Una Revisión de los tipos de Fraude Científico más Frecuentes / A Review of the most frequent types of Scientific Fraud

La presión que existe hoy por publicar ha llevado a que muchos investigadores cometan malas conductas científicas, siendo el fraude la más grave de todas. Este ocurre en forma de fabricación, falsificación, plagio, problemas de autoría, manipulación de imágenes y publicaciones redundantes. El fraude científico se define como una tergiversación deliberada por parte de alguien que conoce la verdad. En la historia de la humanidad se han conocido importantes casos de fraude científico, dentro de ellos se pueden destacar: el hombre de Piltdown, caso Shinichi Fujimura, el escándalo de las vacunas, caso Pearce, el caso Yoshitaka Fujii, entre otros. Con el objetivo de neutralizar el fraude, se han desarrollado diferentes estrategias dirigidas a detectarlo, dentro de ellas encontramos: evaluación mediante pares evaluadores, programas de Conducta de Investigación Responsable (RCR), regulaciones que la misma comunidad científica realiza, donde encontramos la fundación PubPeer y el blog For Better Science. Del mismo modo, se han impuesto diferentes medidas para contrarrestar el fraude, tales como: transparencia de las presiones y oportunidades, disponibilidad pública de los datos que sustentan la hipótesis y denuncia pública de los fraudes científicos. El impacto de un fraude trae consecuencias importantes para la ciencia, estudiar a partir de información falsa o errónea conlleva a un gran retroceso en los avances científicos del mundo actual. Es responsabilidad de cada uno ser consciente de lo que se escribe y lo que se lee, ya que como se sabe, esa es la única manera de combatirlo. Como investigadores somos responsables de actuar éticamente en nuestras investigaciones y tener conocimiento de las medidas que existen hoy para detectar y combatir el fraude científico.

The pressure to publish today has led many researchers to commit scientific misconduct, fraud being the most serious of all. This occurs in the form of fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, authorship problems, image manipulation, and redundant posting. Scientific fraud is defined as deliberate misrepresentation by someone who knows the truth. In the history of humanity, important cases of scientific fraud have been known, among them the following can be highlighted: the Piltdown man, the Shinichi Fujimura case, the vaccine scandal, the Pearce case, the Yoshitaka Fujii case, among others. In order to neutralize fraud, different strategies have been developed to detect it, among them we find: evaluation by peer reviewers, Responsible Research Conduct (RCR) programs, regulations that the scientific community itself carries out, where we find the PubPeer Foundation and the For Better Science blog. Similarly, different measures have been imposed to counteract fraud, such as: transparency of pressures and opportunities, public availability of the data that support the hypothesis, and public denunciation of scientific fraud. The impact of a fraud has important consequences for science, studying from false or wrong information leads to a great setback in scientific advances in the world today. It is the responsibility of each one to be aware of what is written and what is read, since as is known, that is the only way to combat it. As researchers we are responsible for acting ethically in our research and being aware of the measures that exist today to detect and combat scientific fraud.

The Status and Trends of Food Fraud in Tamale, Ghana

Despite its seriousness, food fraud has not received the necessary attention in Ghana’s discourse on food safety. Food fraud is generally considered as the intentional misrepresentation of the contents or identity of food for economic gain. The study was aimed at assessing the food fraud awareness level of participants as well as the foods most likely to be implicated in food fraud cases in Tamale, Ghana. Data was collected from 385 participants, including food business operators and consumers, via a simple random sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. Most participants (54%) were not aware of food fraud and its related activities before the study. Beverages and juices, fruits and vegetables, spices, oils, meat and fish, baked foods, honey, milk, and semi-processed local foods such as groundnut paste, "Dawadawa," “Kulikuli zim,” and “Agushi powder” were all revealed to be implicated in food fraud by respondents. Adulteration was the most common food fraud action, but tampering, substitution, and mislabeling were also identified as ongoing in the study area. “Moora” (Bixa orellana seeds) was revealed as the key adulterant used in most foods. Food fraud, which is a threat to consumer health and well-being, is active in the region and is predicted to increase without strict regulation and increased sensitization about its dangers. The fight against food fraud should be refocused on making food defense systems like vulnerability analysis and critical control points (VACCP) a key aspect of food safety systems to tackle food fraud.

Fraude alimentario: Pasado, presente y futuro

La adulteración y el fraude de productos alimenticios son tan antiguos como los sistemas de procesamiento y producción de alimentos, sin embargo, en la actualidad son cada vez más frecuentes. Con la globalización y los sistemas de producción y distribución de alimentos cada día más complejos, la adulteración puede ocurrir en distintos puntos de la cadena alimentaria y tener un impacto de gran alcance, e incluso, consecuencias adversas para la salud de las personas. Los enfoques regulatorios de la comunidad internacional para enfrentar y resolver el fraude alimentario están dispersos y en constantes ajustes. Se necesita un enfoque colectivo y coordinado para identificar a todos los interesados en la cadena de suministro de alimentos, calificarlos y certificarlos, excluir a aquellos que no cumplan con los estándares adecuados y rastrear los alimentos en tiempo real. Este artículo de actualización revisará conceptos claves asociados a la integridad alimentaria, historia del fraude alimentario y episodios de fraude alimentario de connotación pública en el mundo y en Chile, herramientas analíticas y alimentos más vulnerables al fraude, reglamentos y nuevas acciones en el mundo y en Chile para enfrentar la inocuidad y el riesgo de fraude alimentario.

