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Research in the UK suggests that multi-componential interventions focusing on language and pre-literacy skills can improve children's reading and language skills. However, simple translations of such programmes may not produce equivalent effects in diverse communities. The reasons for this are multi-faceted and include factors beyond the rationale and content of the intervention programmes themselves. Understanding these factors is critical for creating programmes that will generalise across settings. In this review, we reflect upon challenges encountered in two reading and language intervention programmes in South America to identify community and cultural contextual factors that can influence the implementation and scalability of educational programmes. We use our findings to develop an education-specific framework to guide the development and implementation of high-quality evidence-based approaches to language and literacy intervention. Our model guides implementation practices in diverse contexts and stresses the importance of the evidence-base and communication.

The research objective is to explore Chile's entrepreneurial landscape by assessing individual characteristics and institutional factors through a 'pillars' framework and compare it against Colombia, and Brazil; to identify socioeconomic, individual, and institutional differences using the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI); to apply bottleneck approach to highlight areas requiring policy intervention. GEI features individual and institutional stage variables in a method where every variable collaboratively interacts, incorporating 14 foundational elements and three sub - indexes: attitudes, abilities, and aspirations. Ranking 18th on the GEI globally and the best in Latin America, Chile excels in key entrepreneurial pillars, showcasing strengths in innovation and a robust entrepreneurial culture. Brazil closely rivals Chile in competition and networking, emphasizing political and economic influence. Colombia surpasses Chile in internationalization and growth-stimulating policies but faces challenges like historical conflicts and wealth distribution. This study identified areas where immediate policy intervention may be necessary by examining Chiles's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Penalty for Bottleneck (PFB) technique identif ied the weakest pillars highlighting process innovation, competition, and internationalization. The primary component identified as a bottleneck for resource allocation is Process Innovation, accounting for 73% of the allocation, followed by Competition at 23%. The findings show that allocating more resources to process innovation may improve greatly the overall GEI score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribe Astereae (Asteraceae) displays an American Amphitropical Disjunction. To understand the eco-evolutionary dynamics associated with a long-distance dispersal event and subsequent colonization of extratropical South America, we compared the climatic and geographic distributions of South American species with their closest North American relatives, focusing on the diverse South American Astereae genus, Haplopappus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that two South American genera are closely related to seven North American genera. The climatic niche overlap (D = 0.5) between South and North America exhibits high stability (0.89), low expansion (0.12), and very low unfilling (0.04). The distribution of the North American species predicted the climatic and geographic space occupied by the South American species. In central Chile, Haplopappus showed a non-random latitudinal gradient in species richness, with Mediterranean climate variables mainly explaining the variation. Altitudinal patterns indicated peak richness at 600 m, declining at lower and higher elevations. These findings support climatic niche conservatism in shaping Haplopappus species distribution and diversity. Two major endemism zones were identified in central Chile and the southern region, with a transitional zone between Mediterranean and Temperate macro-bioclimates. Our results indicate strong niche conservatism following long-distance dispersal and slight niche expansion due to unique climatic variables in each hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Natural pearls of Diplodon chilensis, a freshwater clam native to southern South America, are reported and characterized for the first time. The finding also constitutes the first record of pearls in a species of the genus Diplodon. The pearls have different shapes and sizes, and were found in both, male and female specimens. The microstructure and chemical composition of pearls is consistent with those reported in other bivalve species. The capability to produce pearls is widespread in the phylum Mollusca, including bivalves of the superfamily Unionoidea. Here, we identified and characterized natural pearls formed by Diplodon chilensis, a freshwater clam native to southern South America, using samples obtained from two lakes located in the Chilean Patagonia. Pearls were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Naturally formed pearls were found in both male and female D. chilensis specimens. Pearls are produced in different shapes, including spherical, ellipsoidal, buttoned, and bumpy, ranging in size from 200 µm to 1.9 mm. The internal microstructure is composed of irregular polygonal tablets, about 0.40 to 0.55 μm in thickness. EDX analysis showed that pearls are composed of calcium carbonate. FTIR and Raman spectra recorded several peaks attributable to the aragonite in pearls of this species, as has been shown in other mollusks. In addition to these results, pearls of different colors are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the mid‐20th century, the so‐called Great Acceleration (sensu Steffen et al., 2007, https://doi.org/10.1579/0044-7447(2007)36[614:TAAHNO]2.0.CO;2) has amplified processes of ecosystem degradation, extinction of biological species, displacement of local peoples, losses of languages, and cultural diversity. These losses are still underperceived by the academic community, and by a global society that is disconnected from biocultural diversity. To reconnect society with biocultural diversity, we integrate temporal and spatial dimensions of seasonal cycles, by combining two conceptual frameworks: ecological calendars and the "3Hs" model of the biocultural