ABSTRACT: The growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education poses significant challenges and opportunities for university educators. This article aims to analyze the uses and perceptions of AI among teachers at the University of Guayaquil in 2024. Using a mixed approach of interviews and surveys, teachers' knowledge about AI developments, their perspective on their influence on education, and the most affected educational areas are examined. The theoretical framework integrates perspectives of Rogers, Bourdieu, Latour and Bijker, addressing the diffusion of innovations, symbolic violence and socio-technical interactions. The results provide an integral view of how the teaching community responds to AI in higher education. In conclusion, the study contributes to the sociological analysis of technology-society interaction, exploring dynamics of power, adaptation and resistance in the academic context in the face of technological changes.

RESUMEN: La creciente influencia de la Inteligencia Artificial (IA) en la educación superior plantea desafíos y oportunidades significativas para los docentes universitarios. Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los usos y percepciones de la IA entre los profesores de la Universidad de Guayaquil en el 2024. Mediante un enfoque mixto de entrevistas y encuestas, se examina el conocimiento de los docentes sobre los avances en IA, su perspectiva sobre su influencia en la enseñanza y las áreas educativas más afectadas. El marco teórico integra perspectivas de Rogers, Bourdieu, Latour y Bijker, abordando la difusión de innovaciones, la violencia simbólica y las interacciones sociotécnicas. Los resultados ofrecen una visión integral de cómo la comunidad docente responde a la IA en la educación superior. En conclusión, el estudio contribuye al análisis sociológico de la interacción tecnología-sociedad, explorando dinámicas de poder, adaptación y resistencia en el contexto académico frente a los cambios tecnológicos.

Abstract Young men and women from migrant families of Bolivian origin settled in the horticultural belt of La Plata, in Argentina, access university degrees to shift away from activities characterized by precarious living and working conditions. This article examines the challenges faced by this population in their transition to higher education. Using a qualitative methodology and with the conceptual framework of endogenous education, encounter, and cultural recognition, we analyze the ways in which the Technical Degree in Agroecology at the National University of La Plata offers an alternative close to the reality of young people. The conclusions highlight the potential of this viable alternative that represents a training opportunity to advise family farmers and their organizations. It focuses on the active participation of students, especially in practical courses where they become protagonists by sharing their experiences. It can also be mentioned that, although these degrees offer collective spaces to question the conventional productive model, challenges still persist: the quality of lower-level training and the adaptation of schedules due to the need to combine study and work. In a context of crisis and transition, this type of proposal values local knowledge and empowers the autonomy of youth to transform their reality.

Resumen Los y las jóvenes de familias migrantes de origen boliviano establecidas en el cinturón hortícola platense, en Argentina, acceden a carreras universitarias para alejarse de una actividad caracterizada por las precarias condiciones de vida y de trabajo. En el presente artículo se examinan los desafíos que enfrenta esta población en su tránsito hacia estudios superiores. Mediante una metodología cualitativa y con el marco conceptual de la educación endógena, el encuentro y el reconocimiento cultural, se analiza la manera en que la Tecnicatura Universitaria en Agroecología de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata brinda una alternativa cercana a la realidad de los y las jóvenes. En las conclusiones se destacan las potencialidades de esta alternativa viable que representa una oportunidad de formación para asesorar a productores familiares y a sus organizaciones. Se enfoca en la participación activa de estudiantes, especialmente en cursos prácticos donde se convierten en sujetos protagonistas al compartir sus experiencias. También se puede mencionar que, aunque estas carreras ofrecen espacios colectivos para cuestionar el modelo productivo convencional, todavía persisten desafíos: el nivel de formación inicial y la adaptación de horarios por la necesidad de combinar el estudio y el trabajo. En un contexto de crisis y transición, este tipo de propuesta otorga valor a los saberes locales y potencia la autonomía de la juventud para transformar su realidad.

