A growing body of literature suggests that the platformization of the public sphere is eroding the public debate, thus potentially leading to the fragmentation of the public sphere. While there exists mounting evidences supporting this perspective there also exists a substantial body of literature that suggests otherwise. Within this realm of mixed evidence, studies on climate change visibility play a prominent role, presenting findings that both weaken and reinforce the fragmentation hypothesis. To investigate this matter in a context conducive for a fragmented public sphere, we collected a longitudinal (2014-2022) and cross-platform (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) dataset (n=794.281) and correlated it with a secondary database on the press coverage of climate change in Brazil (n=3.490). Our analysis reveals a robust positive correlation between these datasets, indicating that the Brazilian public sphere retains the capacity to interconnect various arenas of visibility. We argue that this finding is particularly significant, given that it emanates from a case characterized by circumstances favoring a high degree of public sphere fragmentation. Consequently, our discovery lends support to a less pessimistic assessment of the influence of platformization on political communication within the deliberative system. debate otherwise evidence role hypothesis 20142022 2014 2022 (2014-2022 crossplatform cross platform Instagram, Instagram (Instagram Twitter n=794.281 n794281 n 794 281 (n=794.281 n=3.490. n3490 n=3.490 . 3 490 (n=3.490) datasets significant Consequently system 2014202 201 202 (2014-202 n=794.28 n79428 79 28 (n=794.28 n349 n=3.49 49 (n=3.490 201420 20 (2014-20 n=794.2 n7942 7 2 (n=794.2 n34 n=3.4 4 (n=3.49 20142 (2014-2 n=794. n794 (n=794. n3 n=3. (n=3.4 (2014- n=794 n79 (n=794 n=3 (n=3. (2014 n=79 n7 (n=79 n= (n=3 (201 n=7 (n=7 (n= (20 (n (2 (

Abstract By acknowledging the pervasive effects of New Information and Communication Technologies (NICTs) in contemporary life, this paper reports on the experience and dilemmas of a reflection group on the following question: does the overwhelming and pervasive use of technologies in everyday life, and consequently in health, deserve its own concept for analytical and socio-political prominence? Using Holliday’s systematization, the group proposed the concept of Digital Determinants of Health (DDH) due to the need to strongly highlight the action of NICTs in health - both from an epistemological and socio-political point of view. With the suggestion of the concept of DDH, we urge the academic community to engage in a specific debate on the consequences of NICTs in everyday life in order to guide actions capable of mitigating the negative effects and enhancing the benefits of new technologies in health.

Reconhecendo os efeitos pervasivos das Novas Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (NTICs) em todas as esferas da contemporaneidade, este trabalho relata a experiência e os dilemas de um grupo de reflexão sobre a seguinte pergunta: A utilização de tecnologias de modo massivo e pervasivo no cotidiano e, consequentemente, na Saúde, merece conceito próprio para destaque analítico e sociopolítico? Por meio da sistematização de Holliday, o grupo propõe o conceito de Determinantes Digitais da Saúde (DDS) pela necessidade de evidenciar com força a ação das NTICs na Saúde — tanto do ponto de vista epistemológico quanto do sociopolítico. Com a sugestão do conceito de DDS, exortamos a comunidade acadêmica a um debate específico sobre as consequências das NTICs na existência cotidiana para a orientação de ações capazes de mitigar os efeitos negativos e potencializar os benefícios das novas tecnologias na Saúde.

Reconociendo los efectos penetrantes de las Nuevas Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (NTICs) en todas las esferas de la contemporaneidad, este trabajo relata la experiencia y los dilemas de un grupo de reflexión sobre la siguiente pregunta: la utilización de tecnologías de modo masivo y penetrante en el cotidiano y consecuentemente, en la salud, ¿merece un concepto propio para un destaque analítico y sociopolítico? Por medio de la sistematización de Holliday, el grupo propone el concepto de Determinantes Digitales de la Salud (DDS) por la necesidad de poner en evidencia con fuerza la acción de la NTICs en la salud, tanto desde el punto de vista epistemológico, como del sociopolítico. Con la sugerencia del concepto de DDS, exhortamos a la comunidad académica para realizar un debate específico sobre las consecuencias de las NTICs en la existencia cotidiana para la orientación de acciones capaces de mitigar los efectos negativos y potenciar los beneficios de las nuevas tecnologías en la salud.