Food adulteration and food fraud is as old as food production and processing however, it is increasingly prevalent today. With globalization and increasingly complex food production and distribution systems, adulteration can occur at different points in the food chain and may have far-reaching impacts and even adverse consequences for human health. The international community's regulatory approaches to confronting and resolving food fraud are scattered and in constant adjustment. A collective and coordinated approach is needed to identify all stakeholders in the food supply chain, certify and qualify them, exclude those who do not meet applicable standards, and trace food in real time. This update provides definitions and background on key concepts associated with food integrity, episodes of food fraud in Chile and the world, main foods vulnerable to food fraud, common fraud practices and analytical techniques, regulations and new actions in Chile and the world to face food safety and the risk of food fraud.

Cenário da falsificação de medicamentos no Brasil entre os anos de 2015 e 2022 / Scenario of drug counterfeiting in Brazil between 2015 and 2022

A falsificação de medicamentos é uma prática criminosa frequente em situações de alta demanda, carência de produtos e preços elevados no mercado, gerando muitos riscos à saúde da população. Objetivo: Estabelecer o panorama da falsificação de medicamentos no Brasil entre os anos de 2015 e 2022. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo dos registros de apreensão de medicamentos com indícios de falsificação, disponibilizados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Resultados: 30 fármacos diferentes foram mencionados nos registros de falsificação do período estudado, com predomínio de medicamentos biológicos e controlados e das formas farmacêuticas de via parenteral. Os fármacos que apresentaram mais registros de falsificação foram somatropina, imunoglobulina, sofosbuvir/ledispavir, eculizumabe e defibrotida. Conclusão: Por muitos anos, a falsificação de medicamentos no Brasil foi caracterizada principalmente por estimulantes sexuais masculinos, anabolizantes e anorexígenos. Entretanto, nos últimos anos, os medicamentos de alto custo destinados ao tratamento de doenças crônicas e raras se sobressaíram. Este cenário pode estar relacionado a diversos fatores, como gravidade das doenças, avanços das terapias medicamentosas, elevada lucratividade, falta de acesso aos medicamentos e dificuldades sociais e econômicas associadas à pandemia da doença por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19)

Drug counterfeiting is a common criminal practice in situations of high demand, lack of products and high market prices, which generates risks to the health of the population. Objective: To establish an overview of drug counterfeiting in Brazil between 2015 and 2022. Method: This is a descriptive and retrospective study of data on drugs arrest with evidence of counterfeiting made available by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. Results: 30 different drugs were mentioned in counterfeiting records for the period studied with a predominance of biopharmaceuticals and controlled substances, and parenteral pharmaceutical forms. The drugs with the most falsification records were somatropin, immunoglobulin, sofosbuvir/ledispavir, eculizumab and defibrotide. Conclusion: For many years, drug counterfeiting in Brazil was mainly characterized by male sexual stimulants, anabolic steroids, and anorectic. However, high-cost drugs for treating chronic and rare diseases have recently gained prominence. This scenario may be related to several factors, such as the severity of the diseases, advances in drug therapies, high profitability, lack of access to drugs, and social and economic difficulties associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

Cheating Motivation Scale: evidence of validity and reliability / Escala de Motivação para Trapacear: evidências de validade e confiabilidade / Escala de Motivación para Engañar: evidencias de validez y fiabilidad

This study aimed to adapt the Motivation to Cheat Scale (MCS) to the Brazilian student context, gathering evidence of validity based on its internal structure. Two studies were carried out. In Study 1, the 20 items of the MCS were translated into Portuguese and evaluated semantically by ten students, who consider them sufficiently understandable. Subsequently, seeking to know the internal structure of the measure, there was the participation of 212 high school students (M = 16.10 years; SD = 1.02). An exploratory factor analysis indicated the existence of two factors (search for success and moral initiation), which were saturated 18 items. O Study 2 aimed to verify this factorial structure. Logo, the 18 items answered by 229 high school students (M = 16.20 years; SD = 1.23). A confirmatory factorial analysis confirmed bifactorial adjustment. MCS has evidence of validity based on internal structure, which can be used in research outside of Brazil. (AU)