ABSTRACT Sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine), a crucial natural fiber source, exhibits varying yields in China’s Guangdong and Guangxi regions. This groundbreaking study sampled soil and sisal leaves from these production hubs to explore the interplay among soil pH, enzyme activity, microorganisms, and sisal nutrition. Using PCR and high-throughput sequencing, results indicate Guangdong’s soil is mildly acidic, contrasting with Guangxi’s neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Both regions show a robust correlation between soil pH and nutrient availability (organic matter, P, K). Enhanced soil enzyme activity is observed at higher pH levels (6.09, 7.39). Dominant bacterial phyla Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria peak at pH 7.39, 6.09, and 5.41, respectively. Fungal phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota thrive at pH 4.23, 7.39, and 6.48. Sisal leaves display optimal nutrient levels at specific pHs: N, P, and K at pH 6.09; Ca at pH 7.39; Mg at pH 6.48. Functional predictions reveal fungal abundance varies with pH, while bacterial functions like metabolism, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation are bolstered in Guangxi’s alkaline soils compared to Guangdong’s acidic ones. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing sisal cultivation management.

Abstract This article addresses university-business linkages to promote innovation, examining the advantages, barriers and strategic actions observed by researchers and professors from Latin American academic institutions. To carry out the analysis, an online survey was applied to a sample of 305 participants residing in different Latin American countries, that is: Brazil, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Mexico. The core results reveal 15clear advantages of university-business linkages, including the transfer of research results and greater visibility for universities and their research groups. The main barriers emerging from the analysis, including financing problems, lack of human resources and lack of time management, varied by country, gender and age of participants. The findings of the study provide guidance for strategic actions to strengthen university-business links in Latin America, highlighting the importance of adaptability and adaptation to changing environmental conditions in order to better exploit the mutual collaborative benefits of innovation and sustainable development.

Resumen Este artículo aborda el vínculo universidad-empresa para promover la innovación, examinando las ventajas, barreras y acciones estratégicas observadas por investigadores y profesores de instituciones académicas latinoamericanas. Para realizar el análisis, se aplicó una encuesta en línea a una muestra de 305 participantes residentes en diferentes países de América Latina, es decir: Brasil, Panamá, Colombia, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Ecuador y México. Los principales resultados revelan 15 claras ventajas de los vínculos universidad-empresa, entre ellas la transferencia de resultados de investigación y una mayor visibilidad para las universidades y sus grupos de investigación. Las principales barreras que surgen del análisis, entre ellas los problemas de financiación, la falta de recursos humanos y la falta de gestión del tiempo, varían según el país, el género y la edad de los participantes. Los hallazgos del estudio proporcionan orientación para las acciones estratégicas para fortalecer los vínculos universidad-empresa en América Latina, destacando la importancia de la adaptabilidad y la adaptación a las condiciones ambientales cambiantes para aprovechar mejor los beneficios colaborativos mutuos de la innovación y el desarrollo sostenible.

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el impacto de las sesiones mediúnicas, especialmente los mensajes evidenciales, en el proceso de duelo y analizar las percepciones de los enlutados, lo médium y los colaboradores involucrados en el evento. Metodología: La investigación adoptó un enfoque metodológico mixto, combinando técnicas cualitativas y cuantitativas, y se llevó a cabo en tres fases: (1) aplicación de un cuestionario cerrado a 105 enlutados en la fila de espera para las sesiones mediúnicas; (2) aplicación de cuestionarios semiabiertos al médium y a seis colaboradores; (3) aplicación de cuestionarios abiertos a 12 enlutados que recibieron mensajes evidenciales. El análisis cuantitativo utilizó estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales, mientras que el análisis cualitativo siguió la técnica de Análisis de Contenido. Resultados: Los mensajes mediúnicos evidenciales contribuyeron al alivio emocional y a la sensación de reconexión con los seres queridos fallecidos, a pesar de la incomodidad inicial en la fila de espera. La percepción del médium y los colaboradores sobre el impacto del evento fue positiva, aunque la imprevisibilidad de los mensajes limita la adopción de esta práctica como una terapia estructurada. Conclusión: Las sesiones mediúnicas pueden desempeñar un papel importante en la adaptación de individuos con duelo prolongado, ofreciendo consuelo espiritual y promoviendo la resignificación de la pérdida, destacando la importancia de la integración entre el apoyo clínico y espiritual.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of mediumistic sessions, particularly evidential messages, on the grieving process and analyze the perceptions of mourners, medium, and collaborators involved in the event. Methodology: The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, and was conducted in three phases: (1) the administration of a closed-ended questionnaire to 105 mourners in the waiting line for mediumistic sessions; (2) the administration of semi-structured questionnaires to the medium and six collaborators; (3) the administration of open-ended questionnaires to 12 mourners who received evidential messages. The quantitative analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative analysis followed the Content Analysis technique. Results: The evidential mediumistic messages contributed to emotional relief and a sense of reconnection with the deceased loved ones, despite the initial discomfort in the waiting line. The perception of the medium and collaborators regarding the event's impact was positive, although the unpredictability of the messages limits the adoption of this practice as a structured therapy. Conclusion: Mediumistic sessions can play an important role in the adaptation of individuals with prolonged grief, offering spiritual comfort and promoting the re-signification of loss, highlighting the importance of integrating clinical and spiritual support.

