Analysis of the scientific productions about companies, accounting information and sustainability in the pandemic context (Covid-19)

: The pandemic (Covid-19) decreed by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, originating in China in 2019, has generated drastic changes for the world society, and so far is impacting negatively, and changing the quality of life of the entire population. Humanity has been facing an invisible disease and man needs to rethink consumption patterns, as well as the negative environmental impact generated by these patterns. To this end, we aimed to analyze the scientific productions on companies, accounting information and sustainability in the context of the pandemic (Covid-19). This study is classified as a descriptive, bibliographic and qualitative research, as it sought to identify information to highlight the socioeconomic and environmental impacts generated by the pandemic (Covid-19) in organizations. In this sense, the quality of information about these impacts are indispensable issues for analyzing the sustainable development of corporate business. Other impacts were identified in relation to environmental quality such as the companies' accounting technical standards, and theoretical reflections on integrated reporting studies.


INTRODUCTION
Throughout historical evolution, planet earth has faced a plethora of viral diseases that lead to death (Smallpox, Bubonic Plague, AIDS, Ebola, and others). Human society is no stranger to global pandemics or regional and local epidemics, as medicine and science have advanced, pandemics have become less frequent and mortality rates better controlled. The scientific community may be focused on developing potential vaccines and treatments, rather than devoting valuable time to observational studies (CHAHROUR et.al., 2020).
For too long, humanity has placed more importance on economic growth than on people's health and quality of life. Environmental pollution was almost always the result of transferring the necessary corrective actions to third parties, without compensation for the costs of this correction. There was no motivation or incentive to change their attitude, the polluter kept his conduct, whose costs would have to be borne by society and future generations (ROBLES JR. & BONELLI, 2010).
Nevertheless, the socioeconomic and environmental situation that the negative impacts of the pandemic (Covid-19) have been causing in the world, leads us to a volume of daily information, whether economic, political and social (education, health, income, among others), and the measures presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) or by local governments should be observed.
Associated with this news, some terms are linked to the concepts of quality management, quality costs, and sustainability (monitoring, testing, evaluation, disease control, prevention, emergency protective measures such as social isolation, for example) among other events. However, the tools used to achieve environmental management are in essence those identical to ensure quality in production (training, action plan, documentation control, organization and cleanliness, inspections, and periodic situation analysis) (ROBLES JR. & BONELLI, 2010).
Environmental issues occupy a respectable space among the major contemporary concerns of science, because they allow structuring a kind of x-ray of reality, which in the face of emerging problems, require an awareness and, especially, an immediate solution (PHILIPPI JR & BRUNA, 2010).
The most sensitive and efficient manifestation, but not always effective of this concern, is the emergence of an environmental literature stimulated by events that have been discussing various aspects of development, seeking the control and improvement of environmental management in an attempt to contribute to a process suitable for sustainable development that takes into account the management process linked to social, economic and environmental aspects. However, the quality of financial and non-financial information is in broad evolution by the study and research center on the environment (USP/FIPECAFI) Unsustainable production and consumption are perpetuated by financing, investments, and lifestyles. Such practices have led to depletion of natural resources, ecosystem disruption, economies, high carbon infrastructure, unsustainable resource use, and environmental problems and diseases, that to successfully achieve environmental goals, responsibilities need to extend from government to the private sector, to environmental problems and diseases.

Environmental systems
The pandemic has shown the weaknesses of environmental systems. To successfully achieve environmental goals, responsibilities need to extend from government to the private sector, civil society, and individuals. The closed borders, availability of goods, and confinement that have forced the change of many habits around the world. Behavioral changes Some of these changes have accelerated new and emerging sectors that support responsible consumption, such as homeworking and local production. As people return to work and schools reopen, some of these positive changes can be sustained. Public and private employers, civil society, and individuals have sought alternatives for how to work, study, and consume on a scale that can make a lasting leap toward sustainability. PNUMA The PNUMA works with partners on recovery policies and investments to encourage circularity and approach, including focusing on sustainable consumption and aligning public and private finance with resilient sustainable economies and societies. This is an opportunity to meet this demand with stimulus packages that include renewable energy, smart buildings and cities, green public transport, sustainable food and farming systems, and lifestyle choices. Environmental management Act today to protect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, combat global warming, including biosafety and environmental security measures. Ensuring that knowledge of and commitment to responsible consumption and production extends across all pillars of societies is a relevant element for the progress and success of all other ODS. Environmental damage Nature is in crisis, threatened by biodiversity and habitat loss, global warming, and toxic pollution. To fail to act is to fail humanity. Facing the pandemic (Covid-19). There is no science, technology, or funding to solve global warming. Without commitment to decarbonization, the planet will be on track for a 3.2°C or more increase in global temperature, which brings a greater likelihood of pandemics, extreme weather events, droughts, and floods, and causes widespread destabilization of global food, economic, and security systems. Uncontrolled global warming could undo the progress made on almost all the SDGs, which will undermine economic recovery.

