83% of the world population \[[@pone.0195581.ref010]\].

According to the United Nations \[[@pone.0195581.ref011]\], the world has faced a remarkable urbanization in the last decades. This process has taken place predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), which contained, in 2014, twenty-three of the 29 megacities with more than 10 million inhabitants. Projections indicate this is an ongoing process. By 2030, the world is expected to have 41 megacities, and more than 90% of the future urban population growth will be in LMIC.

The Sao Paulo Metropolitan Area (SPMA), situated in southeast Brazil, is one of the largest megacities of the world, with approximately 20.5 million inhabitants \[[@pone.0195581.ref012]\]. In spite of its historical, cultural, and economic specificities, it shares many common characteristics with other LMIC megacities and may be illustrative of whatJim Dowson addressing loyalist flag protesters at a demonstration against the decision to restrict the flying of the Union Flag at Belfast City Hall

According to the New York Times, Jim Dowson – a regular speaker at rallies protesting against the decision to restrict the flying of the Union Flag at Belfast City Hall in 2012 – bombarded millions of Americans with “fake news” demonising Trump’s rival Hillary Clinton.

An outspoken loyalist, anti-abortion and anti-immigration activist for a number of years, Mr Dowson set up a business offering advice on social media campaigns.

Recently, the influential American newspaper named the 52-year-old as being typical of the “far-right agitators in Europe” who were “incredibly influential in shaping people’s views” during the presidential election campaign.

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