A Política Nacional de Atenção Integral à Saúde do Homem não se mostra capaz de atender às necessidades específicas dos homens trans, especialmente em saúde reprodutiva e parentalidade. Assim, este estudo qualitativo, discute as limitações da política atual, problematizando gênero, masculinidade e paternidade. Como resultado, foram destacados três eixos baseados nas falas dos participantes: Gênero, sexo e sexualidade – fusões que contornam a construção parental, Construção da paternidade e do reconhecimento parental e Estigmatização e exclusão. Conclui-se que há necessidade urgente de educação contínua em saúde e sensibilização nas políticas de parentalidade, na Política Nacional de Atenção Integral à Saúde do Homem e nos profissionais de saúde, sendo crucial reconhecer e apoiar diversas estruturas familiares e experiências parentais, incluindo as de pais trans.

La Política Nacional de Atención Integral a la Salud del Hombre no se muestra capaz de atender las necesidades específicas de los hombres trans, especialmente en salud reproductiva y parentalidad. Por lo tanto, este estudio cualitativo discute las limitaciones de la política actual, problematizando género, masculinidad y paternidad. Como resultado, se destacan tres ejes con base en las declaraciones de los participantes: Género, sexo y sexualidad –fusiones que contornan la construcción parental–; Construcción de la paternidad y del reconocimiento parental y Estigmatización y exclusión. Se concluye que existe la necesidad urgente de educación continua en salud y sensibilización en las políticas de parentalidad, en la Política Nacional de Atención integral a la Salud del Hombre y en los profesionales de salud, siendo crucial el reconocimiento y el apoyo de diversas estructuras familiares y experiencias parentales, incluyendo las de padres trans.

The National Policy for Comprehensive Men's Health Care has shown itself to be incapable of meeting the specific needs of trans men, especially when it comes to reproductive health and parenting. This qualitative study investigated the limitations of the current policy, problematizing gender, masculinity and parenting. We highlight three core themes based on the participants’ comments and observations: Gender, sex and sexuality – fusions that circumvent the parenting construct; Constructing parenting and parental recognition; and Stigmatization and exclusion. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for continuous health education and awareness raising regarding parenting policies and the National Policy for Comprehensive Men's Health Care, and among health professionals. It is crucial to recognize and support a variety of family structures and parenting experiences, including those of trans parents.

Abstract Multichannel Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technology is widely employed in artificial motor control research. This study presents the design and evaluation of a four-channel, remotely controlled surface electrical muscle stimulator prototype. The prototype introduces a modern alternative for the control block, employing a Wi-Fi-enabled solution based on the ESP32 microcontroller. This controller enables remote configuration of activation sequences for individual channels and supports extensive customization of parameters for a biphasic waveform stimulus. The current signal is demultiplexed into four outputs. Additionally, this study provides a detailed functional evaluation of the amplification stage and examines the load-dependent limitations of the output current magnitude. Preliminary experimental testing demonstrates the prototype’s ability to generate controlled stimulation sequences in hand muscles. The prototype’s functional and experimental performance suggests its potential application in artificial motor control research.

Resumen La tecnología de estimulación eléctrica funcional (EEF) multicanal se utiliza actualmente en la investigación del control motor artificial. Este trabajo describe el diseño y evaluación de un prototipo de estimulador eléctrico muscular de cuatro canales controlado remotamente. El prototipo propone una alternativa moderna para el bloque de control, utilizando el microcontrolador wifi/ESP32. Este permite una secuencia de activación de canales configurable de manera remota y una extensiva configuración de los parámetros de un estímulo en forma de onda bifásica. La señal de corriente se demultiplexa en cuatro salidas. Este estudio también contribuye detallando la evaluación funcional de la etapa de amplificación y estableciendo la dependencia de la magnitud de la carga en los límites de la corriente de salida. La prueba experimental preliminar demuestra la capacidad del prototipo para generar secuencias de estimulación controladas en los músculos de la mano. El desempeño funcional y experimental del prototipo sugiere su potencial uso para investigaciones del control motor artificial.