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o impacto das sessões mediúnicas, especialmente das mensagens evidenciais, no processo de luto e analisar as percepções de enlutados, médium e colaboradores envolvidos no evento. Metodologia: A pesquisa adotou uma abordagem metodológica mista, combinando técnicas qualitativas e quantitativas, e foi conduzida em três fases: (1) aplicação de questionário fechado a 105 enlutados na fila de espera para sessões mediúnicas; (2) aplicação de questionários semiabertos ao médium e a seis colaboradores; (3) aplicação de questionários abertos a 12 enlutados que receberam mensagens evidenciais. A análise quantitativa utilizou estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais, enquanto a análise qualitativa seguiu a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: As mensagens mediúnicas evidenciais contribuíram para alívio emocional e sensação de reconexão com os entes falecidos, apesar do desconforto inicial na fila de espera. A percepção do médium e dos colaboradores sobre o impacto do evento foi positiva, embora a imprevisibilidade das mensagens limite a adoção dessa prática como uma terapia estruturada. Conclusão: As sessões mediúnicas podem desempenhar um papel importante na adaptação de indivíduos com luto prolongado, oferecendo consolo espiritual e promovendo a ressignificação da perda, destacando a importância da integração entre suporte clínico e espiritual.

ABSTRACT: ASD typically exhibit atypical development: alterations in executive brain functions such as social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, behavior, activities, and interests. Pediatric dentistry specialists may understand the background of these individuals' characteristics and be aware of existing tools to provide quality dental care tailored to their needs. The aim of this study is to identify psychoeducational strategies that facilitate adaptation to the dental environment and the application of preventive dentistry for children and adolescents with ASD. A systematic narrative review was conducted with searches in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Wiley databases for articles published between 2015 and 2023. From a preliminary total, after applying appropriate filters, 19 articles were selected for this review. These interventions include Visual Pedagogy, pictograms, images, technology such as tablets and digital images, visual stories, SADE, PECS, and Sensory Therapy. Treatment with any of these aforementioned facilitative techniques is lengthy and requires multiple sessions both in the dental office and in brushing technique instruction to achieve success. There is a clear need for intersectoral collaboration between health and education sectors, particularly in preventive dentistry, to achieve cost-effective care, whether for the state or caregivers themselves, thereby avoiding costly and risky procedures like general anesthesia.

RESUMEN: Actualmente Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) no se define como un solo trastorno, sino un conjunto de estos. Estos individuos tienen un desarrollo atípico: alteraciones en las funciones cerebrales ejecutivas como en la interacción social, comunicación verbal-no verbal y la conducta, actividades e intereses. El especialista en odontología pediátrica debe entender el trasfondo de las características de los individuos con este trastorno y conocer las herramientas existentes para proveer una atención odontológica de calidad adaptada a las necesidades de ellos. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las estrategias psicoeducativas facilitadoras de la adaptación del box dental y la aplicación de odontología preventiva en niños y adolescentes con TEA. Se realizó una revisión sistemática narrativa con una búsqueda en la base de datos Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science y Wiley, de artículos relacionados publicados entre los años 2015 y 2023. De un total preliminar, después de realizado los filtros correspondientes, se llegó a un total de 19 artículos seleccionados para esta revisión. Estas intervenciones incluyen Pedagogia Visual, pictogramas, imágenes, tecnología como tablets e imágenes digitales, historias visuales, SADE, PECS y terapia Sensorial. El tratamiento con cualquiera de las técnicas facilitadoras antes mencionadas son tratamientos largos que necesitan múltiples sesiones tanto en el box odontológico como en la instrucción de técnica de cepillado para lograr el éxito. Destaca la necesidad del trabajo intersectorial entre salud y educación, especialmente en el campo de la odontología preventiva, para lograr una atención menos costosa, ya sea para el Estado o para los propios cuidadores, evitando procedimientos riesgosos de elevado costo como es la atención bajo anestesia general.

