Hasil untuk "Latin America. Spanish America"

Yannis Karmim, Renato Pino, Hernan Contreras et al.

Large Language Models (LLMs) exhibit inequalities with respect to various cultural contexts. Most prominent open-weights models are trained on Global North data and show prejudicial behavior towards other cultures. Moreover, there is a notable lack of resources to detect biases in non-English languages, especially from Latin America (Latam), a continent containing various cultures, even though they share a common cultural ground. We propose to leverage the content of Wikipedia, the structure of the Wikidata knowledge graph, and expert knowledge from social science in order to create a dataset of question/answer (Q/As) pairs, based on the different popular and social cultures of various Latin American countries. We create the LatamQA database of over 26k questions and associated answers extracted from 26k Wikipedia articles, and transformed into multiple-choice questions (MCQ) in Spanish and Portuguese, in turn translated to English. We use this MCQ to quantify the degree of knowledge of various LLMs and find out (i) a discrepancy in performances between the Latam countries, ones being easier than others for the majority of the models, (ii) that the models perform better in their original language, and (iii) that Iberian Spanish culture is better known than Latam one.

María Grandury, Javier Aula-Blasco, Júlia Falcão et al.

Leaderboards showcase the current capabilities and limitations of Large Language Models (LLMs). To motivate the development of LLMs that represent the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking community, we present La Leaderboard, the first open-source leaderboard to evaluate generative LLMs in languages and language varieties of Spain and Latin America. La Leaderboard is a community-driven project that aims to establish an evaluation standard for everyone interested in developing LLMs for the Spanish-speaking community. This initial version combines 66 datasets in Basque, Catalan, Galician, and different Spanish varieties, showcasing the evaluation results of 50 models. To encourage community-driven development of leaderboards in other languages, we explain our methodology, including guidance on selecting the most suitable evaluation setup for each downstream task. In particular, we provide a rationale for using fewer few-shot examples than typically found in the literature, aiming to reduce environmental impact and facilitate access to reproducible results for a broader research community.

Daniela Ballari, Willington Siabato, Christophe Claramunt et al.

Open data initiatives and infrastructures play an essential role in favoring better data access, participation, and transparency in government operations and decision-making. Open Geographical Data Infrastructures (OGDIs) allow citizens to access and scrutinize government and public data, thereby enhancing accountability and evidence-based decision-making. This encourages citizen engagement and participation in public affairs and offers researchers, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and business sectors novel opportunities to analyze and disseminate large amounts of geographical data and to address social, urban, and environmental challenges. In Latin America, while recent open government agendas have shown an inclination towards transparency, citizen participation, and collaboration, only a limited number of OGDIs allow unrestricted use and re-use of their data. Given the region's cultural, social, and economic disparities, there is a contrasting digital divide that significantly impacts how OGDIs are being developed. Therefore, this paper analyses recent progress in developing OGDIs in Latin America, technological gaps, and open geographical data initiatives. The main results denote an early development of OGDIs in the region. Nevertheless, this opens the door for the timely involvement of citizens and non-government sectors to share needs, experiences, knowledge, and expertise, as well as to address a transboundary research agenda. Challenges are discussed from multiple perspectives: data, methodological, governmental and readiness, and potential impact. This analysis is aimed at researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in the specific challenges and progress of OGDIs in Latin America, while also contributing to the global conversation on best practices and lessons learned in implementing OGDIs across different contexts.

Ergon Cugler de Moraes Silva, Arthur Ataide Ferreira Garcia, Guilherme de Almeida et al.

How do conspiracy theory communities in Latin America and the Caribbean structure, articulate, and sustain the dissemination of disinformation about autism? To answer this question, this research investigates the structuring, articulation, and promotion of autism-related disinformation in conspiracy theory communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. By analyzing publications from 1,659 Telegram communities over ten years (2015 - 2025) and examining more than 58 million pieces of shared content from approximately 5.3 million users, this study explores how false narratives about autism are promoted, including unfounded claims about its causes and promises of miraculous cures. The adopted methodology combines network analysis, time series analysis, thematic clustering, and content analysis, enabling the identification of dissemination patterns, key influencers, and interconnections with other conspiracy theories. Among the key findings, Brazilian communities stand out as the leading producers and distributors of these narratives in the region, accounting for 46% of the analyzed content. Additionally, there has been an exponential 15,000% (x151) increase in the volume of autism-related disinformation since the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the correlation between health crises and the rise of conspiracy beliefs. The research also reveals that false cures, such as chlorine dioxide (CDS), ozone therapy, and extreme diets, are widely promoted within these communities and commercially exploited, often preying on desperate families in exchange for money. By addressing the research question, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the disinformation ecosystem and proposes critical reflections on how to confront these harmful narratives.

