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The needs of the digital revolution and the knowledge-based economy impose a transformation of traditional education to improve technical and scientific knowledge and include alternative abilities. This work presents a service-learning initiative with multiple goals: to improve scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) knowledge at school, to enhance students' engagement, and to make people aware of the repercussions of poor indoor air quality. The initiative involves four actors: the administration which steers the initiative, students who are the receivers of the knowledge, teachers as facilitators of the activity and research centers as expert references. Within this service-learning initiative, a real-life project has been proposed, focusing on measuring carbon dioxide (CO[subscript 2]) levels in classrooms and correlating them with indoor airborne infection transmission. Reference experts have developed two systems provided to teachers and students for project implementation. The project involves an engineering step where students set up the systems, and a scientific step where students hypothesize, develop experiments, analyse data, and communicate results gaining experience with the scientific method. Through the combined efforts and appropriate allocation of responsibilities, this experience has yielded excellent results in STEM knowledge transmission and has proven effective in fostering student commitment to their learning process.

This study considers the experience of education abroad alumni through a social justice lens. We leverage literature that places systemic change at the fore, underscoring the importance of addressing deeply ingrained attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions that perpetuate systemic inequalities or hinder progress. Practitioners and scholars have called into question the problematic, essentialist roots of study abroad while advocating for increased accessibility to education abroad. Building upon this priority, this article is oriented with a critical consciousness framework. The findings show the profound transformative impact of the study abroad experience on the personal lives of alumni, the level of career integration in their professional development, and the direct correlation between program design as it relates to social justice orientations. This project addresses a gap in the scholarship by focusing on longitudinal, qualitative data for action and the influence of alumni in increasing access to education abroad for the next generation.

Incirrate octopodes are the only cephalopods that exhibit transient epidermal structures called Kolliker's organs (KO) in the early development stages. This work describes for the first time the histological formation process of these organs during embryonic development and of the paralarva of Octopus huhbsorum Berry, 1953, as well as their morphological characteristics. Egg masses were collected in the Gulf of California and the species was identified by molecular analysis. The histological formation of KO starts when the funnel is fully developed and ends when the embryo is ready for hatching. Differences were observed compared with the only complete histological description of KO currently available. In O. huhbsorum, the basal membrane wraps the basal and lateral cells until the KO erupts, and the cell conformation of KO (binding with muscle cells) is completed when the mantle covers the ventral margin of the funnel and chromatophores are visible. The KO of O. huhbsorum are of intermediate size and show a higher density compared with other species, especially in the arms. The cellular degradation of KO is reported here for the first time; KO disappears within 48 h posthatching, contrary to observations reported for other species in which these organs last more than 30 days, even before settlement. It is concluded that in this species, KO probably facilitate hatching or are an evolutionary reminiscence, and it is ruled out that they facilitate buoyancy before settlement. KEY WORDS: cephalopods, embryo, paralarvae, epidermis, octopus, INTRODUCTION Particularly in octopuses, the external morphology of some species varies markedly during early development (embryo, paralarva, and juvenile), including the number of suckers per arm, arm length, and chromatophore [...]

Este artículo analiza las glosas que sobre María de la Antigua hicieron los mercedarios, los franciscanos y los jesuitas, destacando la instrumentalización de su imagen de ejemplaridad femenina. Los mercedarios rastrearon la primera visión de esta monja a través del texto biográfico y hagiográfico Vida exemplar, escrito por Andrés de San Agustín, publicado en 1675, en el que se destacan sus virtudes: castidad, caridad, humildad, amor a la salvación de las almas, así como sus dotes literarias. La publicación generó recelos por parte de la orden franciscana, que, tres años después, apoyó la edición del texto Desengaño de religiosos y de almas que tratan de la virtud de sor María y defendió su ortodoxia mística y visionaria. Los jesuitas promovieron una nueva edición de la obra de ella, en Barcelona, en 1697, politizando su figura como un icono de la monarquía de los Habsburgo, en el marco de las invasiones de Cataluña por la Francia de Luis XIV y los inicios de la Ilustración.