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated swift changes to remote teaching and learning. This study explored the experiences of student support champions comprising teaching assistants, tutors, mentors, and retention officers) in providing affective and content support via remote modalities to first-year students. The study focused on insights gained during remote learning. This adaptation to change speaks to resilience thinking, 'being able to withstand or overcome adversity and unpleasant events and successfully adapt to change and uncertainty'. Learning to be resilient and adaptable to rise above challenges, is simultaneously transformative to create new ways of thinking to deal with current situations. This study resides within the interpretivist paradigm and draws on the subjective experiences and understandings of research participants within a university of technology. Surveys were conducted to garner insights and experiences and were analysed according to emergent themes of challenges, improvements, and future practices. Data revealed that despite the demands placed on student support champions, they managed to cope with their studies and acquired attributes, dispositions, and values beyond the formal curriculum. Thus the study shows that times of complexity present opportunities for resilience and transformation to changing circumstances.

RESUMO Estudos contemporâneos explicitam como a sexualidade é uma dimensão contextual e relacional da vida humana. Essa leitura de sexualidade tem colocado, paulatinamente, novos desafios às noções relativas à saúde, mas também, por extensão, tensionado o campo da garantia de direitos humanos fundamentais. Não por acaso, entidades internacionais e nacionais têm apontado a necessidade de intervenções psicossociais em contexto educativo, como espaço estratégico de garantia de direitos na interface com a sexualidade. Diante da necessidade, verificada na literatura internacional, de intervenções longitudinais, contextuais e não restritivas a uma leitura fisicalista de sexualidade, o presente estudo se propõe a apresentar a adaptação para o Brasil do protocolo de intervenção South Africa and Tanzania (SATZ). Tendo em vista adequações realizadas na presente adaptação, contemplando uma maior abertura para dissidências de gênero e sexualidade, maior ênfase em aspectos dialógicos e participação da comunidade escolar, a SATZ-BR se mostra em consonância com os direitos humanos, com a Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável e com as diretrizes do plano nacional curricular brasileiro.

ABSTRACT Contemporary studies explain how sexuality is a contextual and relational dimension of human life. This reading of sexuality has gradually posed new challenges to notions relating to health but has also, by extension, put tension in the field of the guarantee of fundamental human rights. It is no coincidence that international and national entities have highlighted the need for psychosocial interventions in an educational context, as a strategic space for guaranteeing rights at the interface with sexuality. Given the need, verified in international literature, for longitudinal, contextual interventions that are not restrictive to a physicalist reading of sexuality, the present study aims to present the adaptation of the intervention protocol South Africa and Tanzania (SATZ) for Brazil. In view of the adjustments made in this adaptation, including greater openness to gender and sexuality dissent, greater emphasis on dialogic aspects, and participation of the school community, SATZ-BR is in line with human rights, with the 2030 Agenda for Development Sustainable and with the guidelines of the Brazilian national curricular plan.

Objetivo: traduzir e adaptar culturalmente a Quality of Life Scale for Informal Carers for Older Adults, para o Brasil. Método: Trata-se de estudo metodológico de adaptação cultural da referida escala, que seguiu as seguintes  etapas:  tradução inicial, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, revisão por um comitê de especialistas e pré-teste. Todos os preceitos éticos foram respeitados. Resultados: Foram feitas duas traduções da escala original, estabelecendo-se posteriormente a versão  consensual, a qual  foi retrotraduzida por outro tradutor independente. A seguir realizou-se a revisão pelo comitê de especialistas composto  por seis juízes. Dos 24 itens da escala, a maioria dos itens obteve índice de validade de contéudo acima de 0,78, com exceção de três, os quais foram revisados. Em seguida realizou-se o instrumento que foi pré testado por  35 cuidadores informais de pessoas idosas, seis participantes refereriram dúvidas em duas questões “oito e vinte quatro”foram esclarecidas as dúvidas e após verificou-se  boa clareza, compreensão e aceitabilidade. Além disso, a consistência interna foi satisfatória, já que se obteve alfa de Cronbach ≥ 0,70 para  maioria dos domínios do instrumento. Conclusão: A Quality of Life Scale for Informal Carers for Older Adults está agora traduzida e adaptada culturalmente para o português brasileiro.

