Disputes over the figures of the COVID-19 pandemic: Epistemic diversity, dissemination of science, and political opposition.

The health policies imposed by multiple national governments after the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 were publicly justified by official figures on the deaths that the new virus would have caused and could cause in the future. At the same time, however, groups of people from different countries expressed their scepticism about those figures. Although they were categorised as 'anti-science', 'spreaders of misinformation' or 'conspiracy theorists' in some media, many of those sceptics claimed to be based on scientific evidence. This article qualitatively analyses a sample of the content published by sceptics on their social media between 2020 and 2022. More specifically, it examines the shared documents supposedly coming from the scientific community. We find very diverse content ranging from unsubstantiated assumptions to documents produced by prestigious scientists inviting questions about the fatality rates, the mathematical models anticipating millions of deaths, and the real numbers of people who died from COVID-19. The disputes surrounding the official figures lead us to a reflection about the relationship between, epistemic diversity, the dissemination of science, censorship, and new forms of political opposition. We also touch upon the nature and ethics of scientific controversy in times of a 'war' against 'misinformation'.

The influence of urbanization on local ecological knowledge: a systematic review.

Urbanization is a complex and multifaceted process studied across various scientific disciplines. However, in ethnobiology, research on the impacts of urbanization on local ecological knowledge (LEK) often lacks standardization and tends to focus primarily on local scales. This study aims to systematically characterize how researchers address urbanization in ethnobiology and assess its effects on LEK globally. We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA protocol and selected 66 studies from the Web of Science and Scopus databases for analysis. Our findings reveal that researchers often do not adopt a consistent definition of urbanization, frequently framing their study areas within a simplistic urban-rural dichotomy. Although some studies used urbanization indicators, our qualitative analyses, including a correlation matrix, showed that these indicators were largely independent of each other. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) with clustering identified four groupings among the indicators, yet with low correlations between them. A t test analysis of the 66 papers shows that urbanization generally has a negative impact on LEK. Based on these findings, we emphasize the critical need for standardized urbanization indicators in ethnobiological studies and propose a new approach for characterizing urbanization, which will enhance the precision and relevance of future research in this field.

Aterosclerosis: un desafío global con raíces multifactoriales / Atherosclerosis: aglobal challenge with multifactorial roots

El interés científico que existe sobre los mecanismos involucrados en el proceso que da origen a la aterosclerosis es considerablemente notable e importante. El gran volumen de artículos y conocimiento sobre este tema cada vez es mayor, permitiendo profundizar constantemente en los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que comprende la aterosclerosis, los factores de riesgo que predisponen a la misma, y las posibles consecuencias a esperar una vez que se desencadena la patología. Ahora se sabe que el carácter multifactorial de esta situación anormal de las arterias es lo que ha llevado a la alta morbimortalidad que representan las enfermedades cardiovasculares actualmente. Objetivo: Investigar los mecanismos de la aterosclerosis: Profundizar en los procesos fisiopatológicos que conducen al desarrollo de esta enfermedad. Comprender cómo diferentes elementos, incluyendo la inmunidad, genética y microbiota, contribuyen al desarrollo de la aterosclerosis. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica existente sobre el tema. Análisis de estudios que relacionan factores de riesgo (hormonales, ambientales y genéticos) con el desarrollo de la enfermedad. La investigación sobre el papel del sistema inmunológico y la microbiota en la fisiopatología de la aterosclerosis. Se ha logrado dilucidar las diferentes causas, encontrando una fuerte relación entre el desarrollo de aterosclerosis y diversos factores, para tratar de explicar el sustrato fisiopatológico al cual nos enfrentamos en la búsqueda del tratamiento más eficaz para esta condición anormal del organismo.