Objetivou-se adaptar a Escala de Motivação para Trapacear (EMT) para o contexto estudantil brasileiro, reunindo evidências de validade baseadas em sua estrutura interna. Realizaram-se dois estudos. No Estudo 1, os 20 itens da EMT foram traduzidos para o português e submetidos à avaliação semântica de dez estudantes, que os consideraram suficientemente compreensíveis. Posteriormente, buscando-se conhecer a estrutura interna da medida, contou-se com a participação de 212 estudantes do Ensino Médio (M = 16,10 anos; DP = 1,02). Uma análise fatorial exploratória indicou a existência de dois fatores (busca de realização e inibição moral), nos quais saturaram 18 itens. O Estudo 2 visou comprovar essa estrutura fatorial. Logo, os 18 itens foram respondidos por 229 estudantes do Ensino Médio (M = 16,20 anos; DP = 1,23). Uma análise fatorial confirmatória comprovou o ajuste bifatorial. A EMT apresentou evidências de validade baseadas na estrutura interna, podendo ser utilizada em pesquisas no Brasil. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo adecuar la Escala de Motivación para Engañar (EME) al contexto estudiantil brasileño, recogiendo evidencias de validez a partir de su estructura interna. Se realizaron dos estudios. En el Estudio 1, los 20 ítems de la EME fueron traducidos al portugués y sometidos a la evaluación semántica por parte de diez estudiantes, quienes los consideraron suficientemente comprensibles. Posteriormente, buscando comprender la estructura interna de la medida, participaron 212 estudiantes de la Educación Secundaria (M = 16,10 años; DS = 1,02). Un análisis factorial exploratorio indicó la existencia de dos factores (búsqueda de realización e inhibición moral), en los que se saturaron 18 ítems. El Estudio 2 tuvo como objetivo verificar esta estructura factorial. Por lo que, los 18 ítems fueron respondidos por 229 estudiantes de Secundaria (M = 16,20 años; DS = 1,23). Un análisis factorial confirmatorio demostró la adecuación bifactorial. La EME ha revelado evidencias de validez basadas en la estructura interna, pudiendo ser utilizada en investigaciones brasileñas. (AU)

RECOGNIZING THE INDICATORS OF FRAUDS BY TRACING THE ELEMENTS OF FRAUD TRIANGLE AND ITS DETERRENCE

The present paper endeavors to throw light on the factors that stimulates an individual to commit fraud in the light of the fraud triangle theory. Based on the existing theories and literature, an attempt has been made to recognize the red-?ags of fraud risk related to an individual's behavioral approach. The paper further suggests that of the other elements, a check on the Opportunity vertex of the triangle can control the intensity of the fraud. It also highlights the applicability of SAS-99 and COSO framework for deterring fraud constituents from the system

Standardization of a rapid quadruplex PCR method for the simultaneous detection of bovine, buffalo, Salmonella spp, and Listeria monocytogenes DNA in milk / [Padronização de um método rápido de PCR quadriplex para a detecção simultânea de DNA de bovino, bubalino, Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes em leite]

The objective of the present study was to Standardize a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocol for the authentication of bovine and buffalo milk, and to detect the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. For this, the target DNA was extracted, mixed, and subjected to a PCR assay. Milk samples were defrauded and experimentally contaminated with microorganisms to assess the detection of target DNA at different times of cultivation, bacterial titers, and concentration of genetic material. In addition, the protocol was tested with DNA extracted directly from food, without a pre-enrichment step. The proposed quadruplex PCR showed good accuracy in identifying target DNA sequences. It was possible to simultaneously identify all DNA sequences at the time of inoculation (0h), when the samples were contaminated with 2 CFU/250mL and with 6h of culture when the initial inoculum was 1 CFU/250mL. It was also possible to directly detect DNA sequences from the food when it was inoculated with 3 CFU/mL bacteria. Thus, the proposed methodology showed satisfactory performance, optimization of the analysis time, and a potential for the detection of microorganisms at low titers, which can be used for the detection of fraud and contamination.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi padronizar um protocolo de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para a autenticação de leite bovino e bubalino e a detecção da presença de Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes. Para isso, o DNA-alvo foi extraído, misturado e submetido ao ensaio de PCR. Amostras de leite foram fraudadas e contaminadas experimentalmente com os micro-organismos, para se avaliar a detecção do DNA-alvo em diferentes tempos de cultivo, os títulos bacterianos e a concentração de material genético. Além disso, o protocolo foi testado com DNA extraído diretamente do alimento, sem a etapa de pré-enriquecimento. A PCR quadriplex proposta mostrou boa precisão na identificação de sequências de DNA-alvo. Foi possível identificar simultaneamente todas as sequências de DNA no momento da inoculação (0h), quando as amostras estavam contaminadas com 2 UFC/250mL, e com seis horas de cultura, quando o inóculo inicial foi de 1 UFC/250mL. Também foi possível detectar diretamente as sequências de DNA do alimento quando este foi inoculado com 3 UFC/mL de bactérias. Dessa forma, a metodologia proposta apresentou desempenho satisfatório, otimização do tempo de análise e potencial para detecção de micro-organismos em baixos títulos, podendo ser utilizada para detecção de fraude e contaminação.