Objective: Translate and culturally adapt Quality of Life Scale for Informal Carers for Older Adults for Brazil. Method: It consists of a methodological study of cultural adaptation of the aforementioned scale, which was performed according to the following steps: initial translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, review by a team of experts and pre-test. All ethical precepts have been respected.Results: Two translations of the original scale were performed, and the consensual version was subsequently established, being back-translated by another independent translator. The review was then performed by a team of experts made up of six judges. Out of the 24 items on the scale, most of them obtained an index of content validity above 0.78, except three which were then reviewed. The instrument was then carried out, being pre-tested by 35 informal caregivers of elderly people, six participants were in doubt about two questions "eight and twenty-four"; the doubts were clarified and, after that, there was clarity, understanding and acceptability. Furthermore, satisfactory internal consistency has been obtained, since Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.70 was obtained for most of the instrument categories.Conclusion: The Quality of Life Scale for Informal Carers for Older Adults is now translated and culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese.

Objetivo: Traducir y adaptar culturalmente la Escala de Calidad de Vida para Cuidadores Informales de Adultos Mayores, para Brasil. Método: Se trata de un estudio metodológico de adaptación cultural de la escala antes mencionada, que siguió los siguientes pasos: traducción inicial, síntesis de traducciones, retrotraducción, revisión por comité de expertos y pretest. Se respetaron todos los preceptos éticos. Resultados: Se realizaron dos traducciones de la escala original, estableciéndose posteriormente la versión consensuada, la cual fue retrotraducida por otro traductor independiente. Luego la revisión fue realizada por el comité de expertos compuesto por seis jueces. De los 24 ítems de la escala, la mayoría tenía un índice de validez de contenido superior a 0,78, a excepción de tres, que fueron revisados. Luego se realizó la realización del instrumento, que fue testeado previamente por 35 cuidadores informales de personas mayores, seis participantes informaron dudas en dos preguntas “ocho y veinticuatro”, las dudas fueron aclaradas y luego hubo buena claridad, comprensión y aceptabilidad. Además, la consistencia interna fue satisfactoria, ya que se obtuvo alfa de Cronbach ≥ 0,70 para la mayoría de los dominios del instrumento. Conclusión:  La Escala de Calidad de Vida para Cuidadores Informales de Adultos Mayores ahora está traducida y adaptada culturalmente al portugués brasileño.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to adapt the balanced scorecard (BSC) to evaluate the organizational performance of Mexican public universities by placing the financial perspective as the foundation of the strategic map. A questionnaire adapted to the characteristics of Mexican public universities is employed and sent to executives of these institutions. A total of 83 complete responses are received. Data are analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The results show a significant and positive relationship between financial and learning perspectives (coefficient = 0.653), learning and internal processes (coefficient = 0.721), and internal processes and user perspectives (coefficient = 0.818). The determination coefficients (R²) indicated that learning and growth (0.426), internal processes (0.520), and user perspectives (0.670) are well explained by their precursors. In conclusion, these highlight the importance of the financial perspective for both the sustainability of institutions and its impact on the other perspectives.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio es adaptar el cuadro de mando integral (CMI) para evaluar el desempeño organizacional de las universidades públicas mexicanas, situando la perspectiva financiera como base del mapa estratégico. Se emplea un cuestionario adaptado a las características de las universidades públicas mexicanas, enviado a directivos de tales instituciones. Se reciben 83 respuestas completas. Los datos se analizan utilizando un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales por mínimos cuadrados parciales. Los resultados muestran una relación significativa y positiva entre las perspectivas financieras y de aprendizaje (coeficiente = 0.653), aprendizaje y procesos internos (coeficiente = 0.721), y procesos internos y usuarios (coeficiente = 0.818). Los coeficientes de determinación (R²) indican que las perspectivas de aprendizaje y crecimiento (0.426), procesos internos (0.520) y usuarios (0.670) son bien explicadas por sus antecedentes. En conclusión, se destaca la importancia de la perspectiva financiera en la sostenibilidad de las instituciones y su impacto en las demás perspectivas.