Actions
The plans are formulated to help countries and communities rebuild their economies and societies, this is an opportunity to embrace renewable energy, green technologies, and new sustainable sectors that will take the planet towards decarbonization. PNUMA For climate stability, PNUMA is supporting policy makers and investors. Social Responsibility National, regional and sub-regional sectors with the creation of green fiscal stimulus packages and financing. Prioritize jobs and sustainable income sources, encouraging investments in public assets, social and green infrastructure, promoting consumption with low-carbon production in order to boost financial responsibility. (ODS 14) Life in Water

Conservation of Environmental Ecosystems
The ecosystems that support and protect life underwater are as relevant as on land.
The decline and degradation of these marine, coastal, and freshwater natural environments and their accompanying biodiversity, combined with the warming, acidification, and widespread pollution of the oceans is a crisis of equal concern. Humans depend on these ecosystems for coastal protection, medicines, industry, and food. The global fish stock in recent decades is getting lower and lower. Marine genetic resources are used for pharmaceutical purposes, including antivirals, conservation of these ecosystems ensures conservation of pharmaceuticals. Excessive nutrient runoff is also an issue that can lead to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and a potential increase in dead zones, which can compromise the production and conservation of vital resources. (ODS 15) Life on Land

Single Health
Zoonoses like Covid-19 will continue to increase as the world continues to destroy wild habitats for human activity. Degraded habitats can promote more direct interaction between people and animals, accelerating the evolutionary processes of viruses and diversifying diseases as pathogens spread easily to livestock and humans. Social Responsibility To prevent new pandemics, both the destruction of natural habitats for agriculture and mining and housing must become sustainable. It is essential that governments, the private sector, and civil society join together to work better for, not against, the environment in order to manage and build resilience to future systemic threats. PNUMA It provides information on the causes of zoonotic disease transmission to instruct policy makers to protect populations by raising awareness about the damage caused by uncontrolled environmental destruction. In addition, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, PNUMA is assisting governments to develop and/or strengthen their biosafety policies and regulatory measures. Public Management Detect, prevent, control, and manage zoonotic pathogens, and is also committed to supporting countries to secure ambitious outcomes at the Conference of the Parties to the Biodiversity Conference (COP15), which is scheduled to take place in 2021.

SOURCE: NU (2021)
The pandemic (Covid-19) has caused several disasters and unimaginable problems, such as social, economic and environmental consequences in a deep and lasting way all over the world, almost completely stopping life on planet earth (UN, 2021). Thus, it is observed in these aspects outlined by SDGs 12,13,14, Analysis of the scientific productions about companies, accounting information and sustainability in the pandemic context (Covid-19) RIMA, v.4, n.1, 2022, e187. and 15 that they reveal the primordial need for sustainable management, observing the issue of social welfare and quality of life as well as human, animal, and environmental health as inseparable elements.

Accounting technical standards
The effect of the economic and financial crisis has considerable impact on the accounting information of companies and which should be observed in the financial reports; the relevant data on the main accounting events such as inventory, subsequent events, financial instruments, tangible and intangible assets among others. With respect to accounting standards, the texts identified on the financial accounting website were summarized in Table 3, two of which the search was performed by entering the keywords "Pandemic" and "Covid-19".

BOX 3:
The impact of Covid-19 on the financial statements 1 .

Search Descrição IAS 1 -Presentation of financial statements
Disclose the main sources of uncertainty about Covid-19: revenue, expenses, cash, loans and receivables, tangible and intangible assets.

IAS 10 -Subsequent Events
The risk of a material adjustment in a subsequent period. You should clarify that adjusting events are events that highlight conditions existing at the reporting date and non-adjusting events arise from conditions after the reporting date.

IAS 2 -Inventory
Decreases in the net realizable value -NRV of inventory are accounted for as expenses in the period in which they occur. NRV = damage, contamination, deterioration, physical deterioration, obsolescence, fluctuations in price levels, reduced demand, or other causes (unplanned stoppages, labor or material shortages, or production bottlenecks). Managers should consider the effects on their inventory costs. IFRS 9 -Financial Instruments IFRS requires that forward-looking information be considered when assessing the need to record a potential credit loss. Observe legislation that modifies payment terms according to government agencies (government grants). Observable fair value financial instruments (debt and equity securities) must be recorded at market price at the balance sheet date.

