Ancestral Computing for Sustainability: Centering Indigenous Epistemologies in Researching Computer Science Education.

This article offers Ancestral Computing for Sustainability (ACS) to dismantle the logics of settler colonialism that affect accessibility, identities, and epistemologies of computer science education (CSE). ACS centers Indigenous epistemologies in researching CSE across four public universities in the United States. This paper describes Ancestral Computing for Sustainability and explores reflections of two students engaging as researchers in ACS inquiry. Drawing on Indigenous methodologies and Participatory Action Research, they share their reflections as co-researchers in ACS through storywork. These critical reflections include their relationship to computing, observations of the interdependent work within ACS, ethics and sustainability, and their experiences within the focus groups. The article ends with recommendations for furthering ACS as a decolonial approach that centers Indigenous epistemologies in CSE. Recommendations for CSE education include Ancestral Knowledge Systems and adding sustainability as a topic within computing education pathways and building student-faculty relationships based on trust is recommended to foster students' academic and personal growth within CSE education and research.

Saberes ancestrales y tradicionales en parteras de la parroquia cañar. Un instrumento para su medición / Ancestral and traditional knowledge in midwives of the cañar parish. An instrument for your measurement

Las parteras tradicionales son mujeres que aprenden de forma generacional habilidades para atender un parto natural desde la medicina natural. Sin embargo, estas prácticas carecen de atención al momento de alguna complicación tanto para el bebé como para la Objetivo: validar los instrumentos cuantitativo y cualitativo que nos permitirán Identificar los saberes ancestrales y tradicionales en parteras de la parroquia cañar en periodo junio 2020, a junio 2021. Materiales y métodos: Investigación mixta: cuantitativa y cualitativa. De tipo de campo, de corte transversal de tipo evaluativo, de diseño no experimental. La población está constituida por 20 parteras de parroquia Cañar, con edades de 25 a 75 años. Resultados: El instrumento cualitativo arrojo un promedio de confiabilidad total de sus tres categorías de 89,8 lo que coloca en la categoría de muy confiable y en el instrumento cuantitativo se obtuvo un promedio de confiabilidad de 91,2 lo que señala que se encuentra ubicado dentro de la categoría de muy confiable. Conclusión: Los resultados evidencian que los instrumentos son aptos, confiables y válidos para medir la variable independiente, y su correlación con la variable dependiente, cumplimiento de la hipótesis general de esta investigación(AU)

Traditional midwives are women who learn, generationally, skills to attend a natural birth from natural medicine. However, these practices lack attention at the time of any complication for both the baby and the mother Objective: to validate the quantitative and qualitative instruments that will allow us to identify the ancestral and traditional knowledge in midwives of the Cañar parish in the period June 2020, to June 2021. Materials and methods: Mixed research: quantitative and qualitative. Field-type, cross-sectional, evaluative, non-experimental design. The population is made up of 20 midwives from the Cañar parish, aged between 25 and 75 years. Results: The qualitative instrument showed an average of total reliability of its three categories of 89.8, which places it in the category of very reliable and in the quantitative instrument an average reliability of 91.2 was obtained, which indicates that it is located in the very reliable category. Conclusion: The results show that the instruments are suitable, reliable and valid to measure the independent variable, and its correlation with the dependent variable, fulfilling the general hypothesis of this research(AU)

Estudio etnobotánico del uso de las plantas medicinales en la comunidad indígena Pijao en Natagaima, Colombia / Ethnobotanical study of the use of medicinal plants in the indigenous Pijao community in Natagaima, Colombia

Semi-structured interviews (80) were applied in order to document the medicinal plants used by the Pijao indigenous community in Natagaima, Colombia. As a result, a total of 110 species distributed in 54 families were registered, Asteraceae and Fabaceae (9% each) being the most important families. Regarding the parts of the plant, the most used structure was leaves (46.7%), the main form of preparation was infusion (32%), and the most used way of administration was oral (77.8%). The value of use of the species by informants (VUis), therelative importance of medicinal species (IRE) and the index of cultural value of medicinal species (IVUs) were determined. The most important species according to their value of use were: Tamarindus indicaL., Psidium guajavaL., Menthax piperitaL., Moringa oleiferaLam. The most reported ailments were gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain and diarrhea, general aches, headache, fever, swollen liver, and respiratory problems.

Entrevistas semiestructuradas (80) fueron aplicadas con el fin de documentar las plantas medicinales utilizadas por la comunidad indígena Pijao en Natagaima, Colombia. Como resultado seregistraron un total de 110 especies distribuidas en 54 familias, siendo Asteráceas y Fabáceas (9% cada una) las más importantes. El órgano más utilizado fueron las hojas (46.7%). La forma de preparación principal fue la infusión (32%), y la vía de administración más utilizada fue la oral (77.8%). Se determinó el valor de uso de la especie por informante (VUis), importancia relativa de especies medicinales (IRE) y el índice de valor cultural de especies medicinales (IVUs). Las especies más importantes según el valor de uso fueron: Tamarindus indicaL., Psidium guajavaL., Menthax piperitaL. Moringa oleifera Lam. Las afecciones mayormente registradas fueron los problemas gastrointestinales, tales como dolor de estómago y diarrea; dolores corporales generales, dolor de cabeza, fiebre, hígado inflamado y problemas respiratorios.