Resumen Introducción: los fisioterapeutas y fonoaudiólogos como profesionales de la salud generan impacto en el rol educativo realizando acciones dentro de sus competencias de detección temprana y oportuna de las alteraciones que se presentan frecuentemente en educación inicial y preescolar a nivel de los procesos motores y comunicativos. Objetivo: realizar una reflexión sobre el rol del fisioterapeuta y el fonoaudiólogo en la educación inicial y preescolar de niños en Colombia. Reflexión: es necesaria la inclusión de los fisioterapeutas y los fonoaudiólogos en el sector educativo, formando grupos interdisciplinares en conjunto con los docentes, familias, e instituciones educativas con el fin de impactar positivamente en el bienestar comunicativo y desarrollo motor de la población que se encuentra en educación inicial y preescolar. Conclusión: se resalta la importancia de incluir a los fisioterapeutas y fonoaudiólogos en el equipo interdisciplinar en el sector educativo, con el fin de abordar de manera temprana las dificultades que puedan generarse a nivel comunicativo y en el desarrollo motor.

Abstract Introduction: Health professionals such as physiotherapists and speech therapists, within their competences, generate an impact on the educational role by carrying out early and opportune detection actions of the alterations that frequently occur in initial and preschool education at the level of motor and communication processes. Objective: To make a reflection on the role of the physiotherapist and speech therapist in the initial and preschool education of children in Colombia. Reflection: It is important to highlight and recognize the importance of including physiotherapists and speech therapists in the education sector in such a way that it can impact the population that is in initial and preschool education, forming interdisciplinary groups together with teachers, families, and schools, to impact the communicative well-being and motor development. Conclusion: When making the reflection, the importance of including physiotherapists and speech therapists in the interdisciplinary team of the educational sector is highlighted, to approach the difficulties that may be generated at the communicative level and in motor development in an early stage.

Abstract Currently, social media (SM) have evolved beyond their initial purpose, reshaping social and political interactions. This study explores the effect of SM on the circulation of political information in Portoviejo, Ecuador. It examines how SM affects the dissemination and reception of this type of content in the region. Specific objectives included identifying the most used SM platforms, evaluating the predominant political content formats, and measuring their impact on users' political opinions. To this end, a mixed-methodological approach was adopted, both cross-sectional and prospective, and an anonymous survey was conducted, whose results were validated using concordance coefficients and Cronbach's Alpha. The findings reveal a preference for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, a diversity in types of multimedia content, exposure to varied political perspectives, and a notable influence on citizens' opinions and electoral decisions. Differences in online interaction levels and in the enrichment of political discourse were also detected, varying according to demographic and generational factors. These results provide a deeper understanding of the political environment in Portoviejo, offering crucial data for making informed political decisions and implementing effective strategies in the current digital context.

Resumen Actualmente, las redes sociales (RS) han evolucionado más allá de su propósito inicial, reconfigurando las interacciones sociales y políticas. Este estudio explora el efecto de las RS en la circulación de información política en Portoviejo, Ecuador. Se investiga cómo las RS afectan la difusión y recepción de este tipo de contenidos en la región. Los objetivos específicos incluyeron la identificación de las plataformas de RS más utilizadas, la evaluación de los formatos de contenido político predominantes y la medición de su impacto en las opiniones políticas de los usuarios. Para ello, se adoptó un enfoque metodológico mixto, tanto transversal como prospectivo, y se llevó a cabo una encuesta anónima cuyos resultados fueron validados mediante coeficientes de concordancia y el Alfa de Cronbach. Los resultados revelan una preferencia por plataformas como Facebook, Instagram, TikTok y YouTube, una diversidad en los tipos de contenidos multimedia, una exposición a variadas perspectivas políticas, y una notable influencia en las opiniones y decisiones electorales de los ciudadanos. También se detectaron diferencias en los niveles de interacción online y en el enriquecimiento del discurso político, variando según factores demográficos y generacionales. Estos resultados aportan una mayor comprensión del entorno político en Portoviejo, ofreciendo datos cruciales para la formulación de decisiones políticas informadas y la implementación de estrategias efectivas en el contexto digital actual.