ABSTRACT: Buccal mucosal grafts are versatile in medical practice, documented minimally despite potential in otolaryngology, ophthalmology, dermatology, plastic surgery and urology. They offer advantages such as being hairless, easily obtained, and infection-resistant, with a thin, highly vascularized epithelial layer aiding absorption and reducing contracture risk. Complications from oral donor sites, like pain and sensory changes, are known, relevant in conditions such as Fournier's gangrene, necessitating urgent surgical intervention and often reconstruction. We present a case report of a 45-year-old male with Fournier's gangrene treated jointly by urology and maxillofacial surgery. Buccal mucosal grafts were harvested from the inner cheek mucosa for simultaneous urethral reconstruction. The procedure preserved the parotid duct, obtaining a graft comprising mucosal, submucosal, and glandular tissues, applied to the urethral defect with bovine dermis coverage. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with successful catheter removal in 2 weeks and complete donor site healing in 6 months. Buccal mucosal grafts prove effective in complex reconstruction, offering structural integrity and minimal morbidity. Despite challenges like graft contraction and limited tissue availability in severe cases, buccal mucosal grafts are favored for reliability and patient satisfaction in reconstructive needs, notably urethral reconstruction. The evidence shows a high success rate in most of the uses of buccal mucosal grafts, so it is recommended as an effective and safe graft for extraoral reconstructions, particularly urethral reconstruction, where the Maxillofacial Surgeon is part of the interdisciplinary team. Awareness of potential complications and procedural limitations ensures optimal outcomes and patient care.

RESUMEN: Los injertos de mucosa bucal son versátiles en la práctica médica, documentados mínimamente a pesar de su potencial en otorrinolaringología, oftalmología, dermatología, cirugía plástica y urología. Ofrecen ventajas como la ausencia de vello, facilidad de obtención y resistencia a infecciones, con una capa epitelial delgada y altamente vascularizada que favorece la absorción y reduce el riesgo de contractura. Se conocen complicaciones de los sitios donantes orales, como dolor y cambios sensoriales, que son relevantes en condiciones como la gangrena de Fournier, que requieren intervención quirúrgica urgente y a menudo reconstrucción. Presentamos el reporte de caso de un hombre de 45 años con gangrena de Fournier tratado de manera conjunta por Urología y Cirugía maxilofacial. Se obtuvo injertos de mucosa bucal de la mucosa interna de la mejilla para la reconstrucción uretral simultánea. El procedimiento preservó el conducto parotídeo, obteniendo un injerto que comprendía tejidos mucosos, submucosos y glandulares, aplicado al defecto uretral con cobertura de dermis bovina. La recuperación postoperatoria curso sin complicaciones, con la retirada exitosa del catéter a las 2 semanas y la completa cicatrización del sitio donante en 6 meses. Los injertos de mucosa bucal demuestran ser efectivos en reconstrucciones complejas, ofreciendo integridad estructural y mínima morbilidad. A pesar de los desafíos, como la contracción del injerto y la disponibilidad limitada de tejido en casos severos, los injertos de mucosa bucal son preferidos por su fiabilidad y satisfacción del paciente en necesidades reconstructivas, especialmente en la reconstrucción uretral. La evidencia muestra una alta tasa de éxito en la mayoría de los usos de injertos de mucosa bucal, por lo que se recomienda como un injerto eficaz y seguro para reconstrucciones extraorales, particularmente en la reconstrucción uretral, donde el cirujano maxilofacial forma parte del equipo interdisciplinario. La conciencia sobre las posibles complicaciones y limitaciones del procedimiento asegura resultados óptimos y un adecuado cuidado del paciente.

Resumen Ante las exigencias sociales asociadas a un efectivo servicio de policía que garantice la satisfacción de una de las necesidades básicas del ser humano, el campo de estudio de la educación en los cuerpos de policía es un tema de interés común para algunos investigadores, que buscan a partir de un proceso disciplinar y metodológico resolver una idea de investigación orientada a la educación policial. De esta manera, este estudio tuvo como objetivo la identificación y análisis de la literatura orientada a componentes epistémicos, curriculares y pedagógicos, que involucran la educación policial en Colombia. Se planteó una investigación con enfoque cualitativo, desde una revisión sistemática, que permitiera compilar las investigaciones y, posteriormente, analizarlas desde siete variables: modelo pedagógico, competencias, estrategias, currículo, régimen especial, epistemología y enfoque diferencial. Se encontró que predominan las investigaciones externas enfocadas al análisis del modelo pedagógico, competencias, estrategias pedagógicas, currículo, régimen especial, sustento epistemológico y enfoque diferencial. Se evidenció, además, que es un tema de alto interés, dado el volumen de investigaciones desarrolladas; aun así, es importante ahondar en los temas propuestos. Del mismo modo, se detectó que existen limitantes en los resultados, producto de la complejidad para realizar recolección de información de manera abierta, así mismo tendencias en investigación, y brechas del conocimiento.