BACKGROUND: Many serious adverse events associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be mitigated by timely glucose control during pregnancy, achieved through education and lifestyle choices. The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt and test the preliminary internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the South African English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa versions of the GDM Knowledge Questionnaire (GDMKQ). METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted at a high-risk antenatal clinic in South Africa. Pregnant women ≥ 18 years with GDM were consecutively sampled. Semantic equivalence between the original and adapted versions was assessed. Face and content validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. RESULTS: The three SA-GDMKQ versions demonstrated good face and content validity. For internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha values were 0.534 for the Afrikaans version, 0.434 for the English version and 0.621 for the isiXhosa version. Test-retest reliability found kappa (standard error [s.e.]) values ranged between −0.03 (0.18) and 0.89 (0.13) for the English version, between −0.07 (0.18) and 0.53 (0.13) for the Afrikaans version and between 0.28 (0.18) and 0.87 (0.17) for the isiXhosa version. All versions of the SA-GDMKQ had a statistically significant (p < 0.001) positive linear correlation between the total scores. CONCLUSION: The English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa SA-GDMKQ versions were found to be feasible and easy to comprehend, although lower internal consistency and test-retest reliability were displayed. Further validation of the psychometric properties of the English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa versions of the SA-GDMKQ among larger sample groups is however warranted. CONTRIBUTION: This study adds to the knowledge around developing and using culturally appropriate questionnaires and outcome measures in research and clinical practice.

Water scarcity is a global problem exacerbated by the ever-increasing population and climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Different water resource management strategies, such as rainwater harvesting, have been proposed and implemented worldwide to combat water shortage. Mapping of the optimum sites where these rainwater harvesting structures can be constructed is very important. The main objective of this study was to map and identify, using GIS, optimum sites for the construction of rainwater harvesting structures (farm ponds, check dams and percolation ponds) for agricultural and peri-urban purposes in Eswatini. The optimum sites were identified by overlaying various thematic layers including land use and cover, slope, runoff potential, soil texture and depth and drainage density using ArcGIS 10.8. A general rainwater harvesting suitability map was produced for Eswatini, then potential sites for different rainwater harvesting structures were identified. The results of the study indicated that all three rainwater harvesting structures have suitable sites where they can be constructed. Check dams have potential sites which cover 22.7% of the suitable area in Eswatini, while farm pond and percolation pond sites covers 19.7% and 65%, respectively. Information on existing structures such as dams and earth dams for water storage may need to be gathered to verify the proposed sites of the rainwater harvesting structures. This study was able to identify new sites where structures can be constructed for rainwater harvesting which can improve water availability during dry seasons. Further evaluation may need to be done before implementation of these structures. Moreover, implementing this is subject to a number of other factors, such as the economy, feasibility studies as well as social implications. However, the results of this study will assist policy and decision makers in planning for potential sites for water storage as an adaptation to drought and climate change.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to adapt the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hearing Impaired (MoCA-H) into Brazilian Portuguese (BP). Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative, and qualitative study involving participants selected by convenience. The instrument was adapted from its original version, in a six-stage process consisting of the following: Stage 1 - Translation and back translation of the MoCA-H; Stage 2 - Stimulus analysis and selection; Stage 3 - Semantic analysis of stimuli; Stage 4 - Analysis by non-expert judges, part 1; Stage 5 - Analysis by non-expert judges, part 2; Stage 6 - Pilot study. The following statistical methods were used in this study: parametric T-test, Gwet’s first-order Agreement Coefficient (AC1), and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR). Results Cultural and linguistic adaptations were made to the instrument as well as changes to administration procedures to improve respondent comprehension. Participants with and without hearing loss had some comprehension difficulties in the visualspatial/executive domain task. This was observed not only in Stage 6 but also from the beginning of the adaptation process. Conclusion The adaptation process yielded an instrument with satisfactory content validity.