Validation of a method employing liquid chromatography to identify and quantify glycomacropeptide of casein in raw milk / Validación de un método mediante cromatografía líquida para identificar y cuantificar glicomacropéptido de caseína en la leche cruda

Background: The information on official testing methods, or regulatory methods in Colombia to test whey in milk is limited; this restriction of information goes against the possibility of mitigating the risk of food fraud. Objectives: The validation of an HPLC method to determine casein glycomacropeptide (c-GMP), a protein that countries such as Brazil, Spain, and Ecuador have used as an indicator of raw milk adulteration with whey, was carried out. Methods: A 10mL sample of raw milk is precipitated with 24% TCA using ultrasound, a process followed by filtration. The collected fraction ensured the separation of c-GMP and then injected into the liquid chromatography. Results: A 30 minutes analysis allowed the determination of c-GMP with a retention time of 12.9 ± 0.5 minutes. The performance characteristics method in the validation exercise were: recovery percentage 99.97%, linearity R2> 0.95; % RSD accuracy <5.3%. Conclusion, the method exhibits desirable attributes for the intended purpose

Antecedentes: En Colombia la información de dominio público en metodologías de análisis de lactosuero en leche es limitada, restringiendo la posibilidad de acceder a ellas para mitigar el riesgo de fraude alimentario. Objetivos: Se realizó validación de un método por HPLC para determinar en leche cruda c-GMP, proteína usada como indicador de adulteración en países como Brasil y Ecuador. Metodos: Una muestra de 10mL de leche cruda es precipitada con TCA al 24% empleando ultrasonido, proceso seguido por filtración. La fracción recolectada aseguró la separación del c-GMP para luego inyectar al cromatógrafo líquido. Resultados: La determinación de c-GMP permitió el análisis en 30 minutos con tiempo de retención de 12,9 ± 0,5 minutos. Las características de desempeño del método en el ejercicio de validación fueron: porcentaje de recuperación 99,97%, linealidad R2>0,95; precisión %RSD< 5,3%. Conclusión: el método al final del ejercicio exhibe atributos para el fin previsto

Reflexões sobre o plágio e a fraude em estudos brasileiros / Reflections on plagiarism and fraud in Brazilian studies / Reflexiones sobre plagio y fraude en estudios brasileños

Resumo Este estudo reflete sobre o plágio e a fraude na produção científica brasileira por meio de revisão integrativa de artigos publicados entre janeiro de 2009 e junho de 2019. As publicações foram buscadas nas bases DOAJ, Lilacs, PubMed, SciELO e Web of Science, com os descritores exatos "plagiarism", "scientific misconduct", "fraud" e "Brazil". Com a rápida expansão da internet e o desenvolvimento tecnológico, os casos de má conduta na produção científica aumentaram, ocorrendo, por exemplo, adulteração, invenção ou reutilização de dados, múltiplas submissões, conflitos de autoria e de interesses, publicação "salame" (fracionada) e plágio. Entre as más condutas acadêmicas mais comuns estão a "cola" e o plágio, presentes nos mais diversos níveis de ensino, da educação básica à educação superior.

Abstract This integrative review reflects on plagiarism and fraud in Brazilian studies based on scientific production and academic attitude. Literature search of articles published between January 2009 and June 2019 was conducted in the DOAJ, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO and Web of Science databases, using the exact descriptors "Plagiarism," "Scientific Misconduct," "Fraud" and "Brazil." The rapid expansion of the internet and technological development lead to increased cases of misconduct in scientific production, occurring, for example, tampering, fabrication or reuse of data, multiple submissions, conflicts of authorship and interests, salami publication (salami slicing) and plagiarism. Among the most common academic misconducts are the copying and plagiarism, present at all education levels, whether in primary or tertiary education.

Resumen Este estudio promueve una reflexión sobre el plagio y el fraude en estudios brasileños basados en la producción científica y la postura académica a través de una revisión integradora de artículos publicados entre enero de 2009 y junio de 2019. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos DOAJ, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO y Web. of Science, utilizando los descriptores exactos "Plagio", "Mala conducta científica", "Fraude" y "Brasil". Con la rápida expansión de Internet y el desarrollo tecnológico, han aumentado los casos de mala conducta en la producción científica, ocurriendo, por ejemplo, adulteración, invención o reutilización de datos, múltiples presentaciones, conflictos de autoría e intereses, publicación "salami" (fraccional) y plagio. Entre las faltas académicas más comunes se encuentran el "pegamento" y el plagio, presentes en los más diversos estratos, ya sea en la Educación Básica o en la Educación Superior.

Verificação de adulterações em cúrcuma, gengibre, noz-moscada, páprica, pimenta-do-reino e colorífico, comercializados no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. (Parte II) / Verification of adulterations in turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, paprika, black pepper and colorífico marketed in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. (Part II)