Abstract Given the social demands associated with an effective police service that guarantees the satisfaction of one of the basic needs of human beings, the field of study of education in police forces is a topic of common interest for some researchers, who seek to solve a research idea oriented to police education through a disciplinary and methodological process. Thus, this study aimed to identify and analyze the literature oriented to epistemic, curricular and pedagogical components that involve police education in Colombia. A qualitative research approach was proposed, from a systematic review, which would allow compiling the research and, subsequently, analyzing it from seven variables: pedagogical model, competencies, strategies, curriculum, special regime, epistemology and differential approach. It was found that external research focused on the analysis of the pedagogical model, competencies, pedagogical strategies, curriculum, special regime, epistemological support and differential approach. It was also found that this is a topic of great interest, given the volume of research carried out; even so, it is important to delve deeper into the proposed topics. Likewise, it was detected that there are limitations in the results, due to the complexity of collecting information in an open manner, as well as research trends and knowledge gaps.

Resumo Dadas as demandas sociais associadas a um serviço policial eficaz que garanta a satisfação de uma das necessidades básicas do ser humano, o campo de estudo da educação nas forças policiais é um tema de interesse comum para alguns pesquisadores, que buscam, por meio de um processo disciplinar e metodológico, resolver uma ideia de pesquisa orientada para a educação policial. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e analisar a literatura sobre os componentes epistêmicos, curriculares e pedagógicos que envolvem a educação policial na Colômbia. Foi utilizada uma abordagem de pesquisa qualitativa, com base em uma revisão sistemática, para compilar a pesquisa e, posteriormente, analisá-la em termos de sete variáveis: modelo pedagógico, competências, estratégias, currículo, regime especial, epistemologia e abordagem diferencial. Constatou-se que a pesquisa externa se concentrou na análise do modelo pedagógico, das competências, das estratégias pedagógicas, do currículo, do regime especial, do apoio epistemológico e da abordagem diferenciada. Constatou-se também que esse é um tema de grande interesse, dado o volume de pesquisas realizadas; mesmo assim, é importante aprofundar os tópicos propostos. Da mesma forma, foi detectada a existência de limitações nos resultados, devido à complexidade da coleta de informações de forma aberta, bem como às tendências de pesquisa e às lacunas de conhecimento.

In the global context, where virtuality transversalizes the areas of knowledge, it is essential to approach and trace the processes of adaptation, where the study of the implications within the legal system is considered critical. The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of virtual hearings on the principles of fairness and immediacy in civil and criminal courts in Peru, 2024. The approach was based on the socio-legal paradigm. The research assumed a non-experimental, analytical and mixed design, comprising a sample of 147 legal operators of civil and criminal courts; the survey technique was applied. The results showed that virtual hearings presented limitations that compromise the principles of fairness and immediacy, especially in restrictions related to the interpretation of non-verbal communication and emerging technical difficulties that affect both the interaction between the parties and the ability of judges to make accurate assessments of the credibility of witnesses. It is concluded that the transition to virtual hearings in Peru requires a comprehensive reform of the judicial system to preserve fairness, immediacy and access to justice in the digital environment.

No contexto global, onde a virtualidade atravessa as áreas do conhecimento, é essencial abordar e rastrear os processos de adaptação, onde o estudo das implicações dentro do sistema jurídico é considerado crítico. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o impacto das audiências virtuais sobre os princípios de justiça e imediatismo nos tribunais civis e criminais no Peru, em 2024. A abordagem foi baseada no paradigma sociojurídico. A pesquisa assumiu um desenho não experimental, analítico e misto, compreendendo uma amostra de 147 operadores jurídicos em tribunais civis e criminais; foi aplicada a técnica de pesquisa. Os resultados mostraram que as audiências virtuais apresentam limitações que comprometem os princípios da imparcialidade e do imediatismo, especialmente nas restrições ligadas à interpretação da comunicação não verbal e nas dificuldades técnicas emergentes que afetam tanto a interação entre as partes quanto a capacidade dos juízes de fazer avaliações precisas da credibilidade das testemunhas. Conclui-se que a transição para as audiências virtuais no Peru exige uma reforma abrangente do sistema judicial para preservar a equidade, o imediatismo e o acesso à justiça no ambiente digital.