Adrián Celentano

El artículo se concentra en una faceta del intelectual gramsciano José Aricó apenas tenida en cuenta, la condición de biógrafo de Mao Tse Tung. Editada como fascículo por el Centro Editor de América Latina, la biografía de Mao que Aricó preparó en 1971 seguramente sea su texto más reeditado y vendido en esa década. En estas páginas reconstruimos, en primer lugar, la red editorial en la que se inscribió el fascículo. Luego nos detenemos en la relación explícita que el fascículo trazó con la intelectualidad maoísta europea de entonces, específicamente con la historiadora italiana Enrica Collotti Pischel que en 1965 había editado una biografía similar; para finalmente dedicarnos a la relación tácita que el fascículo mantuvo con las tesis de Gramsci.

José Contel, Fiona Pugliese

L. L. Santos, Érika Carvalho de Aquino, Suleimy Marinho Fernandes et al.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To characterize the distribution profile of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus infections in Latin America and the Caribbean and to identify possible factors associated with the risk of dissemination and severity of these arboviruses. Methods. The protocol of this review was registered on the PROSPERO platform. Searches were carried out in the following databases: Virtual Health Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Embase. The search terms were: Zika virus, Zika virus infection, dengue, dengue virus, chikungunya virus, chikungunya fever, epidemiology, observational study, Latin America, and Caribbean region. Studies that addressed the distribution of these arboviruses and the risk factors associated with dengue, Zika virus disease, and chikungunya, published between January 2000 and August 2020 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, were included. Results. Of 95 studies included, 70 identified risk factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes for arbovirus infections and 25 described complications and/or deaths. The highest frequency of confirmed cases was for dengue. Brazil reported most cases of the three arboviruses in the period analyzed. Environmental and socioeconomic factors facilitated the proliferation and adaptation of vectors, and host-related factors were reported to aggravate dengue. Most deaths were due to chikungunya, Zika virus disease caused most neurological alterations, and dengue resulted in greater morbidity leading to more frequent hospitalization. Conclusions. The review provides a broad view of the three arboviruses and the intrinsic aspects of infections, and highlights the factors that influence the spread of these viruses in the populations studied.

F. E. Andres, L. Boothroyd, T. Thornborrow et al.

The rapidly growing body of research investigating media influence on body image in Latin America has not been previously comprehensively synthesised. We systematically reviewed studies of the relationships between media use/influence, body image, and sociocultural appearance ideals in Latin America (CRD42021254607). We searched PsycINFO/Medline, Pubmed, Web of Science, ERIC, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations, SciElo, and LILACS for quantitative and qualitative peer-reviewed articles and doctoral theses in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Research conducted in Latin America, published 1991-2023, measuring a) media use/influence, and b) body image or appearance ideals was included. 68 articles met inclusion criteria, and quality appraisal concluded that most were of medium/high quality. A narrative review found consistent quantitative relationships, stronger in women than men, between media use/internalisation of media ideals and both body dissatisfaction and thinner appearance ideals. In contrast, participants in qualitative studies acknowledged media influence on their body image, but perceived greater influence from family and peers. Limitations included a predominance of cross-sectional research from Brazil and Mexico with adolescents and young adults. Additional longitudinal, experimental, and interventional work from elsewhere in Latin America is needed, recruiting more diverse samples and assessing more culturally salient appearance aspects (e.g., skin tone and hair texture).

Fabiana Ribeiro, A. C. Teixeira-Santos, P. Caramelli et al.

Background Studies have shown that the prevalence of dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) may be higher than in high-income countries. Thus, we sought to systematically analyse the prevalence of dementia and explore possible drivers that lead to this disparity in LAC countries. Method We searched Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Lilacs, and SciELO for studies on dementia in LAC countries published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Random-effects model was applied. Results Thirty-one studies from 15 LAC countries were included. Pooled prevalence of all-cause dementia was 10.66%. Further analyses with studies providing raw prevalence by sex, area, and educational level showed a higher prevalence for women (8.97%) than for men (7.26%). Also, dementia prevalence was higher for rural than urban residents (8.68% vs. 7.71%, respectively). Participants without formal education presented more than double the prevalence of dementia (21.37%) compared to those with at least one year of formal education (9.88%). Studies with more recent data collection showed higher dementia prevalence. Conclusion Our findings suggest a high global dementia prevalence in LAC countries and an unequal burden of dementia for women, lower-educated, and rural residents. Secular increases in dementia prevalence call for greater public health efforts for preventative actions.