Searching for a paradigm shift in the research on the epilepsies and associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities. From ancient historical knowledge to the challenge of contemporary systems complexity and emergent functions.

In this review, we will discuss in four scenarios our challenges to offer possible solutions for the puzzle associated with the epilepsies and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. We need to recognize that (1) since quite old times, human wisdom was linked to the plural (distinct global places/cultures) perception of the Universe we are in, with deep respect for earth and nature. Plural ancestral knowledge was added with the scientific methods; however, their joint efforts are the ideal scenario; (2) human behavior is not different than animal behavior, in essence the product of Darwinian natural selection; knowledge of animal and human behavior are complementary; (3) the expression of human behavior follows the same rules that complex systems with emergent properties, therefore, we can measure events in human, clinical, neurobiological situations with complexity systems' tools; (4) we can use the semiology of epilepsies and comorbidities, their neural substrates, and potential treatments (including experimental/computational modeling, neurosurgical interventions), as a source and collection of integrated big data to predict with them (e.g.: machine/deep learning) diagnosis/prognosis, individualized solutions (precision medicine), basic underlying mechanisms and molecular targets. Once the group of symptoms/signals (with a myriad of changing definitions and interpretations over time) and their specific sequences are determined, in epileptology research and clinical settings, the use of modern and contemporary techniques such as neuroanatomical maps, surface electroencephalogram and stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and imaging (MRI, BOLD, DTI, SPECT/PET), neuropsychological testing, among others, are auxiliary in the determination of the best electroclinical hypothesis, and help design a specific treatment, usually as the first attempt, with available pharmacological resources. On top of ancient knowledge, currently known and potentially new antiepileptic drugs, alternative treatments and mechanisms are usually produced as a consequence of the hard, multidisciplinary, and integrated studies of clinicians, surgeons, and basic scientists, all over the world. The existence of pharmacoresistant patients, calls for search of other solutions, being along the decades the surgeries the most common interventions, such as resective procedures (i.e., selective or standard lobectomy, lesionectomy), callosotomy, hemispherectomy and hemispherotomy, added by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), neuromodulation, and more recently focal minimal or noninvasive ablation. What is critical when we consider the pharmacoresistance aspect with the potential solution through surgery, is still the pursuit of localization-dependent regions (e.g.: epileptogenic zone (EZ)), in order to decide, no matter how sophisticated are the brain mapping tools (EEG and MRI), the size and location of the tissue to be removed. Mimicking the semiology and studying potential neural mechanisms and molecular targets - by means of experimental and computational modeling - are fundamental steps of the whole process. Concluding, with the conjunction of ancient knowledge, coupled to critical and creative contemporary, scientific (not dogmatic) clinical/surgical, and experimental/computational contributions, a better world and of improved quality of life can be offered to the people with epilepsy and neuropsychiatric comorbidities, who are still waiting (as well as the scientists) for a paradigm shift in epileptology, both in the Basic Science, Computational, Clinical, and Neurosurgical Arenas. This article is part of the Special Issue "NEWroscience 2018".

Conocimiento ancestral de plantas medicinales en la comunidad de Sahuangal, parroquia Pacto, Pichincha, Ecuador / Ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants in the community of Sahuangal, Pacto parish, Pichincha, Ecuador / Conhecimento ancestral de plantas medicinais na comunidade de Sahuangal, freguesia de Pacto, Pichincha, Ecuador

Uno de los factores de gran importancia para la supervivencia y perpetuación de la humanidad ha sido el conocimiento y uso de plantas medicinales como medicamentos herbarios. En el presente estudio de caso se identificó los conocimientos ancestrales de los recursos botánicos de la parroquia Rural de Sahuangal, ubicada al noroccidente de Pichincha, Ecuador. La recolección de información se realizó a través de visitas técnicas, talleres participativos, entrevistas y encuestas a los pobladores de esta comunidad quienes ayudaron a identificar 23 plantas medicinales de uso comunitario. Los habitantes de la comunidad de Sahuangal, en especial los abuelos y las mujeres mayores del hogar cuentan con un amplio conocimiento sobre plantas a las cuales les atribuyen propiedades curativas mismas que son empleadas para tratar diferentes padecimientos o enfermedades.

One of the factors of great importance for the survival and perpetuation of humanity has been the knowledge and use of medicinal plants as herbal medicines. In the present case study, the ancestral knowledge of the botanical resources of the Rural parish of Sahuangal, located northwest of Pichincha, Ecuador, was identified. The information collection was carried out through technical visits, participatory workshops, interviews and surveys with the inhabitants of this community who helped identify 23 medicinal plants for community use. The inhabitants of the Sahuangal community, especially the grandparents and elderly women of the household, have extensive knowledge about plants to which they attribute healing properties that are used to treat different ailments or diseases.