Especiarias são produtos constituídos de partes de espécies vegetais com importante valor alimentício e diversos benefícios para a saúde. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar adulterações na composição de cúrcuma (Curcuma longa Linnaeus), gengibre (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), noz-moscada (Myristica fragrans Houttuyn), páprica (Capsicum annuum Linnaeus), pimenta-do-reino (Piper nigrum Linnaeus) e colorífico (mistura de urucum, Bixa orellana Linnaeus, com fubá). Foram analisadas 180 amostras adquiridas em municípios do estado de São Paulo. A investigação dos elementos histológicos foi feita por microscopia óptica, a análise dos corantes por cromatografia em papel e a quantificação da bixina por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Das amostras analisadas, 16,1% apresentaram elementos histológicos estranhos ao produto, sendo que nenhuma amostra apresentou corante orgânico artificial. A concentração de bixina nas amostras de colorífico variou entre 0,6 e 105,3 mg/100g, com média de 18,9 mg/100g e desvio padrão de 17,7 mg/100g. A avaliação microscópica revelou que a maioria das adulterações ocorre pela adição de amido de Zea mays. O colorífico não apresentou adulterações, porém foi constatada a necessidade de uma padronização da concentração de bixina. Este estudo demonstrou a necessidade da intensificação do monitoramento de adulterações em especiarias para que a comercialização de alimentos fidedignos seja garantida. (AU)

Spices are products made up of parts of plant species, with important nutritional value and many health benefits. The aim of this work was to evaluate adulterations in turmeric (Curcuma longa Linnaeus), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houttuyn), paprika (Capsicum annuum Linnaeus), black pepper (Piper nigrumLinnaeus) and colorific (mixture containing Bixa orellana with cornmeal). A total of 180 samples purchased in the municipalities of the state of São Paulo were analyzed. The investigation of the histological elements was performed by optical microscopy, the analysis of the dyes was carried out using paper chromatography and the quantification of the bixin was performance by high performance liquid chromatography. Of the 180 samples analyzed, 16.1% presented strange histological elements, classified as adulterations. Among the adulterated samples, none showed organic dye. Bixin analysis was carried out on colorific samples, ranging from 0.6 ­ 105.3 mg/100g, with an average of 18.9 mg/100g and standard deviation of 17.7 mg/100g, demonstrating the need to regulate the annatto extract concentration range added into the condiment. The evaluation demonstrated the necessity to monitor adulteration in spices, so that producers and merchants provide food with quality to the consumer. (AU)

Isolamento e identificação microscópica de elementos histológicos vegetais: contribuições para o controle de qualidade e segurança dos alimentos / Isolation and microscopic identification of vegetable histological elements: contributions to quality control and food safety

A microscopia alimentar atua no controle da qualidade e identidade dos alimentos utilizando recursos microscópicos para a identificação de elementos histológicos vegetais e de matérias estranhas. O objetivo do estudo foi apresentar as principais contribuições da análise microscópica de isolamento e identificação de elementos histológicos vegetais na vigilância dos alimentos analisados no Instituto Adolfo Lutz Central (IAL), de 2016 a 2020. Os dados das análises realizadas no período do estudo foram tabulados para categorização e avaliação dos resultados. Foram analisadas 4.189 amostras de alimentos e água, sendo 1.096 para pesquisa e identificação de elementos histológicos vegetais, com maior demanda para as análises de controle. As categorias de alimentos mais analisadas foram as misturas para o preparo de alimentos e alimentos prontos para consumo; café, cevada, chá, erva-mate e produtos solúveis; e os suplementos alimentares. Dentre as amostras analisadas, 5% não estavam de acordo com a rotulagem, principalmente devido à adição de ingrediente, com destaque para os açúcares e produtos para adoçar; as especiarias, temperos, molhos; e os suplementos alimentares. Por meio da análise microscópica foram verificadas adulterações em diversas categorias de produtos, demonstrando a sua contribuição às ações de vigilância na prevenção de fraudes e na segurança dos alimentos. (AU)

Food microscopy acts to control the quality and identity of foods using microscopic resources to identify vegetable histological elements and foreign matter.The aim of the study was to present the main contributions from microscopic analysis on isolation and identification of vegetable histological elements in the surveillance of foods analyzed at the Instituto Adolfo Lutz Central (IAL) from 2016 to 2020. Data from the analysis performed during the studied period were tabulated for categorization and further evaluation. Altogether, 4.189 food and water samples were analyzed and 1.096 samples underwent research and identification of vegetable histological elements, with greater demand for the control analysis.The most analyzed food categories were mixtures for food preparation and ready-to-eat foods; coffee, barley, tea, yerba mate and soluble products; and food supplements. Among the analyzed samples, 5% were not in accordance with the labeling, mainly due to the addition of an ingredient, especially sugars and sweetening products; spices, seasonings, sauces; and food supplements. Through microscopic analysis, adulterations were found in several categories of products, demonstrating its relevance to surveillance actions in fraud prevention and food safety. (AU)

Parâmetros microscópicos de açúcar de coco comercializados na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil: identidade e qualidade / Microscopic parameters of coconut sugar marketed in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: identity and quality