Resumo: Objetivo: determinar habilidades e conhecimentos sobre as tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC) dos calouros no curso de bacharelado em enfermagem em uma instituição pública de ensino superior na cidade de Bahía Blanca, província de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Metodologia: estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal e quantitativo. Foi utilizado um instrumento composto por 59 perguntas com opções de resposta fechada para avaliar as competências digitais dos calouros do curso. Resultados: Participaram 386 estudantes, em sua maioria do gênero feminino (85,49 %), do primeiro ciclo estudantil (74,35 %) e com idade igual ou inferior a 20 anos (47,15 %). 98,19 % tinham acesso à internet, 79,27 % tinham computador e mais de 80 % usavam amplamente as redes sociais (WhatsApp, Instagram) e o e-mail. Os calouros se auto-avaliaram competentes no programa MS Word, enquanto no MS Excel se declararam menos competentes. Há desconhecimento e baixo desenvolvimento de habilidades para gerar conteúdo e uma ampla demonstração de habilidades para pesquisar e baixar informações da web. A idade, o gênero, o tempo diário de uso da Internet e o ciclo de ingresso estudantil mostraram relação com o domínio das ferramentas digitais aplicadas à educação. Conclusões: Foi identificado um desenvolvimento intermediário de competências digitais aplicadas à educação, o que poderia demandar a concepção de programas que nivelem essas competências durante o processo de admissão ou durante a formação.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the skills and knowledge about information and communication technologies (ICT) of entrants to the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at a public higher institution in Bahía Blanca, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, transversal and quantitative study. An instrument was implemented consisting of 59 questions with closed response options aimed at assessing digital competencies in those entering the career. Results: 386 entrants participated, mostly female (85.49 %), from the first cycle (74.35 %) and 20 years old or younger (47.15%). 98.19 % had access to the internet, 79.27 % have a computer and more than 80 % have extensive use of social networks (WhatsApp, Instagram) and email. The entrants evaluated themselves as competent in the MS Word program, while in MS Excel they declared themselves less competent. There is a lack of knowledge and low development of skills to generate content and a wide range of skills to search and download information from the web. Age, gender, daily time of Internet use and entry cycle showed a relationship with the mastery of digital tools applied to education. Conclusions: An intermediate development of digital competencies applied to education was identified, and a high one for the use of social networks. The variables age, gender, daily time of Internet use and entry cycle were related to the knowledge and skills for using ICT applied to education.

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar las habilidades y conocimientos sobre las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) de los ingresantes a la carrera de Licenciatura en Enfermería de una institución superior pública de Bahía Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo. Se implementó un instrumento conformado por 59 preguntas con opciones de respuesta cerrada orientado a valorar las competencias digitales en los ingresantes a la carrera. Resultados: Participaron 386 ingresantes, mayormente de género femenino (85.49 %), del primer ciclo (74.35 %) y con 20 años o menos de edad (47.15 %). El 98.19 % tenía acceso a internet, el 79.27 % tiene computadora y más del 80 % tiene un amplio uso de redes sociales (WhatsApp, Instagram) y correo electrónico. Los ingresantes se autoevaluaron competentes en el programa MS Word, mientras que en MS Excel se declararon menos competentes. Hay desconocimiento y bajo desarrollo de habilidades para generar contenido, y un amplio despliegue de habilidades para buscar y descargar información de la web. La edad, el género, el tiempo diario de uso de internet y el ciclo de ingreso mostraron relación con el dominio de las herramientas digitales aplicadas a la educación. Conclusiones: Se identificó un desarrollo intermedio de competencias digitales aplicadas a la educación, lo que podría ameritar el diseño de programas que nivelen estas habilidades durante el proceso de ingreso o durante la formación.

Resumen Introducción: Las competencias socioemocionales en la comunicación cara a cara son herramientas esenciales para el ajuste personal y social desde temprana edad. La comunicación en línea ha adquirido igual importancia, especialmente durante la adolescencia. Si bien se reconoce que sus características requieren habilidades específicas, hay escasez de estudios que analicen la relación existente entre las habilidades socioemocionales generalmente adquiridas y aquellas necesarias para la comunicación en línea. Por tanto, esta investigación tiene el objetivo de analizar cómo las habilidades socioemocionales fuera de línea predicen las competencias en línea entre chicas y chicos de manera diferenciada. Método: Este estudio incluyó a 478 estudiantes de educación secundaria con edades entre los 10 y 14 años. Este es un estudio transversal que utilizó el Path Analysis diferenciado por sexo, con muestreo intencional y no probabilístico. Para evaluar las competencias socioemocionales, se utilizó el instrumento ESCQ-21 para las competencias socioemocionales generales el cuestionario e-COM para cuantificar las competencias socioemocionales en línea. Resultados: El modelo explicativo indica que las competencias socioemocionales se transfieren parcialmente al entorno en línea en ambos sexos, especialmente la Percepción y comprensión emocional. Además, se sugiere que el E-autocontrol de la impulsividad y la E-autonomía emocional requieren un desarrollo específico en ese entorno. Conclusiones: Parece razonable incorporar y mejorar las experiencias en línea fomentando el desarrollo de competencias socioemocionales para este contexto. Se examinan las repercusiones para el ámbito educativo.

