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Fungi mostly reproduce through spores that are adapted for airborne dispersal; hence, fungal spores (and fungi) are found virtually everywhere. Fungi can be "friends or foes." Our friends include fungi used in the food and biotech industries, fungi that contribute to the cycling of carbon and nutrients, and those involved in the decontamination of polluted soils and/or water, to mention just a few examples. Many species, however, are foes--they are detrimental to plants, animals, and/or humans. Annually, >1.5 million people die due to invasive fungal infections. With the aim of enhancing microbiology literacy and the understanding of microbial concepts, we set up a project for the collection of airborne spores (the principal agent through which human airways are exposed to fungi). Students from five high schools in the Oeiras municipality partnered with us as citizen scientists; they carried out sampling by collecting fungal spores on adhesive stickers. The fungal spores collected by the students were subsequently processed in the schools and our research laboratory. Results obtained by the students themselves revealed a large variety of fungal species capable of growing in a rich medium at 30°C. In the research laboratory, using selective isolation conditions, 40 thermotolerant fungi were isolated, 32 of which were taxonomically identified as aspergilla, mostly from within the Aspergillus fumigatus taxa, yet exhibiting high genetic heterogeneity. The protocols and results were presented to the students, who were made aware of the local dispersal of airborne fungal spores, including some from potentially pathogenic fungi. Through carrying out scientific activities, the students developed both the interest and the self-confidence needed to implement future environmental investigations.

The tradition of studies involving the combinatorial approach to recurring numerical sequences has accumulated a few decades of tradition, and several problems continue to attract the interest of mathematicians in several countries. This work specifically discusses the Fibonacci, Pell, and Jacobsthal sequences, focusing on Mersenne sequences. The often-used definition of board involves considering how to fill a specific regular surface--the board--with a limited quantity of regularly shaped tiles. On the other hand, an analogous problem can be generalized and exemplifies current research developments. Finally, the examples covered constitute unexpected ways of exploring visualization and other skills in mathematics teachers' learning, consequently inspiring them for their teaching context.

Recent studies have evaluated the use of social media as learning aids in tertiary education. Emerging research in this area has focused primarily on non-quantitative approaches to student social media engagement. However, quantitative engagement outcomes may be extracted from student posts, comments, likes, and views. The goal of the present review was to provide a research-informed taxonomy of quantitative and behavior-based metrics of student social media engagement. We selected 75 empirical studies comprising a pooled sample of 11,605 tertiary education students. Included studies used social media for educational purposes and reported student social media engagement outcomes (source databases: PsycInfo and ERIC). We used independent raters and stringent interrater agreement and data extraction processes to mitigate bias during the screening of references. Over half of the studies (52%, n = 39) utilized ad hoc interviews and surveys to estimate student social media engagement, whereas thirty-three studies (44%) used some form of quantitative analysis of engagement. Based on this literature, we present a selection of count-based, time-based, and text-analysis metrics. The proposed taxonomy of engagement metrics resulting provides the methodological basis for the analysis of social media behavior in educational settings, particularly, for human operant and behavioral education studies. Implications for future research are discussed.

Background: Speech and language therapists (SLTs) play an important role in assessing and rehabilitating communication disorders in people with dementia, but there is evidence to suggest that they do not receive appropriate training to provide management and support during their training. Aim: To investigate the level of awareness and knowledge that practising SLTs from Brazil have about dementia and their role in the care of dementia through an online survey. Methods & Procedures: An online survey tool was developed to collect information from practising Brazilian SLTs regarding their knowledge about dementia, awareness about their role in the care of people with dementia, and opinions on how SLTs may be better prepared to work in the dementia field. The survey was disseminated via social media, websites, and e-mail lists of researchers and stakeholders. Outcomes & Results: A total of 227 SLTs completed the survey. Participants showed good knowledge of dementia in general, while their answers were less accurate on primary progressive aphasia. Regarding the awareness by SLTs of their role in the care of people with dementia, most agreed or strongly agreed that SLTs could help people in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dementia (> 80%). However, fewer participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt confident in contributing to the treatment and diagnosis process of dementia (about 50%). To improve the training of SLTs in Brazil, most participants believed that it would be necessary to improve the teaching of dementia at the undergraduate speech and language therapy curriculum level and to develop recommendations or guidelines about speech and language therapy practice in dementia. Conclusions & Implications: The results of this survey point to a need for improvement in the knowledge and confidence of Brazilian SLTs about dementia. To reach this goal, targeted training courses and applied practice opportunities should be embedded within university curricula and training programmes.

