[Objective] This study aims to analyze the behavior of food services in managing waste, covering the entire process from the acquisition of raw materials to waste disposal. The research focuses on understanding the current practices and identifying areas for improvement in waste management within these services. [Methodology] A structured survey was designed to gather comprehensive information on business characteristics, perceptions of food loss and waste, and waste prevention and management practices. The survey was conducted virtually among 283 food service businesses over the course of three months: March, April, and May 2024. [Results] Responses, which provided both qualitative and quantitative data, were analyzed to produce descriptive statistics and explore correlations among key variables. Results revealed significant patterns in the behavior of food services regarding the management of food loss and waste. [Conclusions] The findings reveal a substantial need for implementing incentives rather than punitive measures, such as taxes, to promote better waste management practices. These insights contribute to broadening the discourse on sustainable practices within the food service industry and highlight the potential for policy interventions to support more effective waste management.

[Objective] Cancer is one of the major causes of death and one of the most significant burdens on global healthcare systems and communities. Breast cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in both sexes, trailing only lung, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancer. Multiple strategies have been offered to combat the occurrence. However, effective and side-effect-free medications are still required. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of the dietary combined herbs extract of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe and Phyllanthus niruri L. against 7,12-Dimethylbenz[α]anthrancene (DMBA)-induced carcinogenesis mouse model. [Methodology] Six experimental groups were set, including a vehicle group, DMBA group, cisplatin treatment with a dose of 3 mg/kg BW, Cheral dose treatment of 1.233 mg/kg BW, 2.466 mg/kg BW, and 4.923 mg/kg BW. Flow cytometry analysis of the expression number of M2 macrophages, T helper 17 cells, regulatory T cells, and B cells was performed. [Results] Interestingly, in the present study, we found that the combination of C. zedoaria and P. niruri extract showed an ameliorative effect on DMBA-induced carcinogenesis mouse model by suppressing several immune cells, including M2 macrophages, T helper 17 cells, regulatory T cells, and B cells in the secondary lymphoid organ. [Conclusion] Thus, these results suggested that combining C. zedoaria and P. niruri extracts could be used for anti-cancer drug candidate development.

[Objective] The objective of this study was to analyze the practical arguments of a group of mathematics teacher educators during the assessment of the design of a didactic unit on functions for secondary education students (ages 15-16). [Methodology] A qualitative methodology was employed, consisting of an intrinsic case study that involved eight mathematics teacher educators with knowledge of the Didactic Suitability Criteria construct, who participated in a Lesson Study cycle. In the reflection stage of this cycle, participants used this construct to assess the design of the didactic unit (which included the teacher’s planning and the students’ dossier). The emerging practical arguments were structured using Toulmin’s model. [Results] Three results are highlighted. First, the assessment of the didactic unit using the components of the Didactic Suitability Criteria made it possible to identify strengths and areas for improvement within the teaching and learning process of functions. Second, the participants utilized these components as data, backups, and validation in their practical arguments, leveraging their knowledge of this construct. Third, the participants employed all these components to assess the didactic unit and supported their proposals for change based on these components. [Conclusion] The Didactic Suitability Criteria played a role as a generator of practical argumentation for the participants and as a central element in structuring these arguments. Finally, some recommendations are proposed for the implementation of future Lesson Study cycles.

[Objective] This study aimed to implement 3D image acquisition and postprocessing tools for the natural heritage preservation of a collection of craniums from a zoology museum and a wildlife rescue center. [Methodology] Samples were prepared following osteotechnics protocols developed at the rescue center. They were then digitized in a darkroom using a metrology-grade 3D scanner. Meshes were optimized for both fabrication and visualization purposes. Subsequently, some of the models were printed at a university makerspace using three different technologies to be measured and analyzed with the metrology capabilities of inspection software; the purpose was to determine which technology provided the most accurate replicas.[Results] The results demonstrated that the three technologies produced high-quality replicas. However, those based on optical processes (SLA and material jetting) generated more accurate physical models, which are of particular interest for scientific fields, such as zooarchaeology, paleontology, biology, and veterinary medicine. These fields could benefit from training and learning experiences supported by these digital asset collections. The models were successfully adapted to be uploaded to a 3D viewer platform, which is compatible with low-cost virtual reality solutions, to implement them in environmental education activities. [Conclusions] The experience demonstrates that photogrammetry and 3D scanning are feasible solutions to preserve high-value samples of scientific and historical interest composed of biological materials exposed to degradation by environmental conditions. It also provides new digital assets to foster outreach and educational activities for universities, museums, and rescue centers.