O açúcar de coco vem se tornando popular no Brasil e no mundo devido às alegações nutricionais de ser um adoçante natural e mais saudável em relação a outros açúcares. Sua produção ocorre de forma artesanal a partir da extração da seiva do floema da inflorescência da palmeira. Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar microscopicamente a identidade e a presença de matérias estranhas em amostras de açúcar de coco, bem como verificar sua conformidade em relação às legislações sanitárias brasileiras. Foram analisadas 13 amostras comerciais de açúcar de coco da cidade de São Paulo quanto aos ensaios de pesquisa e identificação de elementos histológicos e pesquisa de matérias estranhas. A identificação de elementos histológicos vegetais revelou a presença de amidos morfologicamente semelhantes ao padrão de Triticum sp. (trigo), Manihot sp. (mandioca) e Oryza sativa (arroz), além de amidos alterados. Também foram encontrados elementos histológicos vegetais compatíveis com padrão de Saccharum officinarum (cana-de-açúcar) e de Cocos nucifera (coco). Todas as amostras analisadas continham matérias estranhas com predomínio de fragmentos de insetos em 100% delas. Os resultados do estudo indicam falhas nas Boas Práticas de produção do açúcar de coco e a necessidade da adequação deste produto em relação às normas vigentes.

Coconut sugar has become popular in Brazil and worldwide due to the nutritional claims of being a natural and healthier sweetener compared to other sugars. Its production takes places in an artisanal way from the extraction of phloem sap from the inflorescence of the palm. The aim of this work was to microscopically analyze the identity and the presence of foreign matter in samples of coconut sugar, as well as to verify its compliance with Brazilian health legislation. Thirteen commercial samples of coconut sugar from the city of São Paulo were analyzed for the research and identification of histological elements and foreign matter. The identification of vegetable histological elements revealed the presence of starches morphologically similar to the Triticum sp. (wheat), Manihot sp. (cassava) and Oryza sativa (rice) pattern, besides altered starches. Vegetable histological elements compatible with the Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) and Cocos nucifera (coconut) pattern were also found. All samples analyzed contained foreign matter with predominance of insect fragments in 100% of the samples. The results of the study indicate flaws in the Good Practices for the production of coconut sugar and the need to adapt this product to current standards.

Milk fraud by the addition of whey using an artificial neural network / Identificação de fraude de leite por adição de soro de leite usando redes neurais artificiais

ABSTRACT: The adulteration of milk by the addition of whey is a problem that concerns national and international authorities. The objective of this research was to quantify the whey content in adulterated milk samples using artificial neural networks, employing routine analyses of dairy milk samples. The analyses were performed with different concentrations of whey (0, 5, 10, and 20%), and samples were analyzed for fat, non-fat solids, density, protein, lactose, minerals, and freezing point, totaling 164 assays, of which 60% were used for network training, 20% for network validation, and 20% for neural network testing. The Garson method was used to determine the importance of the variables. The neural network technique for the determination of milk fraud by the addition of whey proved to be efficient. Among the variables of highest relevance were fat content and density.

RESUMO: A adulteração do leite pela adição de soro de leite é um problema que diz respeito às autoridades nacionais e internacionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar o teor de soro em amostras de leite adulterado por meio de redes neurais artificiais, usando como variáveis de entrada os resultados de análises rotineiras em amostras de leite. As análises foram realizadas com diferentes concentrações em relação à adição de soro de leite (0, 5, 10 e 20%), e as amostras foram analisadas quanto à gordura, sólidos não gordurosos, densidade, proteína, lactose, minerais e ponto de congelamento, totalizando 164 ensaios, dos quais 60% foram utilizados para treinamento em rede, 20% para validação de rede e 20% para teste de rede neural. O método de Garson foi utilizado para determinar a importância das variáveis. A técnica de redes neurais para a determinação da fraude ao leite por adição de soro provou ser eficiente. Entre as variáveis de maior relevância estavam o teor de gordura e a densidade.

Investigación en auditoría forense: Revisión de publicaciones SCOPUS 1976-2018 / Investigation in forensic audit: Review of SCOPUS publications 1976-2018 / Pesquisa em auditoria forense: revisão de publicações SCOPUS 1976-2018

Resumen A pesar del importante impacto del fraude, las investigaciones en auditoría forense se desarrollan de manera fragmentada y dispersa. Por la naturaleza del tema, resulta confuso su estudio. En este sentido, el objetivo es caracterizar el abordaje empírico en auditoría forense que los investigadores han utilizado para estudiar el fraude. La metodología fue la revisión bibliográfica de alcance descriptivo-exploratorio, utilizando la base de datos de SCOPUS. Se determinan los descriptores de búsqueda, organizan y analizan los resultados a la luz de sus características metodológicas; en un proceso de revisión descriptiva, el trabajo se apoya en la lectura crítica para la revisión, ordenación, rotulación, integración y priorización; utilizando perchas y tablas de análisis y síntesis. Los resultados muestran que el estudio del fraude se aborda desde los individuos, documentos, imperfecciones del informe, TIC, educación, innovación en procedimiento, experimentos y simulaciones, sesgos interpretativos del lenguaje y perjuicios del delito. Se concluye que, se adolece de investigaciones tendientes a identificar las razones por las cuales los sujetos deciden no cometer fraudes y se detectó el resarcimiento como un enfoque teórico alternativo.