ethic (sensu Rozzi, 2012, https://doi.org/10.5840/enviroethics20123414). The latter values the vital links between human and other‐than‐human co‐inhabitants, their life habits (e.g., cultural practices of humans or life cycles of other‐than‐human species), and the structure and processes of their shared habitats. This integration enhances an understanding of links between cultural practices and the life cycles of biocultural keystone species. As a synthesis, we use the term biocultural calendars to emphasize their co‐constitutive nature that result from interactions between dynamic biophysical and cultural processes embedded in specific ecosystems and cultures. These calendars link astronomical, biological, and cultural seasonal cycles that sustain life and enhance the integration of Indigenous and scientific knowledge to confront challenges of climate change faced from local to global scales. To illustrate this integration, we examine cultural practices and socio‐environmental changes across four contrasting ethnolinguistic communities in southwestern South America, from southern to northern Chile along a marked climatic gradient to show the broad application of the concept of biocultural calendars. Plain Language Summary: We combine ecological calendars and the biocultural ethic. The first refers to natural or seasonal calendars and focuses on the temporal scale of life cycles and other ecological phenomena observed at a given place. The second emphasizes the vital links among human and non‐human co‐inhabitants, their habits (e.g., cultural practices of humans or life cycles of other‐than‐human species) in shared habitats (the "3Hs" of the biocultural ethic). Close observation of biological and cultural diversity, and their interrelationships (in short, biocultural diversity), synchronizes cultural practices with natural processes at specific places. This synchrony is particularly relevant in the context of climate change because by being locally attuned, communities enhance their capacity to adapt their activities to the variability of temperature, rainfall, and other climatic events. In this article we use the term biocultural calendars to more closely understand the links between different life habits in contrasting habitats and annual seasons. In this way, biocultural calendars provide an understanding of biological and cultural heterogeneity in different seasons and regions of the world that can help us adapt to a rapidly changing world. Key Points: Biocultural calendars are co‐constitutively generated through interactions between dynamic biophysical and cultural processesThe biocultural ethic's 3Hs model values the vital links among human and other‐than‐human co‐inhabitants, their habits, and shared habitatsBiocultural calendars are based on seasonal cycles of keystone species that are part of communities of co‐inhabitants [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Triatomines are hemimetabolous and hematophagous insect vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The life cycle of triatomines is composed of five nymphal stages and an adult stage. The wild kissing bug Mepraia spinolai is distributed in a vast area of the semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem of South America, characterized by strongly marked seasons. The population structure of this vector changes during the different seasons, suggesting its development is controlled under natural conditions. In this study, we performed a biological assay to study this vector development after two laboratory feedings. We collected nymphs, first to fourth instars, in eight M. spinolai populations during the transition of late fall to winter (cooling period) and spring (warming period) of three consecutive years. The gathered information with vectors molting twice suggests that development is differentially controlled in nymphs from first and fourth instars depending on the climatic period of collection. Additionally, T. cruzi infection changes development forward only in nymphs of second and fourth instars of the warming period. Our findings suggest that the effect of the climatic period and T. cruzi infection on the development of this vector species is a stage-dependent phenomenon. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the climatic season and infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease, on the molting capacity of the triatomine vector Mepraia spinolai endemic to Chile. We used wild-caught first-to-fourth instar nymphs during cooling (fall and winter) and warming (spring) periods. After capturing, nymphs were fed at the laboratory, and maintained under optimal rearing conditions. Feeding was repeated 40 days later. We followed-up the molting events on 709 nymphs, recording one, two or the absence of molts after two feeding opportunities. Within the same climatic period, only infected second- and fourth-instar nymphs from the warming period showed a larger proportion of double molting compared to uninfected nymphs. Regarding the climatic period, infected and uninfected first- and fourth-instar nymphs exhibited a larger proportion of double molting in the warming and cooling periods, respectively. The pattern of non-molting nymph occurrence suggests they probably reach diapause by environmental stochasticity. The effect of the climatic period and T. cruzi infection on the development of M. spinolai is an instar-dependent phenomenon, highlighting the occurrence of finely synchronized processes at different moments of the life cycle of such an hemimetabolous insect as triatomines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This empirical study examines the drivers of consumer intention to adopt wearable technology for healthcare in a South American country. Specifically, it proposes and tests a model of nonuser consumer intention to adopt fitness trackers for healthcare purpose in Chile. Design/methodology/approach: This study draws on the technology acceptance framework UTAUT2 to develop and test a conceptual model of wearable technology adoption. Data were collected through an online survey applied to 470 nonusers of wearable technology in Santiago, Chile. Findings: Findings indicate that hedonic motivation, social influence and perceived usefulness have the strongest influence on intention to adopt fitness trackers in Chile for healthcare. In addition, health motivation is an indirect predictor of consumer's intention to adopt wearable technology through its effect on perceived usefulness. Practical implications: The study contributes to a better understanding of consumer intention to adopt wearable technology for healthcare objectives in a less developed country in South America. Findings are useful for wearable technology managers, retail business and public policymakers. Originality/value: Despite the vast growth and importance of wearable technology for healthcare purposes, academic research considering less developed countries is scarce, especially the South American region. The proposed model and findings can extend this research gap. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed as well as implications for public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fossil record of marine mammals from the upper Pliocene of the western coast of South America is poorly known, hindering our knowledge about how and when marine mammal faunas attained their modern distribution in the area. Here, we describe a new marine mammal assemblage from the Horcón Formation (upper Pliocene), located in the Valparaíso Region of central Chile. The material reported comprises postcranial remains of an indeterminate seal (Phocidae), Delphinoidea vertebrae, and mysticete elements (still in the field). The Phocidae remains constitute the youngest pre-Pleistocene record of this family in South America, providing new information regarding the timing for the establishment of the modern diversity and distribution of pinnipeds in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, the pinniped and cetacean remains reported indicate that the marine mammal assemblage from the upper Pliocene along central Chile was composed of a mixture of modern and extinct taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South America sustains an important part of the world's terrestrial biodiversity and its population is highly urbanized. Global syntheses have revealed a paucity of urban ecological research in the region; however, local research might be overlooked due to language barriers. As a contribution to disseminating local knowledge, we conducted a synthesis of Spanish-language literature on bird species richness in the Southern Cone of South America - an area of high diversity, endemism, and more than half of the world's terrestrial biome types. In this systematic review, we identified patterns and trends in the literature, and the variables that influence bird species richness. Research has focused on national capital cities and green areas (large urban parks). Most studies covered short periods of time (1 year or less) and involved one season only (reproductive). The most studied biomes were temperate grasslands, savannas and shrublands, and Mediterranean and temperate forests, and no studies were found in mountains or deserts. Bird species richness in cities from the Southern Cone was positively influenced by vegetation cover and plant and habitat diversity; whereas variables associated with urban cover and disturbance exhibited negative effects. Important gaps in knowledge include: research in small and medium size cities, in overlooked biomes (deserts, xeric shrublands, and montane grasslands and shrublands), long-term research comprising different seasons, the inclusion of green spaces other than urban parks, and interdisciplinary studies that consider environmental, social, and economic components of urban ecosystems. By filling these key knowledge gaps, researchers from South America can contribute to the development of science-based actions to preserve nature in an urbanizing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global commitments prioritize protection of wildlife and improvements to human wellbeing. Local disconnects in these commitments are rarely acknowledged—or their implications assessed—preventing the development of effective solutions. National and international efforts to protect marine mammals along South America's west coast have contributed to species recovery, but also to conflict between sea lions and small‐scale fisheries. To understand the concerns ultimately motivating this conflict, we assessed how 301 coastal small‐scale fishers perceive their interactions with South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). We then reviewed the terrestrial human–wildlife literature to identify potential management solutions to resolve the conflict. We find that fishers are chiefly concerned with increases in sea lion populations, perceive that sea lion interactions have significantly increased over the past 80 years, and report sea lion‐driven catch and income losses of ≥26%. We propose solutions to manage conflict that are sensitive to heterogeneity among fisher groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The centre–periphery hypothesis (CPH) postulates that populations close to the centre of a species distribution will exhibit higher genetic diversity and lower genetic differentiation than populations located at the edge of the distribution. The centre of a species' distribution might represent an optimum for the environmental factors influencing the species absolute fitness and, therefore, genetic diversity. In species with wide distribution, the geographical variation of biotic and abiotic variables is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms of the CPH. We evaluated the CPH and specifically tested which environmental variables better explained the patterns of genetic diversity in the kissing bug Mepraia spinolai, one of the main wild vectors of Chagas disease in southern South America, distributed across three Mediterranean climatic ecoregions in Chile. We analysed 2380 neutral single nucleotide polymorphisms to estimate genetic diversity. Mean winter temperature, mean summer temperature, vegetation cover, population abundance, proportion of winged individuals and female abdomen area were measured for each kissing bug population to construct a model. Lower genetic diversity was detected in populations at the edge of the distribution compared to those in the centre. However, genetic differentiation was not higher in the periphery. Genetic diversity was related to climatic and biological variables; there was a positive relationship with mean winter temperature and a negative association with mean summer temperature and body size. These results partially support the CPH and identify biotic (abdomen area) and abiotic (winter/summer temperatures) factors that would affect genetic diversity in this restricted‐dispersal species of epidemiological relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]