Abstract Introduction: Socio-emotional competencies in face-to-face communication are an essential tool for personal and social adjustment from an early age. Online communication has become equally important, especially in adolescence. It is known that its characteristics require specific skills, but there is a lack of studies that analyse the relationship that exists between generally acquired socio-emotional skills and those necessary for online communication. Hence, this research is focused on analysing how offline socio-emotional skills predict these online competencies in girls and boys in a differentiated way. Method: This study included 478 Secondary Education students between 10 and 14 years of age. This is a cross-sectional study that used Path Analysis differentiated by sex, with intentional and non-probabilistic sampling. To assess socio-emotional competencies, we used the ESCQ-21 instrument for generally assessed socio-emotional competencies and the e-COM questionnaire to quantify online socio-emotional competencies. Results: The explanatory model indicates that socio-emotional competencies are partially transferred to the online environment in both sexes, especially Perception and comprehension. Furthermore, it is suggested that E-self-control of impulsiveness and E-emotional autonomy require specific development in that environment. Conclusions: It seems reasonable to include online experiences that encourage development in online spaces. The repercussions for the educational field are analysed.

Resumen Introducción: El aumento en el uso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, internet y redes so-ciales ha dado lugar a cambios significativos en la forma en que las personas se comunican, lo que conlleva consecuencias negativas que pueden comprometer la salud psicológica y física. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar una adaptación y validación de la Escala General de Phubbing en una población española. Método: Trescientos cuarenta y seis participantes españoles participaron en el estudio completando medidas de autoinforme para evaluar sus niveles de phubbing, adicción a Internet, adicción al teléfono y Fear of Missing Out (FoMO). Resultados: La adaptación de la escala al español resultó en propiedades psicométricas de alta calidad y preservación del número original de ítems y la estructura (nomofobia, con-tacto interpersonal, autoaislamiento y reconocimiento del problema). Además, el análisis de la relación entre las variables mostró que el phubbing y sus dimensiones estaban positivamente asociados con constructos relacionados, incluyendo la adicción a internet, adicción al teléfono y FoMO. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos proporcionan evidencia empírica sobre la fiabilidad y validez de la versión en español de la Escala General de Phubbing como una herramienta para evaluar compor-tamientos de phubbing.

Abstract Introduction: The increased use of information and communication technologies, the internet and social networking sites has resulted in significant changes in the way people communicate, leading to negative consequences that might compromise psychological and physical health. The aim of this study was to present an adaptation and validation of the Generic Scale of Phubbing into a Spanish language context. Method: Three hundred forty-six Spanish respondents participated in the study by completing self-report measures for assessing their levels of phubbing, internet addiction, phone addiction, and fear of missing out (FoMO). Results: The scale adaptation to Spanish resulted in high quality psycho-metric properties and the original number of items and structure were preserved (nomophobia, interpersonal contact, self-isolation, and problem acknowledgement). In addition, the analysis of the relationship between variables showed that phubbing and its dimensions were positively associated with related constructs including internet addiction, phone ad-diction, and FoMO. Conclusions: The findings provide empirical evidence regarding the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Generic Scale of Phubbing as a tool to assess phubbing behaviours.