[Objective] This study aims to analyze the current state of research on artificial intelligence (AI) in mathematics education, its applications, and its role in teaching and learning processes. [Methodology] A systematic review of the literature was conducted in three stages: identification, selection, and inclusion of articles from three recognized databases, resulting in 29 articles. These articles were thoroughly analyzed to identify participants, instruments used, the country of the authors' affiliation, year of publication, type of research, methodological approach, and the role of AI in these studies. [Results] There is a noticeable increase in research related to AI in mathematics education, with most studies being empirical and quantitative. The most frequently used instruments are questionnaires and interviews, with half of the studies employing at least two data collection instruments. Additionally, most studies focused on intelligent learning systems to enhance learning and support teaching, particularly for online assessment. [Conclusions] The reviewed articles show no evidence of research at the early childhood education level and very little related to teacher training. Few studies demonstrate the use of theoretical frameworks or approaches from the Didactics of Mathematics.

[Objective] Estimate the production potential of biofuels from the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of biomass residues in Costa Rica and their respective carbon footprint. [Methodology] The generation potential of biomass residues suitable to produce biofuels through the HTL process was estimated using reports from different institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Chamber of Poultry Farmers, and the National Water Company. In addition, using mathematical models that predict biocrude yield based on the type of biomass used, the biocrude production potential was estimated, as well as its respective upgrade to biodiesel and its co-products (biogasoline and biobunker). These results were compared with the current fuel consumption in Costa Rica. Finally, the carbon footprint for the production process of these biofuels was calculated using ISO 14067 standard. [Results] Under the assumptions of this study, it was found that Costa Rica has the potential to produce biocrude, biodiesel, biogasoline, and biobunker, amounting to 1,383,299 tons/year, 635,788 tons/year, 295,336 tons/year, and 70,140 tons/year, respectively. In addition, it was estimated that the carbon footprints associated with the production of biodiesel, biogasoline, and biobunker are 14.57 gCO2eq/MJ, 13.88 gCO2eq/MJ, and 13.33 gCO2eq/MJ, respectively. [Conclusions] Under the assumptions of this study, it was concluded that Costa Rica has a potential replacement of fossil fuels of 71%, 43%, and 76% for biodiesel, biogasoline, and biobunker, respectively. Also, it was estimated that with this technology (HTL), the carbon footprint could be reduced by 18%, 36%, and 6% when using biodiesel, biogasoline, and biobunker, respectively, instead of the corresponding fossil fuels.

[Objetivo] Este trabajo tiene como objetivo indagar los significados sobre conjetura en estudiantes de la escuela secundaria, poniendo de manifiesto algunas disparidades entre estos significados personales y el que adquiere en la institución matemática. [Metodología] La metodología utilizada es de tipo cualitativo. Se efectúa un estudio de casos, a fin de profundizar los significados personales de conjetura en estudiantes del ciclo orientado de escuelas secundarias de la ciudad de Río Cuarto, Argentina (15-16 años). Para ello, se analizan los sistemas de prácticas que ponen a funcionar un grupo de estudiantes ante tres problemas que involucran la elaboración, contrastación, reformulación o validación de conjeturas, incluyendo entrevistas realizadas a ellos mismos. Estos análisis se llevan a cabo utilizando herramientas del enfoque ontosemiótico, con el cual se determinan configuraciones de objetos primarios y procesos cognitivos en estas prácticas personales. [Resultados] Se logran identificar conflictos semióticos en dichas prácticas, particularmente, disparidades entre significados personales de conjetura y el significado pretendido desde la institución matemática, hecho que pone en evidencia, a través de indicadores empíricos, el valor epistémico otorgado por los estudiantes a las proposiciones emergentes de sus prácticas argumentativas. Esto obstaculiza la posibilidad de dudar sobre el alcance general de sus afirmaciones y la necesidad de plantear otro tipo de argumentación, tal como se pretende desde la institución matemática. [Conclusiones] Esta investigación revela la importancia de desvelar la complejidad ontosemiótica de las prácticas personales relacionadas con la formulación y validación de conjeturas y de poner al descubierto los conflictos semióticos cognitivos vinculados a dichos significados personales.