En el contexto global, donde la virtualidad transversaliza las áreas del conocimiento, resulta fundamental el abordaje y trazabilidad de los procesos de adecuación, donde el estudio sobre las implicancias dentro del sistema jurídico se concibe como crítico. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la incidencia de las audiencias virtuales sobre los principios de equidad e inmediación en tribunales civiles y penales en Perú, 2024. El enfoque se inscribió en el paradigma socio jurídico. La investigación asumió un diseño no experimental, analítico y mixto, conformada por una muestra de 147 operadores jurídicos de tribunales civiles y penales; se aplicó la técnica de la encuesta. Los resultados evidenciaron que las audiencias virtuales presentaron limitaciones que comprometen los principios de equidad e inmediación, sobre todo en restricciones vinculadas con la interpretación de la comunicación no verbal y con dificultades técnicas emergentes que afectan tanto la interacción entre las partes como la capacidad de los jueces para realizar evaluaciones precisas de la credibilidad de los testigos. Se concluye que la transición a audiencias virtuales en Perú demanda una reforma integral del sistema judicial para preservar la equidad, inmediación y el acceso a la justicia en el entorno digital.

Advanced cell-based and gene therapy products emerged during the 1990s as new health product categories for treating and curing previously untreatable or incurable conditions. These products are complex, diverse and therapeutically specific, requiring specialised regulatory frameworks. During the last three decades, several jurisdictions have constructed specific regulatory frameworks to ensure these products' safety, clinical efficacy and quality. As these are new and disruptive products, these frameworks are continuously evolving. However, South Africa (SA)'s regulatory frameworks for medicines, human biological materials and genetically modified organisms have not kept pace with scientific and technological developments, leaving regulatory gaps. We briefly describe these novel products and their regulatory frameworks, and propose a way forward in SA.

BACKGROUND: Integrated primary care (IPC) is a final-year medical subject at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. It focusses on primary health care training. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated existing decentralised training challenges, including standardisation and patient exposure. This study explored IPC students' experiences and perceptions of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This explanatory-sequential mixed-methods study was informed by the technology acceptance model, community of inquiry model and self-regulated learning theory. A cross-sectional online survey was followed by focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 2 and n = 3, respectively). All 316 medical students in the 2021 cohort were eligible to participate. Closed-ended survey responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Open-ended responses were analysed using content analysis. The FGDs were thematically analysed. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 52% (n = 164/316). Most students found the online content easily accessible (93.3%) and logically organised (80.0%). The course structure and organisation, and the range of online activities offered were the main features that supported learning. The main challenges included the content not being comprehensive and the difficulty of learning patient management from online content. Suggested improvements related to the course design and ways students and instructors can maximise the affordances of the online course. CONCLUSION: Acknowledging the limitations of learning clinical content online, the participants felt the course supported their learning. Our findings suggest that well-designed online content can augment clinical learning. CONTRIBUTION: This study contributes to the discourse on the value of online learning for clinical teaching.

The southern African Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene hominin record is abundant and exhibits a high taxonomic diversity with three genera represented: Australopithecus, Paranthropus and Homo. Hominin fossil diversity and variation are often contextualised within other fossil assemblages or modern/extant counterparts. However, the incompleteness of the fossil record, sample selection bias and taphonomic condition of the specimens themselves constrain interpretations of diversity and variation within and between species. Thus, species identification and the nature of the observed variation are frequently debated. Palaeoproteomics can help improve our understanding of taxonomic variation, as demonstrated by the recently generated proteome of Paranthropus specimens from Swartkrans. Here, we demonstrate protein preservation for an A. africanus specimen from Sterkfontein Member 4, Sts 63, using minimally invasive analysis, and identify it as belonging to a male individual. We then discuss some of the current limitations of palaeoproteomics and how we can potentially overcome them. Although it is still in its infancy for Plio-Pleistocene hominin fossils, palaeoproteomics has the potential to help unravel the causes of observed morphological variation. Lastly, we strongly believe that the involvement of African researchers at all levels of this research, including leadership, is of great importance. SIGNIFICANCE: We have successfully determined the biological sex of an Australopithecus africanus specimen (Sts 63) from Sterkfontein Member 4 with the age range of 3.5 to 2.01 Ma, with a high degree of confidence, and we have assessed the extent of protein preservation. These discoveries hold significant implications for our understanding of sexual dimorphism and intraspecies variation as observed in African Plio-Pleistocene hominins.