Research that directs the way stakeholders act and how they collaborate is essential when addressing complex environmental challenges in the field of sustainability science. For example, researchers attempting to manage Prosopis invasions through biological control in South Africa have historically faced challenges from stakeholders. In this study we illustrate the importance of stakeholder engagement and social learning by outlining the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders to promote effective, integrative and sustainable management of Prosopis invasions in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Through a community of practice approach, stakeholders worked together over the past half-decade in an attempt to develop a National Strategy for Prosopis management and improve its control. This strategy aimed not only to emphasise the need for integration of biomass use (aimed at offsetting the costs of mechanical clearing and necessary herbicide use) but also to underscore the significance of biocontrol alongside other management approaches. Stakeholders also identified that adequate farm-scale planning is necessary to provide a sense of purpose and assist in monitoring of progress. We worked alongside land managers and experts to develop such plans. The engagement of local champions played a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and learning among stakeholders, emphasising the significance of inclusive approaches in addressing complex sustainability challenges. In addition, we gained an understanding of how to develop the community of practice to enhance collaboration that ensures the implementation of plans to better manage Prosopis. Our findings underscore the necessity of meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration in effective invasive species management. By promoting understanding and involvement of diverse stakeholders, initiatives can have a greater impact in addressing broader sustainability issues. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings highlight the fundamental role of stakeholder collaboration in addressing environmental challenges (e.g. biological invasions), promoting sustainability and fostering social learning. Collaboration facilitates exchange of knowledge, promotes social learning and allows stakeholders to make informed decisions when addressing sustainability issues. Collaborative approaches promote the effectiveness of a community of practice in managing Prosopis invasions in South Africa. Local champions played a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration, bridging communication gaps and promoting inclusive approaches. Sustained stakeholder engagement, transdisciplinary collaborations, effective biological control and market development for biomass products will be essential to improve the sustainable management Prosopis.

Abstract: Drawing on A. R. Radcliffe-Brown’s seminal work The Andaman Islanders, this article analyzes anger as a cultural focal point in a non-Western society. The discussion navigates various themes related to anger through an ethnographic dialogue. In the Andamanese worldview, anger is linked to the wrath of spirits and is regarded as an antisocial force. The study reveals that the interplay between different codes-mythological, techno-economic, symbolic, matrimonial, and acoustic-partially corresponds with the patterns noted by Lévi-Strauss in his Mythologiques series. Pandya’s thesis suggests that Andamanese rituals are designed to harness power to reconcile oppositions, particularly between humans and spirits. The text’s originality lies in highlighting the role of dance as a medium for communication between humans and spirits, aimed at soothing the spirits’ anger. The article also underscores Radcliffe-Brown’s identification of two foundational concepts in anthropology during his study of the Andaman Islands: first, the Durkheimian notion of organic solidarity, and second, a unique experience of solidarity expressed through dance. Dance is interpreted as a language of social integration, serving as a key cultural practice in countering the spirits’ wrath and the resulting destruction.

Resumen: A partir del estudio paradigmático The Andaman Islanders de A. R. Radcliffe-Brown, se presenta un análisis de la ira como foco cultural en una cultura no occidental. A lo largo del artículo se exponen temas vinculados a la ira a partir del diálogo entre las etnografías. La ira se asocia al enfado de los espíritus en la cosmovisión andamanesa y se concibe como un hecho antisocial. En las Andamán, la correlación entre diferentes códigos -mitológico, tecnoeconómico, simbólico, matrimonial y acústico- coincide parcialmente con lo apuntado por Lévi-Strauss en su serie de las Mitológicas. La tesis de Pandya plantea que el objeto de los rituales andamaneses es la obtención de poder para lograr la superación de contrarios, entre humanos y espíritus. La originalidad del texto se basa en el papel de la danza como agente de comunicación entre los humanos y los espíritus con la intención de calmar la ira de estos. También se subraya el descubrimiento de Radcliffe-Brown en las Andamán de dos elementos clave para la antropología: por un lado, la sociedad durkheimiana de solidaridad orgánica; por otro, una forma de vivir la solidaridad a través de la danza. La danza puede entenderse como un lenguaje de integración social. Por ello, constituye una de las actividades paradigmáticas de la cultura frente a la ira y la destrucción de los espíritus.

