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High-quality early childcare and education (ECE) has demonstrated long-term associations with positive educational and life outcomes and can be particularly impactful for children from low-income backgrounds. This study extends the literature on the long-term associations between high-quality caregiver sensitivity and responsiveness and cognitive stimulation (i.e., caregiving quality) in ECE settings and success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in high school. Using the 1991 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (n = 1,096; 48.6% female; 76.4% White, 11.3% African American, 5.8% Latine, 6.5% other), results demonstrated that caregiving quality in ECE was associated with reduced disparities between low- and higher-income childrens STEM achievement and school performance at age 15. Disparities in STEM school performance (i.e., enrollment in advanced STEM courses and STEM grade point average) and STEM achievement (i.e., Woodcock-Johnson cognitive battery) were reduced when children from lower-income families experienced more exposure to higher caregiving quality in ECE. Further, results suggested an indirect pathway for these associations from caregiving quality in ECE to age 15 STEM success through increased STEM achievement in Grades 3 through 5 (ages 8-11 years). Findings suggest that community-based ECE is linked to meaningful improvements in STEM achievement in Grades 3 through 5 which in turn relates to STEM achievement and school performance in high school, and caregiving quality in ECE is particularly important for children from lower-income backgrounds. This work has implications for policy and practice positioning caregivers cognitive stimulation and sensitivity in ECE settings across the first 5 years of life as a promising lever for bolstering the STEM pipeline for children from lower-income backgrounds. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

We describe the structure, benefits, and challenges associated with a virtual cultural heritage exchange (VCHE) between undergraduate students in an applied anthropology class and a group of English language learners (ELL). Using qualitative data collection and analysis methods, the project aimed to teach anthropological methods and perspectives to the students while investigating three research questions: Will a VCHE (1) build social bonds and bridges, (2) improve English language acquisition, and (3) raise "heritage consciousness" (awareness and appreciation of, along with an associated sense of agency toward, cultural heritage) among participants? Results support the research questions and show the effectiveness of VCHEs when they are designed to meet the interests and needs of ELL participants and students.

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in ecosystem functioning by providing essential benefits to people and improving their well-being, i.e., regulating material and non-material services; especially in cultural and natural rich landscapes, such as those found in Latin-American countries. Nevertheless, in spite of the utmost importance of sustaining human life, biodiversity is not only declining at unprecedented rates, but also this pervasive degradation has revealed both our mutual dependence and interconnectedness, with a profound need for a societal transformative change. To help meet this challenge, the aim of this work is to synthesise pertinent and state-of-the-art knowledge on biodiversity education by utilising a holistic approach and a Latin-American point of view, which will contribute towards understanding and targeting complex socio-ecological issues. The findings have unveiled an abundant number of studies in Latin American countries that have investigated the topic of teachers' and students' knowledge and their conceptions of biodiversity from both conventional scientific knowledge and interculturality. By promoting an integrative dialogue among these categories and their subcategories, several implications arose concerning scientists engaged in public outreach, environmental and sustainable development and science education researchers, those engaged in cultural studies, formal and non-formal education, and school teachers.

Abstract This study focuses on the laboratory-scale petrophysical characterization of sandstones from the Rio Bonito Formation (Lower Permian), Paraná Basin, carried out from drill core samples from well PN-14-SC.02 obtained by CPRM-Brazilian Geological Service in the 1980s on the eastern edge of the Basin. This study includes integrating experimental data from routine petrophysics, sedimentary petrography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) obtained from 6 samples arranged in the normal direction of the stratification, present between 40 and 200 m deep. It was possible to conclude that the values of the permeability and porosity properties obtained from the NMR technique correlated in a very satisfactory way, with correlation coefficient R2 = 0.957 and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) = 0.208 about the porosity reference results offered by routine petrophysics, with lower values being less than a porosity unit (+/- 1 p.u.), in the range between 8 and 14%. The same was observed for the estimated permeability, R2 = 0.885 and RMSE = 0.152, by the Timur Coates method, with values in the range between 0.096 and 2.42 mD, which were well supported by the spectra information, as well as by petrographic analyses.