Abstract Despite the significant impact of fraud, forensic audit investigations are conducted in a fragmented and disperse manner. Due to the nature of the subject, its study is confusing. In this sense, the objective is to characterize the empirical approach in forensic audit that investigators have used to study fraud. The methodology was the literatura review of descriptive-exploratory scope, using the SCOPUS database. Search descriptors are determined, organize and analyze the results in light of their methodological characteristics; In a descriptive review process, the work relies on critical reading for review, management, labeling, integration and prioritization; using perches and analysis and synthesis tables. The results show that the study of fraud is approached from individuals, documents, imperfections of the report, ICT, education, innovation in procedure, experiments and simulations, interpretative biases of language and crime detriment. It is concluded that, there is a lack of research aimed at identifying the reasons why the subjects decide not to commit fraud and indemnification was detected as an alternative theoretical approach.

Resumo Apesar do importante impacto da fraude, as investigações em auditoria forense são desenvolvidas de maneira fragmentada e dispersa. Pela natureza do tema, resulta confuso o seu estudo. Neste sentido, o objetivo é caracterizar a abordagem empírica em auditoria forense que os pesquisadores têm utilizado para estudar a fraude. A metodologia foi a revisão bibliográfica de alcance descritivo-exploratório, utilizando a base de dados de SCOPUS. Determinam-se os descritores de busca, organizam e anualizam os resultados à luz das suas características metodológicas; num processo de revisão descritiva, o trabalho se baseia na leitura crítica para a revisão, ordenação, rotulação, integração e priorização; utilizando tabelas de análises e sínteses. Os resultados mostram que o estudo da fraude é abordado desde os indivíduos, documentos, imperfeições do informe, TIC, educação, inovação em procedimento, experimentos e simulações, distorções interpretativas do linguaje e prejuízos do delito. Conclui-se que, se sofre de investigações tendentes a identificar as razões pelas quais os sujeitos decidem não cometer fraudes e foi detectado o ressarcimento como um enfoque teórico alternativo.

Evaluación del contenido nutricional de productos lácteos en programa de alimentación venezolano / Evaluation of the nutritional content of dairy products in the Venezuelan food program

En Venezuela se distribuyen productos lácteos en polvo a través de los Comité Locales de Abastecimiento y Producción (CLAP). Con el objetivo de evaluar la composición nutricional de catorce marcas de productos lácteos provenientes de industrias mexicanas y distribuidos en Venezuela, se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, con muestreo a conveniencia de 14 marcas de lácteos obtenidas en hogares beneficiados del área metropolitana de Caracas-Venezuela. Se cotejó la información presentada en el rotulado del producto y se efectuó un análisis químico de la composición nutricional. Los valores obtenidos se compararon utilizando como referencia a la norma COVENIN. En el etiquetado se encontró que sólo 2 marcas se denominan producto lácteo y el 43% de las marcas expresan el mismo contenido nutricional en el rótulo. En la analítica química se encontró inexactitud con la información presentada en el etiquetado nutricional. El análisis de componentes principales seguido de un conglomerado jerárquico permitió diferenciar 4 clúster o grupos: 2 reales y 2 ideales. La mayoría de los productos analizados son significativamente más altos en carbohidratos y sodio (p<0,05), además de bajos en proteínas y calcio (p<0,05). En conclusión, todas las muestras evaluadas incumplen la normativa correspondiente, al presentar irregularidades en la denominación del producto e informar valores que no se corresponden con el contenido nutricional resultante de los análisis químicos(AU)

In Venezuela, powdered milk products are distributed through the Local Supply and Production Committee (CLAP). The objective was to evaluate the nutritional composition of fourteen brands of dairy products from Mexican industries distributed in Venezuela, a descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted, with convenience sampling of 14 brands of dairy products obtained in households benefiting from the Caracas Metropolitan area - Venezuela. The information presented in the product labeling was checked and a chemical analysis of the nutritional composition was performed. The values obtained were compared using the COVENIN standard as a reference. In the labeling, it was found that only 2 brands are called dairy products and 43% of the brands express the same nutritional content on the label. The chemical analysis showed inaccuracy with the information presented in the nutritional labeling. The analysis of principal components followed by a hierarchical conglomerate allowed us to differentiate 4 clusters or groups: 2 real and 2 ideal. Most of the products analyzed are significantly higher in carbohydrates and sodium (p <0.05), as well as low in protein and calcium (p <0.05). In conclusion, all the samples evaluated fail to comply with the corresponding regulations, presenting irregularities in the product name and reporting values that do not correspond to the nutritional content resulting from chemical analyzes(AU)

Qualidade de leite cru comercializado informalmente no município de Rio Pomba, MG / Quality of raw milk commercialized informally in the city of Rio Pomba, MG

A comercialização informal de leite cru ainda é uma prática comum, apesar de ser proibida por lei e poder oferecer riscos ao consumidor. O objetivo deste trabalho, portanto, foi de avaliar a qualidade do leite cru comercializado informalmente no município de Rio Pomba-MG. Foram realizadas análises microbiológicas e físico-químicas de amostras coletadas em cinco comércios do município de Rio Pomba. Algumas amostras apresentaram valores inadequados quanto à crioscopia, acidez, temperatura, contagem de células somáticas, contagem total em placas e presença de cloretos. Os resultados evidenciam a precariedade do produto e a ingestão do mesmo pode acarretar riscos à saúde do consumidor.