RESUMO A utilização de mudas de alta qualidade pode ser uma estratégia eficaz na restauração de áreas degradadas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produção de mudas de Cariniana estrellensis e Gallesia integrifolia utilizando níveis de sombreamento, e o crescimento dessas mudas em área de reflorestamento. De novembro/21 a março/22, a altura e o diâmetro do coleto das mudas foram avaliados, e após 103 dias, a área foliar, a biomassa, o índice de qualidade de Dickson e a produtividade da água foram determinados. Cada espécie constituiu um experimento distinto, disposto em delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos (níveis de sombreamento de 0; 37,6; 49,4 e 75,8%) e quatro repetições, com dez mudas por repetição. As mudas foram produzidas em tubetes de 280 mL preenchidos com biossólido e irrigadas por gotejamento com sistema automático de acionamento. Considerando a água proveniente da chuva e a irrigação suplementar, as mudas de C. estrellensis receberam, em média, 3,94; 3,60; 3,37 e 2,97 L por planta, enquanto as de G. integrifolia receberam 3,83; 3,63; 3,99 e 3,31 L por planta, respectivamente, durante o ciclo. As maiores produtividades da água foram encontradas nas mudas que receberam maior volume de água. As mudas de C. estrellensis produzidas com sombreamento de 49,4 e 75,8% apresentaram maior crescimento, e um ano após o transplantio alcançaram, em média, alturas de 76,0 e 72,3 cm, respectivamente. As mudas de G. integrifolia produzidas sob sombreamento de 49,4% apresentaram maior desempenho durante a fase de viveiro e melhor adaptação após transplantio.

ABSTRACT The utilization of high-quality seedlings can be an effective strategy for restoring degraded areas. This study aimed to evaluate the production of Cariniana estrellensis and Gallesia integrifolia seedlings using shading levels and the growth of these seedlings in reforestation areas. From November/21 to March/22, the seedlings’ height and stem diameter were evaluated, and after 103 days, the leaf area, biomass, Dickson quality index and water yield were determined. Each species constituted a distinct experiment, arranged in a randomized block design with four treatments (shading levels of 0, 37.6, 49.4, and 75.8%) and four repetitions, with ten seedlings per repetition. The seedlings were produced in 280 mL tubes filled with biosolids and irrigated by drip with an automatic activation system. Considering water from rain and supplementary irrigation, C. estrellensis seedlings received, on average, 3.94, 3.60, 3.37, and 2.97 L per plant, while G. integrifolia seedlings received 3.83, 3.63, 3.99, and 3.31 L per plant, respectively, during the cycle. The highest water yields were found in seedlings that received the largest volume of water. C. estrellensis seedlings produced under 49.4 and 75.8% shading showed greater growth, and one year after transplanting reached, on average, heights of 76.0 and 72.3 cm, respectively. G. integrifolia seedlings produced under 49.4% shading showed greater performance during the nursery phase and better adaptation after transplanting.

RESUMO A variação das características de precipitação sob o fenômeno El-Niño-Oscilação Sul (ENSO), como parte dos impactos da variabilidade climática, aumenta os potenciais riscos de declínio da produtividade nas áreas de cultivo de arroz ao redor do mundo. O impacto dos eventos ENSO em áreas de cultivo de arroz no Delta do Mekong (MD) foi examinado. O estudo explorou como o ENSO afeta os padrões de precipitação e, subsequentemente, influencia a produtividade do arroz na região. A análise de dados de precipitação de 12 estações entre 1985 e 2022 revela mudanças significativas no tempo da estação chuvosa devido aos eventos ENSO. Eventos La-Niña levam a um início médio de 22 dias antes da estação chuvosa, enquanto eventos fortes de El-Niño causam atrasos de até 24 dias. Essas mudanças impactam diretamente a produtividade do arroz, com La-Niña associado a ligeiros aumentos de produtividade e El-Niño com reduções substanciais. O estudo destaca a vulnerabilidade das áreas de cultivo de arroz no MD à variabilidade climática causada pelo ENSO, enfatizando a necessidade de estratégias proativas de adaptação para assegurar a segurança alimentar.

ABSTRACT The variation of rainfall features under the El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, as part of the impacts of climate variability, enhances the potential risk of rice yield decline for rice cultivation regions around the world. The impact of ENSO events on rice cultivation regions in the Mekong Delta (MD) is examined. The study explores how ENSO affects rainfall patterns and subsequently influences rice yield in the region. Analysis of rainfall data from 12 stations between 1985 and 2022 reveals significant shifts in wet season timing due to ENSO events. La-Niña events lead to an average 22-days earlier onset of the wet season, while strong El-Niño events cause delays of up to 24 days. These changes directly impact rice yield, with La-Niña being associated with slight yield increases and El-Niño with substantial yield reductions. The study highlights the vulnerability of rice cultivation regions in the MD to ENSO-driven climate variability, emphasizing the need for proactive adaptation strategies to ensure food security.