La didáctica de las ciencias experimentales es parte de los programas de formación docente de la educación primaria de la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina, en espacios curriculares que agrupan saberes pedagógicos-didácticos y disciplinares de las ciencias naturales (CN), como «CN y su Didáctica II». Para conocer qué saberes movilizan a los formadores de profesores de esta asignatura y cómo se relacionan e interactúan estos conocimientos, recurrimos al constructo de conocimiento didáctico del contenido (CDC), realizamos entrevistas semiestructuradas y adoptamos el enfoque del mapeo del CDC. Los resultados revelan una diversidad de integraciones entre los componentes del CDC, donde los componentes de conocimiento de la comprensión de los estudiantes y las orientaciones para la enseñanza obtuvieron las mayores integraciones; mientras que el conocimiento de la evaluación resultó ser el menos integrado.

This article provides an exploration of the historical trajectory of uranium mining in Brazil, providing insight into its emergence, development, and current status within the global nuclear landscape. From its early days, characterized by sporadic mining ventures to the establishment of strategic uranium reserves, Brazil's journey mirrors a complex interplay of domestic imperatives and international dynamics. However, despite Brazil's significant uranium resources and advances in nuclear technology, its narrative often remains overshadowed by other global nuclear actors. Thus, by delving into Brazil's historical engagement with uranium mining, this paper seeks to illuminate its evolving role and contributions to the nuclear domain. Furthermore, this study examines the impact of external influences, such as geopolitical pressures, the international price of uranium, and technological advancements, on Brazil's nuclear ambitions. Ultimately, it aims to enrich our understanding of Brazil's past, present, and future in the global nuclear area.

A Epagri dispõe de três variedades de milho de polinização aberta (VPA), SCS154 Fortuna, SCS155 Catarina e SCS156 Colorado, que são bem aceitas por produtores de grãos, mas ainda pouco utilizadas para produção de silagem. Com o objetivo de verificar o desempenho dessas variedades para esse fim, foi conduzido um experimento na safra 2021/22 em Canoinhas, SC, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em um fatorial 2x4, sendo duas épocas de plantio (segunda quinzena de setembro e segunda quinzena de outubro) x as três VPA + uma variedade transgênica recomendada para silagem, totalizando oito tratamentos, com quatro repetições. No estádio R4 foram avaliados indicadores morfológicos (altura de planta e de inserção da espiga, diâmetro do colmo, peso verde e a proporção de espiga, folha e colmo). Em seguida, as plantas de cada parcela foram cortadas, picadas na ensiladeira e incubadas em minissilos de PVC, que após 90 dias foram enviados para análise da composição bromatológica. Houve efeito de época de plantio para todos os indicadores morfológicos e produtivos avaliados. Foi verificado aumento da altura de plantas nas três variedades de milho VPA no plantio de outubro, fato não observado na variedade transgênica. A composição química diferiu entre os cultivares, mas não foi afetada pelas épocas de plantio, à exceção da proteína bruta. Todos os cultivares apresentaram padrões dentro dos parâmetros recomendados para silagem de qualidade e características favoráveis ao processo de ensilagem.