The informal marketing of raw milk is still a common practice, although it is prohibited by law and may pose risks to the consumer. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of raw milk marketed informally in the municipality of Rio Pomba (MG). Microbiological and physicochemical analyzes of samples collected in five trades in the municipality of Rio Pomba. Some samples presented inadequate values for cryoscopy, acidity, temperature, somatic cell count, total plate count and presence of chlorides. The results show the precariousness of the product and its ingestion can cause risks to the health of the consumer.

Mala conducta científica en la publicación / Scientific misconduct in the publication

La publicación en revistas científicas constituye la forma más aceptada para validar una investigación debido a que pasa por un riguroso proceso de revisión por expertos, que deciden entre lo publicable y lo no publicable con vista a garantizar la calidad de los trabajos. A pesar de esto con frecuencia aparecen prácticas incorrectas relacionadas con la ética durante la publicación, que se conocen como mala conducta científica. Las manifestaciones de mala conducta científica van desde el fraude científico hasta una variedad de faltas que se cometen en el proceso de publicación. El fraude científico incluye la invención, la falsificación y el plagio. Las faltas en el proceso de publicación incluyen la autoría ficticia, la autoría fantasma, la publicación duplicada, la publicación fragmentada o publicación salami, la publicación inflada, el autoplagio, la incorrección de citas bibliográficas, los sesgos de publicación y la publicación anticipada.

The publication in scientific journals is the most accepted way to validate an investigation because it undergoes a rigorous process of review by experts, who decide between the publishable and the non-publishable in order to guarantee the quality of the works. In spite of this, misconceptions about ethics are frequently encountered during publication, which are known as scientific misconduct. The manifestations of scientific misconduct range from scientific fraud to a variety of misconduct that are committed in the publishing process. Scientific fraud includes invention, counterfeiting and plagiarism. Faults in the publishing process include fictitious authorship, ghostwriting, duplicate publication, fragmented publication or salami publication, inflated publication, self-plagiarism, incorrect bibliographic citations, publication biases, and early publication.

Qualitative features in clinical trials: coordinates for prevention of passive and active misconduct

For many years, the quality concept in clinical trials has been discussed and recommended by Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Regulatory Authorities and also the Public Involvement anticipate that the pharmaceutical industry will concentrate on creating quality frameworks amid the arranging and leading of conventions of controlled protocols. Nevertheless, many factors have been suggested as contributing to the occurrence of scientific misconduct within the research field, such as: personal and financial interests, site monitoring, available resources, workload, competition among investigators, and the implicit consent of sponsors. The negligence on data fraud represents not only omission but misconduct as well, in this case, a passive attitude intrinsically related to the act of transgression. A properly culture of research must be based on a fundamental ethos of integrity, openness and honest work of high quality in all parts of the research process. There is a need to change the focus from inspection-based quality improvement to planned systematic quality management within clinical trials. In search for a monitoring improvement, a full statistical  way to deal with information recognition comprises of executing however many measurable tests as could be allowed on whatever number clinical information factors as could be expected under varied circumstances. Adoption of specific and preventive clinical trial monitoring procedures can identify potential misconduct and data fraud leading to improvement in overall data quality and scientific reports.

Do Fraud Investigations Impact Healthcare Expenditures of Medical Institutions?: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Healthcare Costs in Korea / 보건행정학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to review the findings of health insurance fraud investigations and to evaluate their impacts on medical costs for target and non-target organizations. An interrupted time series study design using generalized estimation equations was used to evaluate changes in cost following fraud investigations. METHODS: We used National Health Insurance claims data from 2009 to 2015, which included 20,625 medical institutions (1,614 target organizations and 19,011 non-target organizations). Outcome variable included cost change after fraud investigation. RESULTS: Following the initiation of fraud investigations, we found statistically significant reductions in cost level for target organizations (−1.40%, p < 0.001). In addition, a reduction in cost trend change per month was found for both target organizations and non-target organizations after fraud investigation (target organizations, −0.33%; non-target organizations of same region, −0.19%; non-target organizations of other regions, −0.17%). CONCLUSION: This study suggested that fraud investigations are associated with cost reduction in target organization. We also found similar effects of fraud investigations on health expenditure for non-target organizations located in the same region and in different regions. Our finding suggests that fraud investigations are important in controlling the growth of health expenditure. To maximize the effects of fraud investigation on the growth of health expenditure, more organizations needed to be considered as target organizations.

Pseudo-Journals and Pseudo-Conferences: the Characteristics and Preventive Measures

This article explains the relationship between open-access publications and pseudo-journals, and explores their characteristics including predatory journals and journal hijackers. Pseudo-journals and pseudo-conferences cause the disruption of academic development by spreading low quality information as well as the violation of research ethics by abusing research funds. Finally, preventive measures are described from the perspective of journal authors/researchers, institutions/funding organizations, and journal editors.