The scientific interest that exists in the mechanisms involved in the process that gives rise to atherosclerosis is considerably notable and important. The large volume of articles and knowledge on this topic is increasing, allowing us to constantly delve deeper into the pathophysiological mechanisms that comprise atherosclerosis, the risk factors that predispose to it, and the possible consequences to be expected once the pathology is triggered. It is now known that the multifactorial nature of this abnormal situation of the arteries is what has led to the high morbidity and mortality that cardiovascular diseases currently represent. Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of atherosclerosis: To delve deeper into the pathophysiological processes that lead to the development of this disease. To understand how different elements, including immunity, genetics and microbiota, contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Methods: A review of the existing scientificliterature on the subject was carried out. Analysis of studies that relate risk factors (hormonal, environmental and genetic) with the development of the disease. Research on the role of the immune system and microbiota in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. It has been possible to elucidate the different causes, finding a strong relationship between the development of atherosclerosis and various factors, in order to try to explain the pathophysiological substrate that we face in the search for the most effective treatment for this abnormal condition of the organism.

Ethnoecology and use of fishes by the Cubeo people from the Cuduyarí River, Colombian Amazonia.

BACKGROUND: Ethnoichthyology studies the knowledge of human communities about the uses, perception, and behavioral characteristics of fish, based on their cosmology, cosmogony, and culture. This study focused on the Cubeo (Pâmiwâ) ethnic group that inhabits the Cuduyarí River (Vaupés, Colombia) provides information on fishing activities, use of fishes, its ecological distributions (occurrence in rivers, pools, and/or streams) and seasonality (occurrence in low and/or high waters). Additionally, names in the Central Tukano language (Cubeo) are provided. METHODS: The compilation of information was based on a visual catalog prepared from rapid ecological evaluations, previously carried out by the Amazon Institute of Scientific Research SINCHI. Workshops with the indigenous people were held in communities in the lower, middle, and upper sections of the basin to collect information. Network analyses were done to determine the fishing gear selectivity of the most common species and gears used regarding ecosystems. The coherence in the perception of fish resources among the three communities was assessed via multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The results showed that a large percentage (89%) of the species are consumed. There is a generalized perception of resource decline, and there is no coherence regarding the ecological and seasonal distributions of fish reported by the three communities. These differences may be due to an effect of the structural characteristics of the basin in the different sectors where the communities are located. CONCLUSIONS: Species consumed by the Cubeo in the Cuduyarí do not represent a high commercial value at the Amazon River basin scale. Nevertheless, locally, they are the main source of animal protein and most of the time, the sole source of income. The importance of these species must be recognized and must be a priority for conservation. Knowledge related to the fish resource by indigenous groups, including basic information and its usage, is essential to guide and implement management and conservation strategies specific to each region under study.

Validation of the Argentine version of the epistemic trust, mistrust, and credulity questionnaire.

Epistemic trust refers to the trust in communicated knowledge, specifically an individual's ability to regard knowledge conveyed by others as meaningful, relevant to oneself, and applicable to other contexts. This area has received considerable attention in recent psychological literature, though predominantly from a theoretical perspective. The main objective of this study was to test the factorial validity of the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ) on an Argentine setting. Based on two studies (Study 1, n = 1018; Study 2, n = 559), the factorial structure of the instrument and its internal consistency were examined (S1 Appendix). In the second study, the factorial structure was confirmed, test-retest reliability was analysed, and associations between epistemic stances and sociodemographic variables, hypomentalisation, attachment styles, childhood traumatic experiences, and anxious-depressive symptomatology were explored. A satisfactory three-factor solution with 15 items and residual correlations was found in both studies, with stable scores over time. Significant positive correlations were found with anxious and fearful-avoidant attachment, hypomentalisation, childhood traumatic experiences, and psychopathological symptomatology. Post-hoc analysis revealed that, on the one hand, gender acts as a moderator in the relationship between hypomentalisation and epistemic mistrust. On the other hand, economic level and educational level moderate the relationship between hypomentalisation and epistemic credulity. Measurement invariance across gender was tested and found satisfactory, with significant differences subsequently observed in the epistemic trust factor. In conclusion, the Argentine version of the ETMCQ provides an empirical measure for use in non-clinical samples. Its application could facilitate clinically and theoretically relevant findings.

The ethnomycological knowledge of Karajá indigenous people from Bananal Island, Brazil.