Background: Speech in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a complex myriad of presenting symptoms. It is uniquely associated with the structural difference of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), together with a wide and heterogeneous range of other aetiologies which often co-occur. The nature of the speech sound disorder (SSD) including VPI may also change over the course of an individual's care pathway. Differences in terminology and approaches to analysis are currently used, resulting in confusion internationally. Additionally, current diagnostic labels and classification systems in SSD do not capture the complexity and full nature of speech characteristics in CLP. Aims: This paper aims to explore the different aetiologies of cleft palate/VPI speech and to relate aetiology with speech characteristic(s). In so doing, it attempts to unravel the different terminology used in the field, describing commonalities and differences, and identifying overlaps with the speech summary patterns used in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The paper also aims to explore the applicability of current diagnostic labels and classification systems in the non-cleft SSD literature and illustrate certain implications for speech intervention in CLP. Methods and Procedures: The different aetiologies were identified from the literature and mapped onto cleft palate/VPI speech characteristics. Different terminology and approaches to analysis are defined and overlaps described. The applicability of current classification systems in SSD is discussed including additional diagnostic labels proposed in the field. Outcomes and Results: Aetiologies of cleft palate/VPI speech identified include developmental (cognitive-linguistic), middle ear disease and fluctuating hearing loss, altered oral structure, abnormal facial growth, VPI-structural (abnormal palate muscle) and VPI-iatrogenic (maxillary advancement surgery). There are four main terminologies used to describe cleft palate/VPI speech: active/passive and compensatory/obligatory, which overlap with the four categories used in the UK speech summary patterns: anterior oral cleft speech characteristics (CSCs), posterior oral CSCs, non-oral CSCs and passive CSCs, although not directly comparable. Current classification systems in non-cleft SSD do not sufficiently capture the full nature and complexity of cleft palate/VPI speech. Conclusions and Implications: Our attempt at identifying the heterogeneous range of aetiologies provides clinicians with a better understanding of cleft palate/VPI speech to inform the management pathway and the nature and type of speech intervention required. We hope that the unravelling of the different terminology in relation to the UK speech summary patterns, and those used elsewhere, reduces confusion and provides more clarity for clinicians in the field. Diagnostic labels and classification require international agreement.

This work is a segment of an ongoing doctoral research in Brazil. The Leonardo numbers and the Leonardo sequence have gained attention from mathematicians and the academic community. Despite being a relatively new sequence within mathematical literature, its discussion has intensified over the past five years, giving rise to other branches, with contributions and associations to other topics in mathematics. Thus, the aim of this study was to construct and present the state of the art of the Leonardo sequence, considering its historical aspects and highlighting works on its evolutionary process in the epistemic-mathematical field, regarding its generalization, complexification, hyper complexification, and combinatorial model during the last five years (2019-2023). The methodology used was a bibliographic study, where the state of the art was carried out through the mapping of publications on the subject. Twenty-four research works related to the key descriptors "Leonardo sequence", "Leonardo numbers", "complexification", "generalization", "hybrids", and "combinatorial model" were found, cataloged, and discussed. From the analysis of these studies, it is noted that its development in pure mathematics has advanced to other branches and discoveries, and that, albeit timidly, research on the subject has emerged directed towards the field of education, especially in the initial teacher training and, particularly, in Brazil.

An alternative to insert history of science (HS) in teacher formation programs is the use of concept maps (CM), which may be very useful to represent the historical elaboration dimension of science concepts, laws, and principles. This paper presents the results of a study that identifies the conceptions of pre-service physics teachers about the relationships between CM hierarchical organization and knowledge elaboration in HS. In the first stage of the research, the content analysis methodology was used to analyze and categorize the students' answers to questions concerning the relationships between CM hierarchical organization and HS. In the second stage, the answers of a different group of pre-service teachers were analyzed concerning the level of agreement with the categories previously elaborated. The students associated CM hierarchical organization with knowledge improvement, elucidation of the importance level of the concepts, and the relationships between more general and more specific contents. We point out that the use of CM in HS subjects may contribute to the pre-service teachers associating HS concepts not in a chronological way, but in hierarchical order, from the most general to the most specific ones.

In light of the increasing frequency of misleading information in social media regarding environmental issues, this study aimed to identify misleading information spread through TikTok videos and to discuss why such content is considered misleading, drawing on relevant literature. Hashtags with large numbers of views, such as #climatechange, #sustainability, #pollution, #biodiversity, #environmentalprotection, #environmentalissues, #energysource, and #environmentalproblems, were used for data collection through web scrapper called Apify (https://apify.com/). A total of 29 misleading videos were found. Content analysis was applied to identify and classify the topics and misleading claims. The topics of misleading videos, according to the most frequent mentions, were energy sources, followed by climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and environmental degradation. Among the misleading claims, videos related to pyramids as nonpollutant power plants and conspiracy related to pollution exhibited the highest frequency. The results show various misleading claims in videos related to environmental topics. Also, emphasized the importance of science education in addressing misleading information. In addition, the importance of an interdisciplinary approach for addressing environmental issues was reinforced.