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a evolução do Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) na adolescência. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal com dados de 50 prontuários de pacientes em acompanhamento há pelo menos dois anos. Para a análise estatística, calculamos usando os testes exato de Fischer, qui-quadrado e Kruskall-Walis, pelo software R Core Team 2018. RESULTADOS: Dos 50 pacientes, 80% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 14,0 anos (variando de 10 a 17 anos), 26 (52%) estavam em acompanhamento inicial com neurologista para TDAH, os demais com queixas compatível com TDAH. A idade média de início dos sintomas foi de 8,0 anos (variando de 5 a 13 anos) e a idade de diagnóstico de 8,5 anos (variando de 5 a 13 anos). O uso de metilfenidato ocorreu em 30 (60%), 48% mantiveram a adesão ao tratamento e 18% não relataram melhora com o metilfenidato, sem intenção de uso de outro medicamento. Houve melhora no grupo (p < 0,05), e os fatores contribuintes foram: aquisição de uma rotina de estudos, melhora do comportamento na escola, escola mais assertiva, família mais assertiva, menos horas diárias em telas. CONCLUSÕES: o TDAH envolve família, escola e saúde. O controle dos sintomas e melhores resultados na escola precisam de rotina de estudos, melhoria de comportamento, escola inclusiva (que vê as dificuldades de seus alunos como um desafio), apoio familiar e menos horas nas telas. Ressaltamos a importância dos profissionais de saúde no diagnóstico e acompanhamento clínico.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), principally Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), the foremost omega-3 PUFAs in the brain and eyes, have been implicated in maintaining the structural and functional properties of the retina and cornea. Another PUFA, Arachidonic Acid (AA, 20:4n-6), primary omega-6 PUFA in the cell membrane of phospholipids, is a central inflammatory mediator involved in many molecular and cellular functions under physiological and pathological conditions, including dry eye disease (DED) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study investigated the fatty acids (FA) composition of the vitreous humor, retina, cornea, and whole eye in two mammals, the Arabian sheep (Ovis aries) and Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius), with the aim of exploring new paths for beneficial PUFA production. In Ovis aries, the retina exhibited the highest content in DHA and AA with 4.30 ± 0.63 % and 13.48 ± 1.33 % of the total fatty acid content, respectively. In Camelus dromedarius, the DHA content was greater in the retina compared to all samples, and AA was detected in the vitreous humor, cornea, retina, and whole eye, with the highest content in the retina (15.38 ± 0.71 %). Comparing both mammals, the DHA fraction was higher in camel's retina than in sheep's retina, whereas no differences were noticed for AA accumulation. In conclusion, ocular tissues collected from agri-food waste in slaughterhouses could serve as a sustainable source for FA production and provide an innovative and emerging prospect in the nutrition, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors.

La argumentación es una práctica científica puede desarrollarse a través de la formación específica en el marco de problemáticas sociocientíficas, para lo que el Esquema del Argumento de Toulmin (EAT) resulta un instrumento lógico y dialéctico privilegiado. En una investigación basada en diseño buscamos contribuir a una educación en biodiversidad que aporte al posicionamiento y toma de decisiones sobre problemáticas que vinculan sus componentes con las características estructurales y funcionales de los ecosistemas locales. Los resultados se analizaron a partir de los datos obtenidos en la fase definitiva y muestran avances en el conocimiento conceptual de la biodiversidad y de plantas y animales autóctonos, aunque la valoración de los componentes de la biodiversidad indica la persistencia de un centrismo en las especies y en los árboles. Los estudiantes elaboraron esquemas EAT, pero con dificultad para movilizar información de gráficas cartesianas con evidencias científicas y para los elementos reserva y justificación de EAT. Los resultados señalan que este tipo de intervención didáctica ofrece ayudas para el desarrollo de los conocimientos y habilidades involucradas, y corroboran el interés de la educación en ciencias por la argumentación sobre cuestiones sociocientíficas como práctica epistémica.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant bovis (M. bovis) is a highly pathogenic environmental microorganism that causes bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a significant zoonotic disease. Currently, “test and culling” is the primary measure for controlling bTB, but it has been proven to be inadequate in animals due to their high susceptibility to the pathogen. Selective breeding for increased host resistance to bTB to reduce its prevalence is feasible. In this study, we found a vital host-dependent factor, RBMX2, that can potentially promote M. bovis infection. By knocking RBMX2 out, we investigated its function during M. bovis infection. Through transcriptome sequencing and alternative splicing transcriptome sequencing, we concluded that after M. bovis infection, embryo bovine lung (EBL) cells were significantly enriched in RNA splicing associated with apoptosis compared with wild-type EBL cells. Through protein/molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and real-time quantitative PCR, we demonstrated that RBMX2 promotes the apoptosis of epithelial cells by upregulating and binding to apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (APAF-1), resulting in the alternative splicing of APAF-1 as a retention intron. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. bovis affecting host epithelial cell apoptosis by hijacking RBMX2 to promote the intron splicing of downstream APAF-1. These findings may represent a significant contribution to the development of novel TB prevention and control strategies.