The Cerrado is home to a diversity of traditional communities, among which indigenous and quilombola peoples stand out. The Karajá are one of the ethnic groups in this biome, with a rich history and culture that goes back centuries. They mainly inhabit the regions of the Araguaia and Javaés rivers, occupying lands in the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, Pará and Tocantins. Considering the importance of studies on ethnomycological knowledge in indigenous communities for preserving culture and the environment, especially in relation to fungi, our objective was to investigate the ethnomycological relationships of the Karajá indigenous people who inhabit Bananal Island, located in Tocantins. Data were collected from applying a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews with 140 people who compose the Macaúba (39%), Fontoura (31%) and Santa Isabel do Morro (30%) communities; they had an average age of 33.9 years, and 62% are male. We observed that the Karajá people recognize the fungi of the environment in which they live, showing a clearer perception of typical morphological groups, such as mushrooms and bracket fungi (wood ears). Although fungi are not used as a component of their diet, the Karajá recognize that some species may have this potential. Furthermore, they use fungi as adornments and decorations in festivities in a playful way, and occasionally for medicinal purposes. Therefore, we can state that this ethnic group does not have a total aversion to fungi, being considered partially mycophilic. This study is a pioneer among Cerrado indigenous people, and reinforces the need to expand research to other communities in different regions in order to expand ethnomycological knowledge among different ethnicities. These investigations could contribute to both an appreciation and conservation of the traditions and knowledge of original Brazilian people, as well as the biodiversity in which they are inserted.

Tracing gender variation in traditional knowledge: participatory tools to promote conservation in a Quilombola community in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Based on participatory research tools and analysis with a gender focus, we aim to identify the knowledge associated with native plants of the Atlantic Forest in one Quilombola community whose territory is juxtaposed with a protected area, in South Brazil. METHODS: Through the perception of the residents of the Quilombola community of São Roque, we classified the availability, harvesting intensity, abundance, and importance of fourteen plants native to the Atlantic Forest found in their territory. These fourteen plants were selected after initial interviews with a free listing of plants done with all adults (44 people), followed by plant collection and identification. A participatory workshop was built with the community to collect data through three activities: four-cell tool, environment matrix, and importance matrix. To identify the gender nuances in the knowledge within this community, all activities were separated into two groups based on the gender of the 22 participants (9 women and 13 men) and the researchers. RESULTS: The species Pau-pra-tudo (Picrasma crenata), Quina (Coutarea hexandra), and Cipó-milome (Aristolochia triangularis) were similarly classified as important by both groups, which indicates the cultural and environmental relevance associated with them regardless of gender. The perceptions of other species were expressed differently between the groups, showing the variance of the ecological knowledge and the relationship between the sociocultural contexts of gender and the knowledge manifested. The final part of the workshop was a lecture given by two community experts about herbal medicines based on forest species found in the territory. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the multiple forms of results recorded in the workshop, we discuss the demand for inclusion of the traditional community in land management plans of environmental agencies, highlighting how individual characteristics, such as gender, can fill gaps in data about local biodiversity.

Can family structure and contact with natural resources influence young people's knowledge about medicinal plants? An approach in the Northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Individuals develop crucial survival knowledge in the juvenile phase, including understanding medicinal plants. The family context or contact with resources can influence this dynamic knowledge. By investigating the influence of these factors on young people's understanding of medicinal plants, we aimed to enhance our understanding of the knowledge-building process. METHODS: The study was conducted in three communities in the State of Alagoas, Brazil: Lagoa do Junco, Serrote do Amparo, and Brivaldo de Medeiros. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people aged between 11 and 19 to assess their knowledge of medicinal plants. We used a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with the number of therapeutic targets and known medicinal species (knowledge proxy) as response variables. As predictors, we included the number of individuals per family unit and the gender distribution within the famimunícpily (family context proxy), as well as dependence on the use (contact proxy). Location (city) was added as a fixed effect to the model. We investigated how knowledge of medicinal plants correlates with the practice of collecting these species. RESULTS: We did not identify a relationship between the number of individuals per household, gender distribution within the family, and the frequency of medicinal plant use with knowledge about these species. However, we observed a positive, albeit weak, correlation between knowledge of medicinal species and the number of species collected. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of investigating how young people acquire knowledge about medicinal plants, emphasizing the complex interactions between humans and nature, and providing a basis for future research.