[Objetivo] La presente investigación busca caracterizar el trabajo matemático de los estudiantes de educación secundaria en formación técnica profesional (TP) que participan en una propuesta didáctica que integra aprendizajes matemáticos y de la especialidad administración. [Metodología] Se trata de una investigación de enfoque cualitativo basado en un estudio de caso que analiza el trabajo matemático en el aula de estudiantes de último año de la educación media TP. El sustento teórico considera aspectos de la interdisciplinariedad y teoría Espacios de Trabajo Matemático. [Resultados] Los resultados dan cuenta de la distancia entre los análisis previstos y lo que efectivamente realizan los estudiantes, lo que se manifiesta en la presencia del plano [Sem-Ins] por sobre los otros. Estos resultados se han organizado según el tipo de respuesta: estándar, incompleto, bloqueo o dificultad, y se han clasificado según las producciones de los estudiantes. [Conclusiones] Los resultados evidencian que la primera subtarea se ha desarrollado en el tipo estándar con activación del plano [Sem-Ins] y en una parte de ella la génesis discursiva, mientras que las siguientes subtareas corresponden a incompleto y bloqueo o dificultad, respectivamente en las que solo se observa la presencia de la génesis semiótica. Finalmente, se puede concluir que, los conceptos de la especialidad no son una dificultad al momento de ser relacionados con el trabajo matemático. Sin embargo, desde la matemática se han identificado dificultades respecto a la comunicación del razonamiento discursivo, asociados a la génesis discursiva y la lectura de gráficos, lo que sugiere la necesidad de trabajar este tipo de actividades que integren la matemática con la especialidad TP, como lo es en este caso la administración.

[Background] Discovery learning is a model that guides students to actively learn in finding concepts or knowledge through an inquiry process based on the data or information obtained from experiments or observations. [Objective] The present study examined the implementation of a modification of discovery learning using mind mapping in promoting students’ mathematical curiosity and creativity. [Method] A Classroom Action Research (CAR) design was employed in this study. The participants were 250 students in Middle Indonesian who registered in the academic year of 2020/2021. [Results] The descriptive analysis showed that the students achieved an average score of 44.04 with a standard deviation of 18.716 in pre-CAR, 52.48 with a standard deviation of 22.978 after cycle I, and 76.72 with a standard deviation of 17.097 after cycle II. Based on the students’ mathematical creative thinking scores, 2 (8%) students could perform creative thinking in pre-CAR, 6 (24%) students after cycle I, and 22 (88%) students after cycle II. These figures indicated that the students classically achieved the ability to think creatively in mathematics after cycle II. [Conclusion] It was concluded that the implementation of modified discovery learning and mind mapping could promote students’ mathematical creative thinking ability. The interview results also suggest that the learning model could increase mathematical curiosity of both the low and high achievers.

[Objetivo] Este trabajo busca caracterizar el trabajo matemático que el futuro profesor de matemática privilegia en el contexto de sus prácticas tempranas, en su formación inicial, particularmente, en la última de estas instancias (práctica profesional), a través de sus propuestas de enseñanza, en relación con el desarrollo de las habilidades disciplinares (matemáticas) establecidas por el currículo chileno. [Metodología] Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, en el cual se analizó la implementación de una clase en línea sobre medidas de posición (cuartiles) y su correspondiente planificación. Se realizó el examen de contenido sobre las tareas matemáticas incluidas en la clase, respecto a sus características matemáticas y las habilidades disciplinares declaradas en la planificación. [Resultados] Los resultados muestran que el trabajo matemático privilegiado en dichas tareas aborda habilidades diferentes a la planificada y que la baja participación de los estudiantes en el contexto de la clase en línea lleva al futuro profesor a resolver por sí mismo las asignaciones que propone, lo que restringe el desarrollo de las habilidades matemáticas del currículo, contempladas en la planificación. [Conclusiones] El trabajo matemático propuesto en las tareas seleccionadas promueve el uso de representaciones semióticas y aspectos operacionales de los cuartiles, pero queda desvinculado del desarrollo de las habilidades disciplinares. Finalmente, se reflexiona en torno a cómo se produce la selección de tareas que comprometan a los estudiantes y que permitan el desarrollo de las habilidades planificadas por parte del futuro profesor, considerando lo que espera desarrollar durante la enseñanza y motiva la observación de los procesos formativos de los docentes.