Resumo: Com base no estudo paradigmático The Andaman Islanders, de A. R. Radcliffe-Brown, é apresentada uma análise da ira como foco cultural em uma cultura não ocidental. Ao longo deste artigo, os temas da ira são apresentados em um diálogo entre as etnografias. A ira está associada ao enfado espiritual na visão de mundo andamanês e é concebida como evento antissocial. Nos andamaneses, a correlação entre diferentes códigos - mitológico, tecnoeconômico, simbólico, matrimonial e acústico - está parcialmente de acordo com o que Lévi-Strauss apontou em sua série das Mitológicas. A tese de Pandya é que o objetivo dos rituais andamaneses é obter poder para alcançar a superação de opostos, entre humanos e espíritos. A originalidade deste texto se baseia no papel da dança como agente de comunicação entre humanos e espíritos com a intenção de acalmar a ira dos espíritos. Ele também destaca a descoberta de Radcliffe-Brown em Andaman de dois elementos-chave para a antropologia: por um lado, a sociedade durkheimiana de solidariedade orgânica; por outro, uma forma de viver a solidariedade por meio da dança. A dança pode ser entendida como linguagem de integração social. Como tal, ela constitui uma das atividades paradigmáticas da cultura em face da ira e da destruição dos espíritos.

This article aims to characterise the elements and components of school coexistence that contribute to the construction of the concept of educational community, from the knowledge carried by the members of a research community. The study was carried out through the dialogic methodology, kishu kimkelay ta che [no person knows or learns by themself], which opts for the collective, participatory, and dialogic development of each stage of the research process. For the collection and analysis of empirical data, collective dialogue and Az kintun [to look according to the intention of searching or finding something together with others] were used. Among the results, a link between school coexistence and educational community was identified because both concepts interact systematically. On the one hand, the educational community is interpreted as the substantial, theoretical, conceptual, and epistemic basis through which people combine their perspectives towards common actions. And, on the other hand, school coexistence is seen as a process through which people build their interactions and interrelations. Therefore, if people agree to form an educational community based on community cohesion, then school coexistence could point towards a construction of interactions and interrelations with a collective focus. In conclusion, school coexistence is considered the process that favours the construction of the educational community according to the epistemic and gnoseological basis of such process.

Scientific press releases are reaching the public directly through press reproduction or institutional dissemination. Science News Agencies (SNAs) mediate this process, distributing texts to thousands of journalists while also "leaking" them on their websites and social media. This comparative case study examines four SNAs — BORI, SMC UK, AlphaGalileo, and EurekAlert! — regarding their role in circulating public scientific information. Through literature review and principles such as openness and inclusion in science, we converted scholars' concerns into a preliminary index potentially capable of assessing SNAs' public suitability. The SNAPI (Science News Agencies Public Index) suggests a shift from purely public relations content towards serving the public interest, highlighting areas needing attention in SNAs' social function, to be refined in future research. Clear guidelines, links to open scientific articles, and explicit notices on press releases’ purposes are simple yet effective ways to address issues concerning science public relations' pervasiveness in the public sphere.

BACKGROUND: Limited research exists on medical students' coping and adjustment skills, especially in the South African context. Stakeholders planning medical curricula need to be aware of emotional and communication skills that allow students to cope and adjust to stress associated with transitioning to medical studies OBJECTIVE: To design a support framework to facilitate first-year undergraduate medical students' social learning and integration skills METHODS: This descriptive qualitative case study used multiple data collection methods, nominal group meetings and Delphi questionnaires to explore and understand undergraduate medical students' challenges with social learning and integration factors. These insights were then used to develop the support framework RESULTS: The support framework articulates levels of engagement and actions required to address social learning and integrated factors, namely under-preparedness, peer support, confidence, self-management, alienation and academic advice CONCLUSION: Implementing the proposed support framework on social learning and integration could facilitate the successful transition of first-year undergraduate medical students from high school to university. This framework aids students in dealing with social learning and integrated factors, such as under-preparedness, peer support, confidence, self-management and alienation as well as academic advice using contextualised and appropriate skills and tools

Abstract: This paper studies the communicative practices of the movement United Peoples of the La Antigua Basin for Free Rivers in Veracruz, Mexico. Its aim is to identify key elements of the local cultural perspective that underpinned collective resistance against territorial dispossession and environmental destruction. After analyzing the strategies and messages deployed in public protests, it describes the role of communication in structuring and strengthening social mobilization based on collective values about the territory; these values include biocultural identity, the defense of the local way of life, and environmental rights.

Resumen: Este artículo estudia las prácticas comunicativas del movimiento Pueblos Unidos de la Cuenca La Antigua por los Ríos Libres, en Veracruz, México. El objetivo es identificar elementos clave de la perspectiva cultural local que sostuvieron la resistencia colectiva contra el despojo territorial y la destrucción ambiental. Tras analizar las estrategias y los mensajes desplegados en protestas públicas, se describe el papel de la comunicación en la estructuración y el fortalecimiento de la movilización social basada en valores colectivos sobre el territorio; entre estos valores se encuentran la identidad biocultural, la defensa de la forma de vida local y los derechos ambientales.