The political stakes of cancer epistemics.

We demonstrate a transnationally situated dialogue as a method to bring ethnographic and historical research in Brazil, East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda), India, Russia and Spain into conversation to show three cancer epistemics sites (research, detection, and care access) where the politics of cancer epistemics are at play. First, in the field of research, we show how certain ways of knowing, and certain questions about and interests in cancer, are privileged over others. Using examples from Spain and East Africa, we highlight how a shift towards microbiological and high-technology research has outpriced many more locally grounded research agendas, ignoring questions of industrial and capital accountability in cancer aetiology. Second, we look at ways of making cancer visible, how knowledge is mobilised in cancer detection and screening, where and for whom. We discuss the increased individualisation of risk which is reframing cancer surveillance and therapeutic agendas. Using examples from India, Spain and Brazil, we demonstrate how the epistemics of cancer detection generate discourses of blame and responsibility at the individual level and accentuate existing inequities whilst simultaneously absorbing patients and their families into complex networks of surveillance. Lastly, we examine how the epistemics of cancer implicate the very possibilities of accessing cancer care, shaping care pathways and possibilities for patients. With ethnographic examples from India, Russia and Brazil, we demonstrate how an orientation towards the individual shifts attention away from the commercialisation of healthcare and dominance of logics of profit in therapeutics. Throughout the paper, we point towards what is holding these cancer discourses together and grapple with how the politics of cancer epistemics are at play across the globe, even if they appear to be taking many different forms. Our approach highlights how practices are mirrored in the framing, implementation, detection and care of cancer with far-reaching effects.

Conocimientos sobre enfermedades cardiovasculares en un establecimiento de primer nivel de atención en Lima, Perú / Knowledge about cardiovascular diseases in a first-level healthcare center in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el nivel de conocimiento sobre enfermedades cardiovasculares en personas en un centro de salud del primer nivel de atención en salud (PNAS). Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal mediante una encuesta a personas que asistieron a un establecimiento de salud del PNAS en Lima, Perú. Un puntaje menor a 6 se consideró como conocimiento inadecuado. Se encuestó a 400 personas, 66,3% mujeres, de 46,8 ± 16,2 años. La nota promedio fue de 4,52 +/- 1,85. El 71% de los encuestados tuvo un nivel de conocimiento inadecuado, independientemente de la edad, género o grado de instrucción. Nuestros hallazgos muestran que el nivel de conocimiento sobre los factores de riesgo y la enfermedad cardiovascular resultó inadecuado en la población en atención primaria. Es necesario lograr una educación específica en factores de riesgo cardiovascular, para reducir el impacto de estas enfermedades.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge about cardiovascular diseases in people in a primary healthcare center (PHCC). A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out by surveying people who attended a PHCC in Lima, Peru. A score less than 6 was considered inadequate knowledge. A total of 400 people were surveyed, 66.3% were women and the mean age was 46.8 ± 16.2 years. The average score was 4.52 +/- 1.85. We found that 71% of those surveyed had an inadequate level of knowledge, regardless of age, gender or education level. Our findings show that the level of knowledge about risk factors and cardiovascular disease was inadequate in the primary care population. It is necessary to achieve proper specific education in cardiovascular risk factors in order to reduce the impact of these diseases.

Do socioeconomic factors and local human preference determine the hybridization of knowledge in local medical systems?

BACKGROUND: Hybridization between the local medical systems (LMSs) and biomedicine has been the focus of different studies in ethnobiology, primarily due to the increasing access to biomedicine by indigenous peoples and local communities. Studies on hybridization allow for an understanding of the process of developing and evolving local knowledge systems. In this study, we propose a hybridization score to determine how individuals' socioeconomic characteristics and preference between LMS and biomedicine determine the complementarity of therapeutic options. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews and applied free listing technique in a rural community in Northeast Brazil to assess the treatments the local population sought and which were preferred. RESULTS: Our analyses showed that the level of schooling was the socioeconomic factor that negatively affected the hybridization process. Individuals with higher levels of schooling tended to prefer LMS strategies less and, consequently, showed a lower probability of hybridizing the two systems. Additionally, older people who preferred LMS strategies showed a greater tendency to adopt hybridization in human health-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide further evidence of the complementarity between different medical systems and demonstrate that socioeconomic factors can affect local knowledge and are responsible for differences in individual propensity to hybridize distinct medical systems.