Abstract Wastewater serves as a reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study revealed the presence of carbapenem-resistant and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), established clonal relationships among isolates in hospital and municipal wastewater, and identified a high-risk clone in municipal wastewater. A total of 63 isolates of GNB were obtained, with Enterobacterales being the most frequently isolated group (62%). Carbapenemase-producing Lelliottia amnigena, Kluyvera cryocrescens, and Shewanella putrefaciens isolates were documented for the first time in Mexico. The detectableted carbapenemase genes were bla KPC (55%), bla NDM (12%), bla VIM−2 (12%), bla OXA−48 (4%), bla GES (2%), bla NDM−1 (2%), and bla NDM−5 (2%). Clonal relationships were observed among Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp. isolates, and remarkably the high-risk clone Escherichia coli ST361, carrying bla NDM−5, was identified. This study demonstrates that wastewater harbours carbapenem-resistant and carbapenemase-producing bacteria, posing a public health threat that requires epidemiological surveillance.

Abstract Background Living kidney donors (LKD) experience an abrupt decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) resulting in abnormalities of mineral and bone metabolism (MBD), and this may have implications for skeletal health. We prospectively studied acute and long term MBD adaptation of LKD from two kidney transplant centers (São Paulo, Brazil and Miami, USA). Methods Renal function and MBD parameters longitudinally after kidney donation (baseline – D0, day 1, 14, 180 and 360 post-operatively) were measured in 74 patients (40 y, 73% female, 54% Brazilian). A subset of 20 donors from Brazil were reassessed after 10 years of nephrectomy. Results At baseline, Brazilian donors presented lower intact FGF23 (20.8 vs. 80.1 pg/mL, P

Abstract It was once believed that only microbes and viruses inhabited the subseafloor crust beneath hydrothermal vents. Yet, on the seafloor, animals like the giant tubeworm Riftia pachyptila thrive. Their larvae are thought to disperse in the water column, despite never being observed there. We hypothesized that these larvae travel through the subseafloor via vent fluids. In our exploration, lifting lobate lava shelves revealed adult tubeworms and other vent animals in subseafloor cavities. The discovery of vent endemic animals below the visible seafloor shows that the seafloor and subseafloor faunal communities are connected. The presence of adult tubeworms suggests larval dispersal through the recharge zone of the hydrothermal circulation system. Given that many of these animals are host to dense bacterial communities that oxidize reduced chemicals and fix carbon, the extension of animal habitats into the subseafloor has implications for local and regional geochemical flux measurements. These findings underscore the need for protecting vents, as the extent of these habitats has yet to be fully ascertained.

Abstract Pulsatile hemodynamics have been shown to be independent predictors of cardiovascular events. The aim of the current study was to describe four pulsatile hemodynamic markers in a large, well-established, population-based cohort and to provide reference equations for sex- and age-based standardization of these measurements. 6828 adult participants from the Austrian LEAD (Lung, hEart, sociAl, boDy) cohort study, who were free from overt cardiovascular disease, non-diabetic based on blood test results, and had no history of pharmacological treatment for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, comprised the “reference population”. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), augmentation index (AIx), amplitude of forward wave (Pf), and backward wave (Pb) were described in different age categories for both sexes. Sex-specific reference equations for cfPWV, AIx, Pf, and Pb with age as the predictive variable were created using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method. All four parameters increased with age. CfPWV and Pf were higher in males than females, especially in young and middle-age groups (P

Abstract Background Reliable infrastructure is vital for Nordic societies, but they face escalating climate risks. Climate change is increasing magnitude and frequency of floods, storms, and landslides, making adaptive solutions crucial. Methods This review explores Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for mitigating natural hazards along Nordic linear infrastructure. The motivation of the review comes as result of a preliminary survey conducted among to the main infrastructure managers in the Fennoscandian peninsula. The objective was to pinpoint the natural hazards that pose greatest concern under future climate scenarios, as well as to understand which specific information is needed to adopt NbS Results Floods, erosion, landslides and rockfalls emerged as primary hazards of concern for the infrastructure owners, hence the review process was focused only on NbS aimed at mitigating the effects of these specific hazards. A total of 78 documents were identified from the review process and were integrated with examples and case studies from other relevant on-going and past projects. Despite only a few of the NbS identified in these documents were directly implemented for linear infrastructure such as roads and railways, and none dealing with electric grids, several NbS were identified to have a potential for implementation for Nordic linear infrastructure. A list of NbS options, not all implemented along linear infrastructure but with potential for it, is provided. This list is meant to serve as “vade mecum” for a quick and easy access to NbS as mitigation options for linear infrastructure managers in the Nordic Countries. The NbS are classified in green, blue, green/blue and hybrid approaches, and supported by examples of case studies both in the Nordic Countries as well as countries having similar climates. Conclusions This review underlines the challenges and opportunities of adopting NbS. Challenges such as the lack of expertise, space and climate constraints, and path dependency on adoption of traditional infrastructure must be addressed to mainstream NbS. The review highlights the importance of standardization, European guidelines, and technical manuals in promoting NbS adoption among infrastructure managers, as well as the necessity of accounting for the wider co-benefits of NbS, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity and ecosystem services. This paper contributes to the understanding of NbS as potential natural hazards mitigation options for Nordic infrastructure networks in the face of evolving climate risks, providing valuable insights for infrastructure managers and policymakers alike.