Hierdie sewe-jaar longitudinale opvoedingstudie evalueer drie akademiese afleweringsmodusse vir deeltydse MBA-studente in hul Bemarkingsbestuursmodule, naamlik vol kontak (20172019), vol aanlyn tydens COVID-19 se harde inperking (2020-2021 en die daaropvolgende gemengde modus (2022-2023). Die studie het ten doel om te bepaal of die afleweringsmodus studente se akademiese prestasie beduidend beïnvloed. Die eenrigting-variansie-analise (EVA) het beduidende verskille tussen die afleweringsmodusse vir individuele opdragte (normatiewe assessering) en groepgevallestudies (summatiewe assessering) geïdentifiseer. Daar was ook betekenisvolle verskille tussen die akademiese prestasie ten opsigte van die finale saamgestelde portefeulje van kennis (wat as eksamen dien). Hierdie portefeulje bestaan uit 'n prakties-toegepaste bemarkingsplan. Die post-hoc toetse het getoon dat studente aansienlik beter gevaar het tydens die gemengde afleweringsmodus in individuele opdragte, terwyl die volledige aanlyn modus laer punte vir die groepgevallestudies gehad het. Beide die gemengde en volledige kontakmodusse het beduidende opeenvolgende verbetering vir die groepgevallestudies getoon, wat in elke gevallestudie verbetering getoon het namate die semester gevorder het. Dit verskil van volledige aanlyn onderrig. Die gemengde modus het ook aansienlik beter gevaar in die eksamen- en finale modulepunte en het selfs beter gevaar as volkontakklasse.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed the tertiary education landscape. Traditional contact universities were forced abruptly to adopt a full-distance education mode, a situation neither the students nor lecturers were prepared for. Many lectures and teaching activities were developed on the fly as universities struggled to roll out the needed support in double-time for lecturers and students. This new normal for education required integrating technology, advanced communication software, revised assessment techniques, and recognising the need for flexible and adaptable approaches to teaching and learning. Students also evolved and gained technological proficiency, adaptability, time management, soft skills, social media proficiency, and an awareness of health and well-being. Albeit uncertain in redefining the new normal, universities continue to provide quality education. However, exactly how university education should be delivered to a new breed of students in a new business environment is a challenge. This is even more so in the case of executive MBA students. After the hard lockdown and restrictions were lifted on 21 September 2020, the North-West University Business School started to explore other modes of academic content delivery. Reinstating a full contact delivery mode was not an option because of remaining restrictions. High technological investment, online-educated lecturers and students, and benefits and developments during online learning now form a new normal for the Business School. Which teaching method, or rather, which mode of delivery, is the most relevant and adequate? Should the MBA lectures return to the historic full-contact delivery mode, stick with the newly established full online mode, or attempt to integrate the benefits of both into a hybrid mode of delivering business education to a new breed of technology-savvy students? This study, therefore, examines the academic performance of the different delivery modes by comparing data of Executive MBA Marketing management students at the NWU Business School in South Africa. The study examines the academic performance of these students from 2017 up to 2023. The panel database consists of Executive MBA students'marks for the module in Marketing Management from 2017 up to 2023. The database contains marks for individual assignments, groupwork case studies, final individual- and groupwork marks, exam marks and the final module mark. The final assessment is a portfolio of evidence comprising a detailed marketing plan for a product, service, or organisation of choice. The mode of delivery served as the dependent variable, while the independent variables comprised the marks for each assignment (groupwork, individual and portfolio of evidence). Three delivery modes were compared, namely full-contact (2017-2019), full-online (2020-2021), and the post-pandemic hybrid mode currently in effect (2022-2023). The data comprised 630 cases. However, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) used 532 cases to compare the different groupwork assignments (230 full-contact students, 159 full-online students, and 143 hybrid students). Cronbach's alpha coefficient measured the data's reliability, and one-way ANOVA determined significant differences (p<.05) between the academic performance of the three delivery modes. The analysis confirmed that significant differences exist between the modes of delivery for individual assignments, group case studies and exams (p<.05). The Tukey ab post-hoc tests showed that students performed significantly better during the hybrid delivery mode in individual assignments (69.2%) than full contact (63.8%). Regarding the individual assignment, the full online (63.8%) and full contact (63.7%) delivery modes perform significantly worse than the hybrid (69.2%) delivery mode. Regarding the first group case study (Group Assignment 1), full online performs (67.3%) significantly worse than hybrid (71.1%) and full contact (73.6%) delivery modes. There is no significant difference between the hybrid and full contact delivery modes. In the second, third, and fourth group case studies (Group Assignments 2, 3 & 4), the hybrid delivery mode (82.37%, 75.4%, 82.7%) outperforms the full contact (75.4, 80.1%, 86.6%) and full-online (71.4%, 71.4%, 67.8%) modes. The hybrid delivery mode, therefore, proves to be more conducive towards academic performance in group work. Finally, in considering the final module mark, the hybrid delivery mode (71.0%) is significantly higher than the other two delivery modes. However, there is no significant difference between full online (67.5%) and full-contact (67.2%) delivery modes regarding the final module mark. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the better performance in the final module marks is a function of the groupwork where the students analysed case studies together. There are no significant differences in the exam marks between the delivery modes, so better academic performance in the hybrid mode of delivery where groupwork is concerned culminates in the better module mark. Based on the findings, it is evident that the hybrid mode of delivery results in the best academic performance. This observation is based on three reasons, namely 1) students performed better in both the normative and summative assessments during hybrid tuition; 2) there is continuous progressive learning throughout the semester regarding the group case studies (summative assessment). They learn to improve and hone their skills to analyse better and apply business solutions to real-life problems experienced by organisations. This is based on students' improving marks in the group case studies as they become more proficient in analysing and answering the applied case studies because they learn from each case study; and 3) the students perform better academically in their normative assessments and earn higher final module marks (partially due to reason 2). It is concluded that the hybrid delivery mode facilitates the academic performance of post-pandemic executive MBA Marketing management students. JEL KODES: I23, I21, M30