IAS 16 -Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation that starts when the assets are put into service. If construction is suspended the process must be observed by IAS 23(borrowing costs).

IAS 36 -Impairment of Assets
Indefinite-lived assets (goodwill) tested for impairment (each year or indication of loss);

IFRS 15 -Business Combination
Covid-19 can affect revenues from current and future contracts (volume discounts, early payment discounts, refunds, cooperation agreements, price concessions, performance bonuses, and fines).

IAS 1 -Presentation of Financial Statements
Additional disclosures in the financial statements are required if there is substantial doubt and to discuss management's plans for resolving the substantial doubt. IAS 34 -Interim Financial Reporting All material information should be disclosed that has a significant impact on the operating results, balance sheet effect and cash flow statement. Revisions for credit losses and changes in significant estimates should also be disclosed, as well as subsequent events after the interim period. Importantly, these events are accounting information to predict future scenarios that were shaken by the global economic crisis because of the pandemic (Covid-19) of businesses as assets, liabilities, revenues and relevant expenses. In this sense, it should be observed whether such information effectively portrays the financial and economic effect of the companies, noting that in future scenarios the process of measurement as well as disclosure should be studied by economic effects caused by the pandemic (Covid-19).

Studies related to integrated reporting
Regarding the findings of the integrated study, Martins and Ferreira (2020) show that after the adoption of IR to create additional value to shareholders it is not necessary to adopt a specific disclosure format, however it is necessary to program an informative arrangement that integrates financial and nonfinancial information of socioeconomic and environmental aspects of an organization. Thus, the adoption of IR cannot be limited to a symbol of legitimization of the companies to the market, it must be an instrument that improves the quality of information.
IR can have two main advantages for a company: 1) an improvement in its management processes, especially with regard to non-financial capital, and 2) a decline in asymmetric information. Importantly, based on voluntary disclosure theory, these two factors can have economic benefits for the organization, thus contributing to the literature on IR (cost to equity ratio), also analyzing the impact of institutional factors in this relationship, employing a robust method of analysis that differentiates it from other studies (ZARO et.al., 2020).
Bevilaqua, Neumann and Faia (2020) portray that the IR concept encompasses the business thought cycle, representing a process, in which both are mutually reinforcing and one should not be disregarded from the other. As such, the IR literature in identifying the factors and formulating the propositions that can be used by future empirical studies, and with the discussion of the challenges that encompass the IR theme.
Fernandes and Silva (2020) state that IR is not yet mandatory in Brazil, but acknowledge the relevance of its insertion in corporate disclosures. In the document "The future We Want" resulting from the United Nations conference for sustainable development held in Brazil in 2012, the RIO+20, reinforces the integration of sustainable information to their corporate reports, and encourage industries, governments, stakeholders 2 , with the support of united nations systems to develop models for practical improvements, and facilitates the action of integrating sustainable reports.
However, Kassai et al., (2019) state that this theme is considered relevant in view of the challenges that will have to be solved in these first decades of the 21st century and that involve changes in the extractionproduction-distribution-consumption-disposal models and the equating of issues such as: energy, water, agriculture, urban mobility, pollution, health, education, and social assistance, which are being discussed arduously under the themes of global climate change in each of the 17 SDGs, thus, in box 4 it is possible to observe this historical evolution.

BOX 4:
Historical evolution of environmental disclosure in RI. Measuring the costs of quality in health care, defining contingency plans in case of a pandemic (many managers have been caught off guard), risk management, threats of viral diseases (trying not to collapse the health care system especially in developing countries). Measurement of sustainability indicators in public health and quality of life (relevant result for analysis of the impact of the disease and preventive measures with real data) and the disclosure of corporate reports on socio-environmental issues.
The practical contribution of this research presents general classification of integrated thinking and the benefits provided by its adoption, expanding the understanding of managers regarding the concepts of this thinking and with possible scenarios for the development of thinking and IR in practice. In this sense, it is observed that in the face of the pandemic (covid-19), the contribution of this study seeks to outline new paths of research of the IR of companies, since the following pespesctives should be observed: environmental information, environmental liabilities, intellectual capital, pricing of intangibles.
It is worth noting that the main contributions of this article in the scientific field are paths for new research on the topic under study. Environmental management reflects the issues of environmental systems, environmental impacts evidenced in RI. In this sense, the knowledge produced by the scientific community may predict future scenarios of outbreak to new diseases.
Certain limitations of this study permeate the theoretical field and do not present empirical results.
However, aspects related to the quality of socio-environmental information are raised by researchers and specialists in various sciences, with dissertations from NECMA/USP, in an attempt to publish information regarding the damage caused to nature by man and society, as well as strategic actions to mitigate environmental risk.