Abstract Translating vascular aging research from bench to bedside presents both significant opportunities and challenges. This paper summarizes insights from a roundtable discussion at the Artery 23 conference, featuring perspectives from basic science, clinical trials, regulation, and industry. The main conclusions of the discussion are as follows: basic science research must align with clinical relevance, using appropriate animal models and standardized measurement techniques. Pragmatic and registry-based clinical trials offer viable alternatives to traditional randomized controlled trials, facilitating real-world applicability. The regulatory landscape, particularly for software medical devices, must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements like artificial intelligence. Industry efforts focus on developing devices or solutions for vascular aging assessment and treatment strategies, yet face hurdles in large-scale adoption and reimbursement. Despite significant progress, the development of pharmacological interventions to mitigate vascular aging remains a critical need. This discussion underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome barriers and translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice effectively.

This study explores women's empowerment in literature, focusing on the interplay between tradition and modernity across different cultural contexts. Employing comparative literary analysis, this research examines Lucy by Jamaica Kincaid and Mangalua by Idris Pasaribu. The methodology involves thematic and narrative analysis, where thematic analysis identifies key motifs related to empowerment, resistance, and gender roles, while narrative analysis examines how each character's story arc reflects broader societal norms. Through these analyses, the study highlights how each protagonist navigates societal expectations and challenges gender norms within traditional and modern frameworks. Findings indicate that both novels use women’s empowerment as a lens to critique and reshape cultural expectations, offering insights into gender roles across varied societies. The study concludes with recommendations for further research on cross-cultural gender narratives, acknowledges the limitations of focusing on only two novels, and suggests broader literary comparisons for future studies.

Abstract Background The internet is widespread in modern society and has raised concerns about excessive usage and its consequences for different aging groups. Objective This study explores the relationships between internet addiction, sleep patterns, and psychological distress in adolescents and young adults. Materials and methods In order to assess this phenomenon, an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil from October to December 2023. A questionnaire, administered via Google Forms, collected data from 618 participants aged 15–36. The participants consisted of a non-probabilistic community sample selected based on convenience criteria. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire. Results It was categorized 48.1% as having moderate internet addiction, and classified 0.8% as having severe internet addiction. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between internet addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. Logistic regression identified internet addiction and overall psychological distress as predictors of sleep difficulties, along with unemployment status. The findings highlight the detrimental impact of excessive internet use on sleep quality and mental health. The bidirectional relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress underscores the complex interplay between these variables. Conclusions This study underscores the urgent need for interventions targeting internet addiction and its associated consequences in adolescents and young adults. Addressing internet addiction levels and promoting healthy internet usage habits are crucial steps in mitigating the adverse effects on mental health and sleep quality. There is a need for targeted interventions, protocols, and preventive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive internet use on mental health and sleep quality. Public health strategies should include IA and its consequences in health programs with multidisciplinary approaches and protocols for treatments for behavioral addictions. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its implications for mental health and sleep patterns.