Abstract Framework: The Covid-19 pandemic has brought several challenges at an economic, labor, social, and organizational level, and organizations had to adopt strategies to ensure their functioning, as well as to ensure and promote the health and well-being of workers. Research Question/Goals: This study aimed to identify and describe (1) the impact of Covid-19 on the world of work and (2) the strategies that organizations have adopted to minimize this impact. Method: A descriptive qualitative cross-sectional study was carried out, where data were collected from 18 participants (10 Human Resources Managers, five specialists from relevant fields regarding professional experiences with Covid-19, and three representatives of public entities and Portuguese civil society from the fields of work and gender) through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic categorical content analysis with the support of NVivo®. Results: The pandemic impacted (RQ1) on work, economic and labor, work-life balance, and health and well-being. The measures (RQ2) most frequently implemented by the organizations were in terms of health and safety at work, adaptation to teleworking, work-life balance, and communication. Final considerations: The data points to increasingly remote and flexible work transformed by new technologies. In the (re)design of the work, it is essential to consider the characteristics and needs of each worker.

Resumo Introdução/Enquadramento: A pandemia Covid-19 trouxe diversos desafios a nível económico e laboral, social e organizacional, tendo as organizações que adotar estratégias para garantir o seu funcionamento, mas também garantir e promover a saúde e bem-estar dos trabalhadores. Questão de Investigação/Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar e descrever: (1) o impacto da Covid-19 no mundo do trabalho, e (2) as estratégias que as organizações adotaram para minimizar esse impacto. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal qualitativo descritivo, onde foram recolhidos dados de 18 participantes (10 Gestores de Recursos Humanos, cinco especialistas de áreas relevantes sobre as vivências profissionais com a Covid-19 e três representantes de entidades públicas e da sociedade civil portuguesa nas áreas do trabalho e do género) através de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados foram analisados à luz da análise de conteúdo categorial temática, com o apoio do NVivo®. Resultados: A pandemia teve impacto (QI1) a nível do trabalho, económico e laboral, da conciliação, e da saúde e bem-estar. As medidas (QI2) mais frequentemente implementadas pelas organizações foram ao nível da higiene e segurança no trabalho, adaptação ao teletrabalho, conciliação e comunicação. Considerações finais: Os dados apontam para um mundo do trabalho cada vez mais remoto e flexível, transformado pelo uso das novas tecnologias. No (re)desenho do trabalho é essencial ter em conta as características e necessidades de cada trabalhador.