During the last two decades, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have seen their population, economies and energy production growing steeply with a substantial increase in Gross Domestic Product. As a result of this growth, GCC consumption-based carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased from 540.79 Metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2) in 2003 to 1090.93 MtCO2 in 2020. The assumptions and strategies that have driven energy production in the past are now being recast to achieve a more sustainable economic development. The aim of this study is to review and analyze ongoing energy transition strategies that characterize this change to identify challenges and opportunities for bolstering the effectiveness of current strategic orientations. The ensuing analysis shows that since COP26, GCC countries have been pursuing a transition away from carbon-based energy policies largely characterized by the adoption of solar PV with other emerging technologies including energy storage, carbon capture, and hydrogen generation and storage. While as of 2022 renewable energy adoption in the GCC only represented 0.15 % of global installed capacity, GCC countries are making strong efforts to achieve their declared 2030 energy targets that average about 26 % with peaks of 50 % in Saudi Arabia and 30 % in the UAE and Oman. With reference to solar energy, plans are afoot to add 42.1 GW of solar photovoltaics and concentrated solar power which will increase 8-fold the current installed renewable capacity (5.1 GW). At the same time, oil and gas production rates remain stable and fossil fuel subsidies have grown in the last few years. Also, there is a marked preference for the deployment of CCUS and utility-scale solar energy technology vs. distributed solar energy, energy efficiency and nature-based solutions. The pursuit of energy transition in the GCC will require increased efforts in the latter and other overlooked strategic endeavors to achieve a more balanced portfolio of sustainable energy solutions, with stronger emphasis on energy efficiency (as long as rebound effects are mitigated) and nature-based solutions. Increased efforts are also needed in promoting governance practices aimed to institutionalize regulatory frameworks, incentives, and cooperation activities that promote the reduction of fossil fuel subsidies and the transition away from fossil fuels.

Metagenomic studies have revolutionized the study of novel phages. However these studies trade depth of coverage for breadth. We show that the targeted sequencing of a small region of a phage terminase family can provide sufficient sequence diversity to serve as an individual-specific barcode or a “phageprint’’, defined as the relative abundance profile of the variants within a terminase family. By collecting ~700 oral samples from ~100 individuals living on multiple continents, we found a consistent trend wherein each individual harbors one or two dominant variants that coexist with numerous low-abundance variants. By tracking phageprints over the span of a month across ten individuals, we observed that phageprints were generally stable, and found instances of concordant temporal fluctuations of variants shared between partners. To quantify these patterns further, we built machine learning models that, with high precision and recall, distinguished individuals even when we eliminated the most abundant variants and further downsampled phageprints to 2% of the remaining variants. Except between partners, phageprints are dissimilar between individuals, and neither country-of-residence, genetics, diet nor cohabitation seem to play a role in the relatedness of phageprints across individuals. By sampling from six different oral sites, we were able to study the impact of millimeters to a few centimeters of separation on an individual’s phageprint and found that such limited spatial separation results in site-specific phageprints.

The ability to simultaneously measure material mechanics and structure is central for understanding their nonlinear relationship that underlies the mechanical properties of materials, such as hysteresis, strain-stiffening and -softening, and plasticity. This experimental capability is also critical in biomechanics and mechanobiology research, as it enables direct characterizations of the intricate interplay between cellular responses and tissue mechanics. Stretching devices developed over the past few decades, however, do not often allow simultaneous measurements of the structural and mechanical responses of the sample. In this work, we introduce an open-source stretching system that can apply uniaxial strain at a submicron resolution, report the tensile force response of the sample, and be mounted on an inverted microscope for real-time imaging. Our system consists of a pair of stepper-based linear motors that stretch the sample symmetrically, a force transducer that records the sample tensile force, and an optically clear sample holder that allows for high-magnification microscopy. Using polymer samples and cellular specimens, we characterized the motion control accuracy, force measurement robustness, and microscopy compatibility of our stretching system. We envision that this uniaxial stretching system will be a valuable tool for characterizing soft and living materials.