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Camila Santacruz

31 Posts
Placebo and nocebo: the power of expectation in health

Expectation’s influence on health: placebo and nocebo

Expectations influence physiology, and the terms placebo and nocebo describe the corresponding beneficial or adverse results shaped by those expectations. A placebo effect arises when an inert intervention or therapeutic context leads to an improvement in health, whereas a nocebo effect appears when harmful outcomes or unwanted symptoms emerge due to negative expectations. These responses are not imaginary; they trigger observable shifts in symptoms, biological indicators, neural activity, and behavior. Grasping these effects is essential for clinical practice, research design, public health strategies, and responsible communication.Key Definitions and DistinctionsPlacebo: an improvement that stems from psychological influences and situational elements rather…
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What sovereign debt restructuring is and why it takes so long

Sovereign debt restructuring: understanding the process and its lengthy resolution

Sovereign debt restructuring refers to a negotiated or court-assisted adjustment of a nation’s external or domestic public debt conditions once the original obligations become untenable; this process usually revises interest rates, extends repayment periods, alters principal levels, or blends these measures, and may involve conditional funding or policy commitments from international bodies to help restore fiscal sustainability, safeguard vital public services, and, when feasible, regain access to financial markets.Key elements commonly included in a standard restructuringDiagnosis and decision to restructure. The debtor government, together with its advisers, evaluates whether the country can fulfill its obligations without inflicting significant economic damage,…
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Why the energy transition moves at different speeds across countries

Factors influencing the speed of energy transition worldwide

The shift from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy systems is neither uniform nor inevitable. Countries progress at different rates because the transition depends on a complex mix of economics, institutions, resources, technology, politics and history. Understanding these interacting factors explains why some nations race ahead with rapid renewables deployment while others move slowly despite clear climate and economic incentives.Core drivers that speed up or slow down transitionsEconomics and cost structures: As wind and solar expenses have declined, renewables now rival conventional power in numerous markets, yet total deployment costs still hinge on local pricing, taxation, and above all the cost…
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Clean Energy Broadens RNG Footprint With New Stations Positioned on Key Freight Corridors

New Clean Energy stations on major freight corridors boost RNG footprint

A growing push to reduce emissions in freight transportation is reshaping fuel infrastructure across the United States. New investments aim to offer fleets a cost-effective and cleaner alternative to diesel. The expansion reflects rising demand for practical solutions that balance sustainability with economic efficiency.Clean Energy Fuels Corp. revealed a major boost to its renewable natural gas (RNG) fueling network, introducing six newly active stations located along critical freight routes across the United States, with the announcement made at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo to highlight the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing lower-emission transport options while recognizing the financial challenges that…
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Residency in Panama combines legal benefits with an outstanding quality of life

Panama Living: Legal Residency & Outstanding Quality of Life

Residency in Panama has emerged as an appealing choice for foreign nationals pursuing long-term stability, legal clarity, and an inviting landscape for investment, benefiting from its dollarized economy, robust financial sector, and a legal structure that offers transparent conditions for individuals planning either temporary or permanent relocation.A lifestyle that blends urban growth, convenient access to contemporary services, and a strong bond with nature is added to these elements, creating a harmony where city living meets personal well-being. In this setting, interest has risen in premium residential developments like Ocean Reef Islands, which belong to the real estate landscape linked to…
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A practical guide to purchasing property in Panama as a foreign buyer

Foreign Buyer’s Guide to Panama Property

Panama has quickly emerged as one of the region’s most appealing locations for real estate investment, with its steady economy, reliance on the U.S. dollar, and expanding market driving strong interest from international buyers looking to diversify their holdings or secure a second home in a rapidly developing urban environment.In recent years, this growing trend has been paired with a more welcoming stance toward foreign purchasers, making it simpler to acquire property without living in the country. Consequently, projects like IPANEMA Residences have steadily collaborated with international clients seeking real estate opportunities in key areas of Panama City. If you’re…
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Live and work by the sea: the trend reshaping remote work in IPANEMA

IPANEMA: Where Remote Work Meets Ocean Views

Working from home has significantly changed the way people organize their daily lives. What was once understood as a workday confined to a traditional office now extends to any space that offers the right conditions for focusing, connecting, and maintaining a productive pace. In this shift, the living environment has come to play a decisive role.Likewise, remote work with a view of the Pacific has become one of IPANEMA’s hallmarks, reflecting a way of working that integrates home life with the professional experience without separating the two worlds. More and more professionals are looking for homes that not only meet…
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Guinea-Bissau: CSR cases supporting responsible fisheries and food security

Guinea-Bissau: Advancing Fisheries & Food Security through CSR

Guinea-Bissau’s coastline and the Bijagós archipelago sustain livelihoods, culture, biodiversity and national food security. Small-scale and artisanal fisheries dominate the sector; marine and estuarine resources are primary sources of animal protein for coastal communities and central to rural economies. At the same time, the country faces pressure from industrial fleets, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, habitat loss (notably mangroves) and governance capacity gaps. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) — when aligned with good fisheries governance and community priorities — can complement public and donor action to protect fish stocks, safeguard food security and strengthen coastal resilience.Essential policy landscape and organizational…
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Met Gala 2024: Photos From the Red Carpet

Celebrity Impact on Fashion Trends

The intersection between celebrity culture and fashion is a phenomenon that has significantly shaped public taste and consumption patterns over the decades. Celebrities, with their pervasive presence across various media platforms, have become the quintessential style icons whose influence extends far beyond red carpet appearances. This article explores the multifaceted ways in which celebrities impact fashion, emphasizing both the historical context and modern-day implications.The Historical Roots of Celebrity InfluenceFrom Hollywood’s earliest years, the sway of celebrity style began to shape fashion, as figures such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe embodied elegance and allure while inspiring trends eagerly adopted across…
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What are respectful ways to engage with American diversity without stereotyping?

US CSR Landscape: Workforce Diversity & Responsible Procurement

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the United States has evolved from a focus on charitable contributions to a broader shift toward integrating social objectives into recruitment, supplier evaluation, and purchasing practices. Growing emphasis on two interconnected priorities — workforce diversity and responsible procurement — increasingly positions them as strategic catalysts for innovation, organizational resilience, and expanded market reach. This article brings together policy context, research findings, concrete examples from corporate and public entities, implementation frameworks, measurable impacts, and actionable guidance for organizations aiming to strengthen both equitable hiring practices and inclusive supply chain development.Why workforce diversity and responsible procurement matterWorkforce…
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