Local ecological knowledge and perception as a strategy in the management of ecosystem services.

In designing and implementing initiatives to conserve biodiversity and ensure the flow of ecosystem services, it is crucial to understand the perspectives of communities living near protected areas. Improving conservation efforts may depend on analyzing socio-ecological factors and their impact on Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) and perceptions of ecosystem services. We employed participatory methodologies with 80 farmers from agrarian settlements adjacent to protected areas in the Cerrado biome, Brazil, we quantified LEK and assessed perceptions of ecosystem services using an adaptation of the Q-methodology. We collected data on thirteen socio-ecological variables, including age, gender, farm size, education, engagement with conservation initiatives, and interactions with protected areas and Legal Reserves. Using artificial intelligence in a Random Forest (RF) modelling approach, we identified the most influential variables on LEK and perceptions. Our findings demonstrate that engagement in nature conservation and restoration initiatives, along with the use of native areas (protected and managed areas) significantly influence LEK levels within the farmers' communities. Farmers with full participation, from conception to implementation and evaluation of the initiatives, had a significantly higher LEK level (28.5 ± 13.0) compared to farmers without participation in those initiatives (11.4 ± 5.9). Farmers who used the cerrado for leisure and education (28.2 ± 21.2) had significantly higher LEK levels compared to farmers who do not attend or use the cerrado areas (13.5 ± 8.9) and those using areas of native vegetation for cattle raising (12.8 ± 6.8). These results highlight that, in addition to farmers' participation in conservation and restoration initiatives, the sustainable use of natural areas is fundamental to strengthen their local knowledge of ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, we found that the type of agroecosystem present on farms strongly? shapes farmers' perceptions of ecosystem services. Farmers perceive different ecosystem services depending on land use, indicating the need for tailored interventions for the planning and management of conservation areas. Farmers practicing soybean monoculture had significantly lower perception scores on ecosystem services (-5.1 ± 3.8) than to the other four evaluated groups. Overall, the study highlights the critical role of incorporating local knowledge and perceptions for the design of effective management strategies to increase ecosystem services provision and biodiversity conservation in areas adjacent to protected areas.

The pivotal role of clinical tutorial teaching in knowledge construction.

Students' new knowledge is gradually built up in the context of the task for which it is required and consolidated by applying it to clinical cases. As students see more and more clinical cases the knowledge emerges from an associative mesh of different levels of understanding. During tutorial clinical teaching, residents should be gradually exposed to an increasing range of real-world learning tasks and increasing levels of complexity. This exposure allows them to gradually develop shortcuts in the retrieval of their knowledge. This commentary provides a rationale for the construction of knowledge and the pivotal role that clinical tutorial teaching plays in this task.

Advancement in knowledge and skills of nursing students in operation theatre procedures with mobile based learning / Mejoramiento de los conocimientos y habilidades de los estudiantes de enfermería en los procedimientos de quirófano con el aprendizaje basado en dispositivos móviles / Melhorar o conhecimento e as habilidades dos estudantes de enfermagem em procedimentos de sala de cirurgia com aprendizagem baseada em dispositivos móveis

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile -based learning (MBL) in improving nursing students' knowledge and skills when performing procedures in the operating room. Methods. A quasi-experimental study with control group, pre- and post-intervention assessment was conducted. A total of 128 nursing students from India were recruited by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to the intervention (use of a telephone application containing videos on hand washing, surgical gown donning, gloving, and assisting during intubation) and conventional education groups. A validated Structured Knowledge Questionnaire and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) scale was used to assess nursing students' competencies in relation to operating room procedures and a mobile-based learning satisfaction opinion questionnaire was administered. Results. The findings showed that the improvement in the mean knowledge and skills score was greater in the intervention group than in the control group (p<0.001). The administration of the MBL was rated as highly satisfactory by 93.8% of the students exposed to this learning method. Conclusion. The MBL intervention was effective in improving nursing students' knowledge and skills in the evaluated operating room procedures.

Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia del aprendizaje basado en dispositivos móviles (MBL) para mejorar los conocimientos y habilidades de los estudiantes de enfermería a la hora de realizar procedimientos en el quirófano. Método. Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental con grupo de control y evaluación previa y posterior a la intervención. Un total de 128 estudiantes de enfermería de la India fueron reclutados mediante muestreo intencional y asignados aleatoriamente a los grupos de intervención (uso de una aplicación telefónica que contenía vídeos sobre el lavado de manos, la colocación de la bata quirúrgica, la colocación de guantes y la asistencia durante la intubación) y de educación convencional. Se utilizó un cuestionario validado de conocimientos estructurados y una escala de examen clínico estructurado objetivo (OSCE) para evaluar las competencias de los estudiantes de enfermería en relación con los procedimientos de quirófano, y se administró un cuestionario de opinión sobre la satisfacción del aprendizaje basado en el móvil. Resultados. Los resultados mostraron que la mejora en la puntuación media de conocimientos y habilidades fue mayor en el grupo de intervención que en el grupo de control (p<0.001). La administración del MBL fue calificada como altamente satisfactoria por el 93.8% de los estudiantes expuestos a este método de aprendizaje. Conclusión.La intervenciónMBL fue eficaz para mejorar los conocimientos y habilidades de los estudiantes de enfermería en los procedimientos de quirófano evaluados.

Objetivo. Avaliar a eficácia da aprendizagem baseada em dispositivos móveis (MBL) na melhoria do conhecimento e das habilidades dos estudantes de enfermagem ao realizar procedimentos na sala de cirurgia. Métodos. Foi realizado um estudo quase experimental com grupo controle, com avaliação antes e após a intervenção. 128 estudantes de enfermagem de Ambala (Índia) foram recrutados por amostragem proposital e distribuídos aleatoriamente nos grupos de intervenção (uso de um aplicativo telefônico que continha vídeos sobre: lavagem das mãos, como colocar a bata cirúrgica, luvas e assistência durante a intubação) e educação convencional. A escala OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination, em inglês) foi utilizada para avaliar as competências dos estudantes de enfermagem em relação aos procedimentos do centro cirúrgico e foi aplicado um questionário de opinião sobre a satisfação de aprender com base em dispositivos móveis. Resultados. Os resultados mostraram que a melhoria na pontuação média de conhecimentos e habilidades foi maior no grupo de intervenção do que no grupo de controle (p<0.001). A aplicação do MBL foi avaliada como altamente satisfatória por 93.8% dos alunos expostos a esse método de aprendizagem. Conclusão. A intervenção baseada no MBL foi eficaz na melhoria do conhecimento e das habilidades dos estudantes de enfermagem nos procedimentos avaliados na sala de cirurgia.

Research in Latin America from a decolonial perspective: Challenges of producing socially situated knowledge.

The developmental science literature predominantly originates from WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) countries. This bias perpetuates colonial power imbalances and marginalizes non-WEIRD societies' knowledge. This special issue addresses this gap by focusing on Latin America, emphasizing the region's diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and political contexts. This commentary contextualizes research in Latin America, and then presents and discusses the articles. Finally, it presents some of the challenges researchers in Latin America face.

Exploring the ethnobiological practices of fire in three natural regions of Ecuador, through the integration of traditional knowledge and scientific approaches.