This study investigates seismicity and rockburst control within the Merensky Reef and UG2 orebody of an intermediate-depth platinum mine located in South Africa's Bushveld Complex. Utilising a mine-wide seismic monitoring system, over 1,900 seismic events were recorded between April 2023 and May 2024, revealing complex seismic patterns driven by mining-induced stress changes. The largest event, with a magnitude of ML 2.0, underscores the seismic risks associated with mining at increasing depths. Key findings include the spatial and temporal variability of seismic events, with high seismic activity observed near pillars and geological structures. A significant portion of events correlated with pillar and foundation failures. Moment tensor analysis identified dominant failure modes, such as stress-driven fracture closures and dynamic pillar failures. To mitigate risks, the study emphasises advanced support system redesign and rockburst risk assessment using the rockburst damage potential (RDP) method. The research highlights the importance of monitoring, geotechnical compliance, and adaptive designs in enhancing safety and reducing seismic hazards in underground mining operations. The study applied the RDP framework, classifying damage across R1 to R5 scales, where most instances fell into low-risk categories (R1 and R3), indicating minor to moderate damage. However, data limitations and the tabular stoping method's complexity led to inconclusive results, highlighting the need for more robust data and customised risk assessment tools. Despite these challenges, the RDP approach provided valuable insights into rockburst mechanisms and the effectiveness of existing support systems.

BACKGROUND: The Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) is an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based and Rasch-built scale developed specifically to assess participation in people with stroke. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the PM-Scale. METHOD: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the 'Circuit walking, balance, cycling and strength training' trial. Participants underwent mixed and collective physical activities or sociocultural activities for 12 weeks, and participation data were collected before and after the interventions. The activity limitations (ACTIVLIM)-Stroke scale was used as the anchor of importance. The MCID for the PM-Scale was estimated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Youden index. RESULTS: Data were collected from 46 people with chronic stroke, of which 22% were female, with median (Percentile 25, Percentile 75) age of 54 (44; 60) years, and time since stroke is 24 (11; 37) months. For all participants, the PM-Scale measures range from -2.98 logits to 5.02 logits. The area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-analysis was 0.74 yielding an estimated MCID of 1.98 logit for the PM-Scale. CONCLUSION: Our study estimated the MCID of the PM-Scale at 1.98 logit, enabling a more precise interpretation of the outcome in the clinical and research settings. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: An improvement of at least 1.98 logit on the PM-Scale is required to induce a clinical change in the independence in activities of daily living in people with chronic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is one of the global leading causes of disability, with a higher prevalence at a younger age in sub-Saharan Africa. Returning to functional status is a primary goal of rehabilitation for stroke survivors. However, the cost of intensive rehabilitation is often a barrier for the under-resourced in South Africa. PATIENT PRESENTATION: This article describes the individualised 'return-to-function' approach to rehabilitation and its outcomes for five stroke survivors delivered through a non-profit public-private partnership in a low-income community in South Africa. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: A retrospective case series of stroke survivors who participated in the Bounce Back Journey (BBJ) programme between 2019 and 2021 was conducted. The beneficiaries' ages ranged from 21 to 55 years; two were females and three were males. The goals and outcomes of five stroke survivors with impairments, functional limitations and participation restrictions admitted into the BBJ programme were evaluated through standardised outcome measures. All the beneficiaries required financial support and extensive rehabilitation to return to a functional life. All showed improved outcomes in functional independence and health-related quality of life at discharge. Depressive symptoms clinically deteriorated in one patient. At discharge, all participants faced challenges finding opportunities to return to work. CONCLUSION: The case series demonstrates how an alternative community-based rehabilitation programme has the potential to improve functionality, health-related quality of life and mental health. CONTRIBUTION: A low-cost, community-based, intensive rehabilitation programme can improve functionality, but return to work and community re-integration opportunities remain limited.

RESUMO Objetivo: A síndrome da deleção 3p é uma doença monossômica rara que engloba deleções em todo o braço curto do cromossomo 3. Frequentemente está na região distal (3p25-pter), mas apresenta variações nos pontos de quebra e uma manifestação clínica complexa, cujas cardiopatias congênitas são consideradas raras. Apresentamos aqui o primeiro caso de síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico e características dismórficas menores na síndrome 3p-. Além disso, buscamos estabelecer uma associação gene-fenótipo. Descrição do caso: O diagnóstico foi feito por cariótipo e procedeu-se a uma investigação bibliográfica e análise bioinformática in silico sobre os possíveis genes associados a cardiopatias congênitas ou síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico na síndrome da deleção 3p. Todos os genes analisados que poderiam afetar a formação do coração estão localizados na região 3p25.3, adjacente à região deletada no recém-nascido do nosso caso (3p26). Tendo em conta as limitações técnicas do cariótipo, a força da evidência de cada gene avaliado e a proximidade do locus, é provável que tenha ocorrido uma quebra parcial não identificada no gene CAV3. Comentários: Identificamos uma relação indireta entre o gene CAV3 e a síndrome do coração hipoplásico esquerdo, em razão da sua forte associação com cardiomiopatias e defeitos cardíacos isolados. Além disso, a banda citogenética do nosso caso é uma informação nova para a delimitação de uma região cardíaca crítica na síndrome 3p, discussão que está em andamento desde 1986. Assim, reforçamos a importância da investigação citogenética em pacientes com coração hipoplásico e dismorfias auxiliando no diagnóstico, definição de prognóstico e aconselhamento genético para a família.

