Author: Latest Results

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the ways that early childhood teachers were “making waves” as they fostered equitable classrooms through multicultural picturebooks. Through a thematic analysis of one-on-one interviews and a virtual book selection simulation, five early childhood teachers offered their insights on the potential barriers teachers may face in selecting and using such books in their classrooms, as well as their suggestions for curating classroom libraries that highlight books that serve as mirrors, windows, and doors for children. These insights have the potential to support other early childhood teachers as they make waves of their own and leverage multicultural children’s literature to build equitable classrooms.

Abstract

The practice of reading aloud to children is ubiquitous in early childhood classrooms. Teachers read aloud to young children to entertain, to build early literacy skills, to develop domain specific content knowledge and vocabulary, to promote social and emotional development and well-being, and to draw children into community with each other and the world. The types of texts teachers decide to immerse children in matters: children need opportunities to examine fiction and nonfiction texts, to learn from and about history, to wonder about phenomena in their natural, physical, and social worlds. This study explores the range of titles that 445 early childhood teachers reported reading with their students at a single timepoint. It describes the variety of fiction and nonfiction texts teachers reported reading and surfaces rich culturally relevant literature selections use with young children.

Abstract

Drawing on 662 studies from 102 countries, we present a systematic review of published empirical studies about site-level biodiversity conservation initiated between 1970 and 2019. Within this sample, we find that knowledge production about the Global South is largely produced by researchers in the Global North, implying a neocolonial power dynamic. We also find evidence of bias in reported ecological outcomes linked to lack of independence in scientific studies, serving to uphold narratives about who should lead conservation. We explore relationships in the sample studies between conservation initiative types, the extent of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ influence in governance, and reported social and ecological outcomes. Findings reveal positive ecological and social outcomes are strongly associated with higher levels of influence of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and their institutions, implying equity in conservation practice should be advanced not only for moral reasons, but because it can enhance conservation effectiveness.

Abstract

Honey production in Mexico is an ancient economic, social, and biocultural activity for indigenous communities, Mayas, and Totonacs, among others. Stingless bee honeys are used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, and ophthalmic ailments as they contain compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activities. Here, a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of Mexican stingless bee honeys is presented as a contribution to strengthening the practice of meliponiculture by native Mayan and Totonac communities. By delivering information on the main physicochemical parameters for the honeys of Melipona beecheii and Scaptotrigona mexicana, it is intended to increase their commercial and biocultural value in different regions of Mexico, taking into consideration the different zootechnical management techniques used by these communities. A statistical analysis was performed to identify if there were significant differences in the physicochemical parameters evaluated. Significant differences were observed in moisture level, pH, sugar composition, and HMF content between at least two of the honeys analyzed. Furthermore, a principal component analysis confirmed these differences by showing a distinct profile for Scaptotrigona mexicana honey when compared to the honeys of two other species. Here, the information that stingless beekeepers can use to classify and characterize the honeys they produce is provided. This information will complement the indisputable efforts by native populations to conserve biological biodiversity, the defense of their territories, and the various ancestral practices employed for the breeding, management, and reproduction of stingless bees. Furthermore, this information will help to increase the economic sustainability of meliponiculture by these communities.

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Purpose of Review

We systematically reviewed implementation research conducted in Indigenous communities in the Americas and the Pacific that focused on improving delivery of HIV preventive or treatment services. We highlight strengths and opportunities in the literature and outline principles for Indigenous-led, HIV-related implementation science.

Recent Findings

We identified 31 studies, revealing a consistent emphasis on cultural tailoring of services to Indigenous communities. Common barriers to implementation included stigma, geographic limitations, confidentiality concerns, language barriers, and mistrust. Community involvement in intervention development and delivery emerged as a key facilitator, and nearly half of the studies used community-based participatory research methods. While behavioral HIV prevention, especially among Indigenous youth, was a major focus, there was limited research on biomedical HIV prevention and treatment. No randomized implementation trials were identified.

Summary

The findings underscore the importance of community engagement, the need for interventions developed within Indigenous communities rather than merely adapted, and the value of addressing the social determinants of implementation success. Aligned to these principles, an indigenized implementation science could enhance the acceptability and reach of critical HIV preventive and treatment services in Indigenous communities while also honoring their knowledge, wisdom, and strength.

Abstract

In the era of smart computing, edge computing, and machine intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) is playing a greater role in establishing hyper connective, cost-effective infrastructure for monitoring the environment. With the increase in the level of urbanization and population density in very fast-growing cities like Nagpur, the increase in air pollution needs to be monitored. This requires a network of Pollution monitoring systems for carrying out spatio-temporal analysis of pollution in the city on a real-time basis. Such established networks can be a key to understand the sources of pollution under various city conditions. To monitor and manage air pollutants, it is essential to put in place monitoring stations at multiple places. Although commercial pollution monitoring stations exist, they are limited in number. In this study, an attempt has been made to develop and implement a network of IoT devices using cost effective Metal Oxide Semiconductor based gas sensors integrated with ATMEGA 328P Microcontroller. Commercial systems are found to be space, energy and cost expensive. The developed pollution monitoring system can be replicated easily since they are compact in size, cost-effective, network and energy independent. This study discusses the development and implementation of a network of 10 smart IoT sensors in the Nagpur metropolis. The developed smart air pollution monitoring system combines IoT technology with real-time pollution monitoring systems. It measures and monitors temperature, humidity and pollutant concentration of Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide and PM2.5 and Nitrous oxides simultaneously. The study envisages to support Sustainable Development Goals – SDG11 which aims to reduce the environmental impact of cities by improving air quality.