Um dos fatores de grande importância para a sobrevivência e perpetuação da humanidade tem sido o conhecimento e a utilização das plantas medicinais como fitoterápicos. No presente estudo de caso, foi identificado o conhecimento ancestral dos recursos botânicos da freguesia Rural de Sahuangal, localizada a noroeste de Pichincha, Equador. A coleta de informações foi realizada por meio de visitas técnicas, oficinas participativas, entrevistas e pesquisas com moradores dessa comunidade que ajudaram a identificar 23 plantas medicinais para uso comunitário. Os habitantes da comunidade Sahuangal, especialmente os avós e as mulheres idosas da casa, têm amplo conhecimento sobre as plantas às quais atribuem propriedades curativas que são usadas para tratar diferentes doenças ou enfermidades.

La naturaleza en la Constitución: visiones indígenas y propuestas ante la crisis / Nature and the Constitution: indigenous perspectives and proposals for the crisis / A natureza na Constituição: visões indígenas e propostas diante da crise

Este trabajo analiza la forma en que el derecho y la Constitución del 80 tratan a la naturaleza. Esta visión se contrapone con los enfoques de las filosofías de los pueblos indígenas andinos y mapuche, las cuales apuntan a la interrelación, interdependencia y reciprocidad en las relaciones entre sociedad y naturaleza. A partir de los problemas ambientales que la ciencia ha sistematizado y que afectan al mundo y al país, este trabajo elabora propuestas para una nueva configuración de lo ambiental y la naturaleza en la Constitución.

This paper assesses how the law and the 1980 Constitution deal with nature. This view contrasts with the perspective of the philosophies of the indigenous Andean and Mapuche peoples which consider the interrelation, interdependence and reciprocity in the relationships between society and nature. From the standpoint of the environmental problems that science has systematized and that affect the world and the country, this paper puts forward proposals for a new configuration for issues concerning the environment and nature in the Constitution.

Este trabalho analisa a forma como o Direito e a Constituição dos anos 80 tratam a natureza. Esta visão se contrapõe com o enfoque das filosofías dos povos indígenas andinos e mapuche, as quais apontam para a interrelação, interdependencia e reciprocidade nas relações entre sociedade e a natureza. A partir dos problemas ambientais que a ciencia sistematizou e que afetam o mundo e o país, este trabalho elabora propostas para uma nova configuração do ambiental e da natureza na Constituição.

Knowledge and interactions of the local community with the herpetofauna in the forest reserve of Quininí (Tibacuy-Cundinamarca, Colombia).

BACKGROUND: The study of human-nature relationship has made possible to understand the life dynamics of the communities and the biodiversity with which they cohabit. Although there has been a rise of ethnobiological studies over the last decade, little is known about human interaction with herpetofauna in South America and Colombia. In this work, we analyzed the knowledge, perception, and interaction of a local community located in the forest reserve of Quininí (RFPCQ) in Cundinamarca (Colombia), concerning to the herpetofauna that inhabits the area. METHODS: We performed semi-structured surveys containing 30 questions categorized into three groups: academic knowledge (1), use and cultural beliefs (2), and interactions (3) related to the herpetofauna that occurs in the region. The obtained data in question groups 1 and 2 are presented as a qualitative summary. For the question group 3, we assigned the answers to a hostility value according to the possible reaction of each individual interviewed in a hypothetical encounter with the herpetofauna and built tendency charts in order to see the positive or negative reactions due to the birthplace (urban/rural) and gender (male/female). RESULTS: The community recognized the presence of amphibians and reptiles that cohabit their space, as well as their potential habitats. Besides, the role of herpetofauna was recognized in the magical/religious traditions for some inhabitants of the region, mainly associated with the fate and cure of chronic diseases. In general, the perception of amphibians and reptiles varied according to the origin and gender of the people, which tend to have a more positive perception of reptiles than compared to amphibians in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a general lack of knowledge on the part of the inhabitants of the RFPCQ about the biological and ecological aspects of herpetofauna, the population recognized the basic information about the habitats of these animals within the reserve area. There is a wide variety of uses of amphibians and reptiles in traditional medicine. Greater efforts should be made in the transmission and dissemination of knowledge about the ecological functions of herpetofauna.

Agroecology and Health: Lessons from Indigenous Populations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The article aims to systematize and disseminate the main contributions of indigenous ancestral wisdom in the agroecological production of food, especially in Latin America. For this purpose, it is necessary to ask whether such knowledge can be accepted by academia research groups and international forums as a valid alternative that could contribute to overcome the world's nutritional problems. RECENT FINDINGS: Although no new findings are being made, the validity of ancestral knowledge and agroecology is recognized by scientific research, and by international forums organized by agencies of the United Nations. These recommend that governments should implement them in their policies of development, and in the allocation of funds to support these initiatives. Agroecology and ancestral knowledge are being adopted by a growing number of organizations, indigenous peoples and social groups in various parts of the world, as development alternatives that respond to local needs and worldviews. Its productive potential is progressively being recognized at an international level as a model that contributes to improve the condition of people regarding nutritional food.