ABSTRACT Objective: 3p deletion syndrome is a rare monosomal disease that encompasses deletions throughout the short arm of chromosome 3. It is often in the distal region (3p25-pter), but variations in breakpoints and a complex clinical manifestation exist, with congenital heart defects being considered rare. We present the first case of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and minor dysmorphic features associated with 3p- syndrome. Furthermore, we aim to establish a gene-phenotype association. Case description: The diagnosis was made by karyotyping, followed by a literature investigation and in silico bioinformatic analysis about the possible candidate genes associated with congenital heart defects or hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 3p- syndrome. All genes analyzed that could affect heart formation are located in the 3p25.3 region, adjacent to the deleted region in the newborn from our case (3p26). Taking into account the technical limitations of the karyotype and the strength of evidence from each gene evaluated and locus proximity, it is likely that an unidentified partial break in the CAV3 gene occurred. Comments: We identified an indirect relation between gene CAV3 and hypoplastic left heart syndrome due to its strong association with cardiomyopathies and isolated cardiac defects. Furthermore, the cytogenetic band from our case is new information for the delimitation of a critical cardiac region on 3p syndrome, a discussion that has been ongoing since 1986. Thus, we reinforce the importance of cytogenetic investigation in patients with hypoplastic hearts and dysmorphia, assisting in diagnosis, definition of prognosis, and genetic counseling for the family.

Abstract This article proposes an industry-specific set of modifying factors for managing mineral resources and reserves for construction aggregates. To gain insights into the regional characteristics of the aggregate market and the requirement of situating mining operations close to urban centers, an application example was developed. It considers the two largest urban concentrations in Brazil to present findings on how the supply and demand of sand and crushed stone occurs in these regions and their relationship with the management of mineral resources and reserves. Furthermore, a conceptual simulation was conducted to showcase how limitations on mining areas can influence the conversion of mineral resources into aggregate mineral reserves. This simulation took into account different scenarios of environmental and social restrictions, which were identified as the primary bottlenecks in the quarries. The findings of the research highlighted the increasing significance of governmental and ESG-related modifying factors in aligning aggregates extraction activities co-existing with other land use in the vicinity. Finally, this article proposes a new indicator for classifying mineral reserves in this sector.

Due to its excellent physicochemical properties, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has emerged as one of the most promising two-dimensional materials, comparable to graphene. This material can occur in three polymorphic/polytypic structures (1T, 2H and 3R) but this article will only focus on the polymorph 1T-MoS2 and its distorted variants 1T’, 1T” and T”‘. Thus, our objective is to summarize recent advances in understanding the properties of this metallic polytype. Due to their sui generis structures, anisotropic properties, and possibilities of being delaminated and exfoliated and their layers manipulated and reassembled in the most diverse ways, they offer a world of opportunities for future applications, it is enough to have a fertile imagination for important contributions to emerge, even in research centers that have instrumental limitations and specialized personnel.

ABSTRACT Due to the huge demand and scarcity for river sand, there is a desperate need for a Quantitative, Qualitative and Environmentally friendly alternative for river sand. As aggregate is the second largest resource used next to water, the alternative for river sand suggested should be not only of good quality but also should be available in enough quantity to be substituted for river sand. Such alternate choices should not just satisfy the structural requirements but also not affect the environment. In this regard, the environmental valuation of mountains is carried out to assess the benefits and limitations of using M sand as a substitute for river sand. In this study, the chemical properties of M sand samples from various locations are determined along with the lifecycle assessment of M sand. Finally, the Environmental Valuation of mountains is done to determine if the negatives outweigh the benefits. From the results, the various methods to resort to in order to achieve a sustainable level of replacement of M sand with river sand are discussed.