This study examines the convergence between traditional and scientific knowledge regarding the use of fire and its potential to trigger wildfires, with possible impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. The research encompasses three distinct natural regions of Ecuador: the coast, the highlands, and the Amazon. Data on traditional fire use were collected through semi-structured interviews with 791 members from five local communities. These data were compared with climatic variables (rainfall (mm), relative humidity (%), wind speed (km/h), and wind direction) to understand the climatic conditions conducive to wildfires and their relationship with human perceptions. Furthermore, the severity of fires over the past 4 years (2019-2022) was assessed using remote sensing methods, employing the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and the difference between pre-fire and post-fire conditions (NBR Pre-fire-NBR Post-fire). The results revealed a significant alignment between traditional knowledge, climatic data, and many fires, which were of low severity, suggesting potential benefits for ecosystems. These findings not only enable the identification of optimal techniques and timing for traditional burns but also contribute to human well-being by maintaining a harmonious balance between communities and their environment. Additionally, they provide valuable insights for the development of more inclusive and effective integrated fire management strategies in these natural areas of Ecuador.

Conocimiento de Profesores sobre Trauma Dentoalveolar: un Estudio en Establecimientos Educacionales de la Comuna de Osorno, Chile / Teachers´ Knowledge of Dentoalveolar Trauma: a Study in Educational Establishments of the Osorno Commune, Chile

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el conocimiento de profesores pertenecientes a establecimientos educacionales particulares subvencionados de Osorno con respecto al trauma dentoalveolar. Estudio de corte transversal, donde se realizó una encuesta presencial o en línea basada en un cuestionario con el fin de determinar el conocimiento sobre trauma dentoalveolar en profesores de enseñanza básica y media, pertenecientes a establecimientos educacionales de la comuna de Osorno, Chile. Los criterios de inclusión fueron, empleo a tiempo completo en el momento de la recolección de datos con al menos 1 año de experiencia docente. La jubilación, docentes con edad mayor o igual a 65 años y la falta de voluntad para participar en la encuesta, fueron considerados como criterios de exclusión. Para evaluar los resultados obtenidos se utilizó la prueba de la t de Student o ANOVA de una vía, con post hoc de Tukey. El nivel de significancia se fijó en p ≤ 0,05. Los profesores tuvieron un promedio de conocimiento sobre trauma dental de 5,0 ±3,0 puntos, de un puntaje máximo posible de 14, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el nivel de enseñanza donde ejerce la docencia (5,2±2,8, 4,9±3,3 y 4,9±3,3 puntos, p=0,88). El conocimiento sobre traumatismo dentoalveolar entre los profesores es deficiente. Se recomienda implementar programas educativos para el manejo de traumas dentales.

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of teachers affiliated to private subsidized schools in Osorno regarding dentoalveolar trauma. Cross-sectional study, where a survey was carried out face-to-face or online, based on a questionnaire to determine the knowledge about dentoalveolar trauma in elementary and middle school teachers, affiliated with educational establishments in the commune of Osorno, Chile. Inclusion criteria were full-time employment at the time of data collection, with at least one year of experience. Retirement, teachers aged 65 or older, and unwillingness to participate in the survey were considered exclusion criteria. The data were analyzed using the R software, Student's t test or one- way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Teachers had an average knowledge of dental trauma of 5.0±3.0 points, out of a maximum possible score of 14, without statistically significant differences between the level of education where they teach (5.2±2.8, 4.9±3.3 and 4.9±3.3 points, p = 0.88). Knowledge regarding dentoalveolar traumatism among teachers of private subsidized schools in Osorno is deficient. It is recommended to implement educational programs for the management of dental trauma.

Exploring undiscovered public knowledge in neuroscience.

In this essay, I argue that the combination of research synthesis and philosophical methods can fill an important methodological gap in neuroscience. While experimental research and formal modelling have seen their methods progressively increase in rigour and sophistication over the years, the task of analysing and synthesizing the vast literature reporting new results and models has lagged behind. The problem is aggravated because neuroscience has grown and expanded into a vast mosaic of related but partially independent subfields, each with their own literatures. This fragmentation not only makes it difficult to see the full picture emerging from neuroscience research but also limits progress in individual subfields. The current neuroscience literature has the perfect conditions to create what the information scientist Don Swanson called "undiscovered public knowledge"-knowledge that exists in the mutual implications of different published pieces of information but that is nonetheless undiscovered because those pieces have not been explicitly connected. Current methods for rigorous research synthesis, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, mostly focus on combining similar studies and are not suited for exploring undiscovered public knowledge. To that aim, they need to be adapted and supplemented. I argue that successful exploration of the hidden implications in the neuroscience literature will require the combination of these adapted research synthesis methods with philosophical methods for rigorous (and creative) analysis and synthesis.