This research delves into the multifaceted aspects influencing the adoption and utilization of ChatGPT among postgraduate students. Executed as a qualitative study involving participants from a prominent federal university, the primary objective was to discern students' nuanced perceptions of ChatGPT and their inclination to embrace it as an academic support tool. Based on Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the study employed thematic analysis with a focus on critical dimensions. Results illuminate that students are motivated to amplify academic performance, boost productivity, and streamline time management, with ChatGPT emerging as a user-friendly solution. Peer and faculty influence further solidified its integration, evolving into a habitual tool, and the availability of a free version significantly contributed to its widespread adoption. This research highlights the growing prevalence of ChatGPT across diverse academic activities, encompassing exploratory research, programming, presentations, and email composition--however, varying opinions surface regarding its efficacy and limitations in scientific text production. The research findings, particularly in the context of technology assimilation in academia, hold significant relevance for educational policymakers and practitioners. They offer valuable insights that can help form policies that foster the judicious and effective integration of technology within educational settings.

Revolutionary technological advancements have introduced the integration of Conversational AI into a multitude of different settings. This widespread implementation has raised questions about the impact of AI on learning, its benefits are and its potential costs. This study aims to explore the perspectives of parents, investigating their confidence in allowing conversational AI tools to become part of children's learning. The study analyses survey responses of 101 parents to investigate how they feel about this emerging tool. Our primary hypothesis was that parents would be overall positive toward implementing conversational AI into education. Secondly, it was hypothesised that alongside the positivity, parents would also show moderate apprehension to their children using conversational AI. Results showed most participants would allow their children to use these tools in confidence, and believed they will learn quicker with authentic information provided by AI and when educational apps have AI integrated in their systems. In conclusion, participants generally had a positive outlook on the potential impact of conversational AI on the future of their children's education, in duality the study also finds a coinciding level of uncertainty and apprehension toward conversational AI is and its uses.

Service-Learning (SL) is a powerful methodology to acquire competences and values in Higher Education. However, there is still no widespread use in Information and Computer Science (ICS) degrees where most of the subjects are focused on the development of theoretical and practical contents purely related to technical competences. In this paper, we show the structure of a SL methodology to develop Bachelor's Thesis: 1) definition of proposals considering all the competencies of the Bachelor's Thesis subject and the needs of entities; 2) development of applications using agile methodologies, and 3) assessment of the SL experience from students, entities and professors. We present an experience developed in the 2019/2020 academic year with two entities devoted to disfavoured people. The results show both the high technical and professional quality of the projects and the high satisfaction of entities and students. We hope that the development of applications with the collaboration of non-profit entities allows the acquisition of both specific and transversal competencies on ICS degrees at the same time enhancing the development of useful professional ones.

Poor mental health in childhood and adolescence has a significant impact on both physical and mental health throughout life. However, growing evidence suggests that current levels of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) care are insufficient to meet the needs of many children and adolescents in the United States as evidenced by increasing rates of mental health problems, inequities in diagnosis, and inaccessibility of services. This article provides a discussion of current problems in CAMH and school mental health services and emphasizes a developmental perspective of CAMH, including the co-occurrence of school difficulties and mental health concerns. A universal design for learning framework for school-wide mental health programs is suggested as a means of addressing barriers to care and promoting prevention and early intervention in CAMH.

Digital transformation (DT) is raising new challenges. This article seeks to understand how DT has changed business strategies, requiring a new profile of professionals, analyzing the most sought-after skills and identifying opportunities for future professionals. Also, it studies whether universities have incorporated in their training the new skills required by the labor market impacted by DT. To these ends, a systematic literature review dealing with digital transformation, competence, and education was conducted. The existing literature was categorized into seven main areas of investigation: digital literacy; skills identification; use of digital technologies in teaching; learning models; workforce qualification or re-skilling; digital technologies in the labor market; and undergraduate course analysis. This structuring then lays the groundwork for capturing gaps in the literature and proposing future research.

We investigated the effects of perceived parenting styles, causal attributions for academic success/failure, and perceived school performance (PSP) on adolescents' psychological well-being (PWB). Participants were 200 Brazilian adolescents who answered the Parenting Styles & Dimensions Questionnaire, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Rating Scale of Causal Attributions for Academic Success/Failure (RSCA). The results showed that adolescents' PWB was predicted by authoritative parenting style (APS), internal and controllable attributions (appropriate motivations to cope with academic success/failure; ICASF), and PSP. In addition, we tested a mediation model showing that the ICASF mediated the relationship between APS and PSP, which in turn led to better PWB. These results highlighted the relevance of parenting styles and school-based causal attributions for the understanding of adolescents' mental health. Our findings can support interventions that enable more effective teaching-learning processes, which are associated with higher levels of mental health for the adolescent population.