humano de superar adversidades" é essencial ao entendimento da infecção e tratamento de pacientes com HIV/AIDS. Isso contribui para acabar com o estigma e preconceito em relação à doença e aos seus portadores. Essa perspectiva desmistifica a questão de que bem-estar e qualidade de vida são estados contraditórios à vida das pessoas infectadas, além de contribuir para a elaboração de novas perspectivas de prevenção e tratamento da infecção por HIV/AIDS.<br>The aim of this theoretical review was to articulate the resilience concept with key aspects in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. We emphasize the analysis of protective factors traditionally related to resilience (personal characteristics and social and affective support networks). The reviewed studies show important protective factors that contribute to the health and well-being of people with HIV/AIDS, such as cognitive coping and acceptance of their HIV status, family participation in treatment and family support, the role of governmental and nongovernmental institutions, and religious beliefs. The concept of resilience defined as a dynamic process that allows human beings to overcome adversities is essential for understanding HIV infection and treatment of AIDS patients. It helps decrease stigmatization and prejudice towards the disease and patients. It also helps alter the notion that living with AIDS is incompatible with well-being and quality of life and fosters the creation of new HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment perspectives

Impacts of climate change on marine resources in the Pacific Island region

Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020. In the Pacific Island region, marine resources make vital contributions to food security, livelihoods and economic development. Climate change is expected to have profound effects on the status and distribution of coastal and oceanic habitats, the fish and invertebrates they support and, as a result, the communities and industries that depend on these resources. To prepare for and respond to these impacts-and ensure the ongoing sustainability of marine ecosystems, and the communities and industries that rely on them economically and culturally-it is necessary to understand the main impacts and identify effective adaptation actions. In particular, declines in coral reef habitats and associated coastal fisheries productivity, more eastward distribution of tuna and impacts of more intense storms and rainfall on infrastructure are expected to present the greatest challenges for Pacific communities and economies. Some species of sharks and rays, and aquaculture commodities with calcareous shells, will also be impacted by habitat degradation, ecosystem changes, increasing temperature and ocean acidification. The projected declines in coastal fish and invertebrate populations will widen the gap between fish needed by growing human populations and sustainable harvests from coastal fisheries, with shortages expected in some nations (e.g. Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands) by 2035. There will also be a need to diversify livelihoods based on fisheries, aquaculture and tourism because some of these operations are expected to be negatively affected by climate change. In some cases, building the resilience of Pacific communities to climate change will involve reducing dependence on, or finding alternatives, vulnerable marine resources