Perfil de competencias del docente universitario en el campo de las Ciencias de la Salud / Competency profile of the university teacher in the field of health sciences

INTRODUCCIÓN. El pilar fundamental en el docente universitario en el campo de las Ciencias de la Salud, es la modestia intelectual, su vocación, innovación, empatía, organización y actualización constante, resumidas en el saber, saber hacer y saber ser, las cuales permitirán transmitir conocimientos y habilidades relevantes de manera integral y funcional al conglomerado estudiantil, con la misión de unificar la docencia ­ investigación ­ vinculación con la sociedad. OBJETIVO. Caracterizar las competencias básicas y específicas del docente universitario en el campo de las Ciencias de la Salud. JUSTIFICACIÓN. Elaborar un perfil modelo de competencias para incrementar la calidad docente en las Instituciones de Educación Superior, priorizar y solventar las necesidades de la sociedad en la actualidad. METODOLOGÍA. Estudio de revisión bibliográfica de 21 manuscritos seleccionados de Google académico, PubMed y LILACS Regional, cuyas fechas de publicación corresponden al año 2011 ­ 2023, con excepción de un documento del año 1994 por la importancia sobre la articulación en la formación del personal de salud. El criterio de búsqueda consistió en el empleo de frases clave como "Educación Basada en Competencias", "Personal Docente", "Ciencias de la Salud", "Educación Basada en Competencias", "Educación Médica", "Universidades". RESULTADOS. El docente universitario en el campo de las Ciencias de la Salud debe contar con un perfil de competencias básicas (comunicativas, tecnológicas, sociales, cognitivas, personales), competencias específicas (planificación, organización, didáctica, evaluación, reflexión), que permita un desempeño óptimo, con la misión de cumplir con los indicadores de calidad de las Instituciones de Educación Superior y trascender en el proceso enseñanza ­ aprendizaje. CONCLUSIÓN. Las competencias básicas y específicas del docente universitario en el campo de las Ciencias de la Salud se sustentan y resumen en el saber, saber hacer y saber ser, es transversal la aplicación de la competencia de modestia intelectual y el valor de la empatía que mantienen el espíritu de crecimiento sostenido en la búsqueda del conocimiento y excelencia académica para la docencia en las Ciencias de la Salud priorizando la calidad del proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje.

INTRODUCTION. The fundamental pillar in the university teacher in the field of Health Sciences is intellectual humility, his vocation, innovation, empathy, organization and constant updating, summarized in knowledge, knowing how to do and knowing how to be, which will allow the transmission of knowledge and skills relevant in a comprehensive and functional way to the student group, with the mission of unifying teaching ­ research ­ connection with society. AIM. Characterize the basic and specific competencies of the university teacher in the field of Health Sciences. JUSTIFICATION. Develop a model profile of competencies to increase teaching quality in Higher Education Institutions, prioritize and solve the needs of society today. METHODOLOGY. Bibliographic review study of 21 manuscripts selected from Google Scholar, PubMed and LILACS Regional, whose publication dates correspond to the year 2011 ­ 2023, with the exception of a document from 1994 due to the importance of articulation in the training of health personnel. The search criteria consisted of the use of key phrases such as "Competency-Based Education", "Educational Personnel", "Health Sciences", "Competency-Based Education", "Education, Medical", "Universities". RESULTS. University teachers in the field of Health Sciences must have a profile of basic competencies (communicative, technological, social, cognitive, personal), specific competencies (planning, organization, didactics, evaluation, reflection), that allow performance optimal, with the mission of complying with the quality indicators of Higher Education Institutions and transcending the teaching-learning process. CONCLUSION. The basic and specific competencies of the university teacher in the field of Health Sciences are based on and summarized in knowledge, knowing how to do and knowing how to be; the application of the competence of intellectual humility and the value of empathy that maintain the spirit of sustained growth in the search for knowledge and academic excellence for teaching in the Health Sciences, prioritizing the quality of the teaching-learning process.