Abstract Background Brazil is one of the countries with the highest rates of caesarean sections (CS), reaching almost 90% of births in the private sector. A quality improvement project called “Adequate Childbirth Project (PPA)” was conceived to reduce CS in the private sector. This project consisted of four primary components: “Governance”, “Participation of Women”, “Reorganization of Care” and “Monitoring”. This paper aims to evaluate: (1) which specific activities of the PPA had the largest effect on the probability of a woman having a vaginal delivery; (2) which primary component of the PPA had the largest effect on the probability of vaginal delivery and (3) which scenarios combining the implementation of different activities planned in the PPA had a higher effect on the probability of vaginal delivery. Methods A sample of 12 private hospitals participating in the PPA was evaluated. We used a Bayesian Network (BN) to capture both non-linearities and complex cause-effect relations. The BN integrated knowledge from experts and data from women to estimate 26 model parameters. The PPA was evaluated in 2473 women belonging to groups 1–4 of the Robson classification, who were divided into two groups: those participating or not participating in the PPA. Results The probability of a woman having a vaginal delivery was 37.7% higher in women participating in the PPA. The most important component of the project that led to an increase in the probability of vaginal delivery was “Reorganization of Care”, leading to a 73% probability of vaginal delivery among women in labor. The activity that had the greatest effect on the type of delivery was access to best practices during labor, with a 72% probability of vaginal delivery. Considering the 12 scenarios combining the different activities of the PPA, the best scenarios included: a non-scheduled delivery, access to information about best practices, access to at least 4 best practices during labor and respect of the birth plan, with an 80% probability of vaginal delivery in the best combinations. Conclusion PPA has been shown to be an effective quality improvement program, increasing the likelihood of vaginal delivery in private Brazilian hospitals.

Background: The research involved 170 adolescents from Brazil and Ecuador, ages 12 to 19, comprising 87 Brazilians and 83 Ecuadorians, with a gender distribution of 95 females and 75 males. Purpose: Examine the correlation between impulsivity, emotional symptoms, and the use of alcohol and drugs among teenagers in these countries. Methods: Implemented Addiction Severity Index (ASI-version 6), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale for Young People (BIS-11 and BIS-Brief), a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: Findings indicated a significant link between higher impulsivity levels and increased alcohol consumption across both nations. Specifically, adolescents with greater impulsivity were 1.18 times more likely to consume alcohol (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.017-1.374]), and the likelihood of alcohol use escalated with age, with older teenagers 1.80 times more prone to drinking (OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.285-2.541]). Discussion: Brazilian adolescents exhibited more emotional symptoms than their Ecuadorian counterparts. No gender differences were found in alcohol use, though females showed more emotional symptoms and males had more positive peer interactions. Translation to Health Education Practice: The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive health education interventions targeting these issues to promote healthier behaviors among adolescents.

Person praise, as compared to process praise, can have detrimental consequences on performance and motivation. Children with low self-esteem are most vulnerable for these effects. However, parents administer more person praise and less process praise to these children than to children with high self-esteem. In this study, we examined whether teachers (N = 262) underlay the same fallacy. Pre-service and in-service teachers were asked to write down praise for three fictional children aged 10 to 14 years. Children's self-esteem (low vs. high) was varied between participants. The answers were coded as person, process, or other praise. Person praise was given more often to children with low self-esteem than to children with high self-esteem. A reverse pattern was found for process and other praise. Thus, the paradoxical use of person praise for children with low self-esteem is not limited to laypersons and needs to be addressed in teacher education.

Many policies in higher education are intended to improve college access and degree completion, yet often those policies fall short of their aims by making it difficult for prospective or current college students to access benefits for which they are eligible. Barriers that inhibit access to policy benefits, such as cumbersome paperwork, can weigh more heavily on members of marginalized communities, including racially minoritized students. Such administrative burdens can thus reinforce patterns of inequity. In this paper, we present a conceptual framework for examining administrative burdens embedded in higher education policies that can negatively affect prospective and current college students, especially those who are racially minoritized. With the use of our proposed framework for addressing racialized administrative burdens, researchers can improve the understanding of ethnoracial disparities in higher education, inform policymakers' design of racially equitable policies for higher education, and enable practitioners to implement those policies to promote racial equity.

This article calls attention to the complex ways in which study abroad participants make meaning and narrate their experiences abroad. I ask, how do participants understand their study abroad experiences in relation to informing and giving meaning to their conceptions of self? To answer this question, this article uses a qualitative case study approach to explore the voices and experiences of low-income, first-generation, ethnoracially minoritized study abroad participants. Participant counternarratives challenge dominant depictions of study abroad on the basis of white normativity. Findings reveal study abroad as engendering a process of rethinking membership, identity, and belonging for ethnoracially minoritized students with intersecting identities. The findings also point to the complexities that participants face as they grapple with the boundaries and feelings of exclusion that their own countries of origin construct to keep them or other marginalized groups from membership.