A. Guzmán-Holst, R. DeAntonio, D. Prado-Cohrs et al.

Current vaccination coverage rates in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are lower than the region-wide rates set by the Pan American Health Organization. To improve vaccination uptake, it is crucial to identify barriers to vaccination. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify the key barriers to vaccination in the LAC region, and to classify and quantify factors affecting vaccination coverage using the barrier categories outlined by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) working group. We mapped knowledge gaps in the understanding of region-specific and population-specific vaccine hesitancy. Nine databases (Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, MedCarib, SciELO, Scopus, PATH, SAGE Online and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published in English, Spanish and Portuguese up to 15 July 2017. A total of 6867 articles were identified of which 75 were included in the review. Majority of the articles were quantitative in nature and nearly half from Brazil. Many other countries in LAC have limited published evidence on barriers to vaccination. The most commonly investigated target population was parents (of children <8 years of age [yoa] and adolescents 9-10 yoa) but there was a balance in the number of publications that reported on influenza, childhood and human papillomavirus vaccination. There was limited direct evidence which reported insights on the new generation of childhood vaccines (pneumococcal or meningococcal vaccines) or studies targeting adolescents and pregnant women. Among the SAGE barrier categories, 'individual/group influences' were the most frequently reported barrier category (68%) followed by 'contextual influences' (47%). Adverse socioeconomic factors, a low level of education, lack of awareness of diseases and their vaccines, religious and cultural beliefs are commonly cited as obstacles to vaccination acceptance. Additional evidence is needed to fully understand the barriers to vaccination for different target populations, countries in the region and specific vaccine types.

Abraham Ramos Torres, Laura N Montoya

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global economy, and Latin America is no exception. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in AI development and implementation in the region. This paper presents a ranking of Latin American (LATAM) countries based on their potential to become emerging powers in AI. The ranking is based on three pillars: infrastructure, education, and finance. Infrastructure is measured by the availability of electricity, high-speed internet, the quality of telecommunications networks, and the availability of supercomputers. Education is measured by the quality of education and the research status. Finance is measured by the cost of investments, history of investments, economic metrics, and current implementation of AI. While Brazil, Chile, and Mexico have established themselves as major players in the AI industry in Latin America, our ranking demonstrates the new emerging powers in the region. According to the results, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Ecuador are leading as new emerging powers in AI in Latin America. These countries have strong education systems, well-developed infrastructure, and growing financial resources. The ranking provides a useful tool for policymakers, investors, and businesses interested in AI development in Latin America. It can help to identify emerging LATAM countries with the greatest potential for AI growth and success.

Laura Tenjo-Patiño, Cristian E. Bello, Alcides Montoya Cañola

Quantum computing is a rapidly advancing field with the potential to drive scientific, educational, and technological development. However, it faces a significant shortage of qualified experts, creating an urgent demand for skilled professionals. In Latin America, quantum education remains in its early stages, further widening the regional talent and access gap due to limited educational infrastructure and financial constraints. This work presents an initiative to integrate quantum computing into higher education in Latin America through the application of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies, which offers a standardized approach to defining competency requirements and assessing essential skills in the field. We propose introductory courses aligned with the frameworks guidelines, designed to meet industry standards and reach a broad audience. Additionally, we introduce supplementary resources, including team dynamics and evaluation methodologies, to enhance the educational ecosystem. These initiatives aim to create a sustainable and comprehensive quantum education model across Latin America, to close the regional skills gap, foster inclusivity, and prepare a diverse workforce to contribute innovative solutions on the global stage.

Alvaro M. Aparicio-Morales, Enrique Moguel, Luis Mariano Bibbo et al.

Quantum computing represents a revolutionary computational paradigm with the potential to address challenges beyond classical computers' capabilities. The development of robust quantum software is indispensable to unlock the full potential of quantum computing. Like classical software, quantum software is expected to be complex and extensive, needing the establishment of a specialized field known as Quantum Software Engineering. Recognizing the regional focus on Latin America within this special issue, we have boarded on an in-depth inquiry encompassing a systematic mapping study of existing literature and a comprehensive survey of experts in the field. This rigorous research effort aims to illuminate the current landscape of Quantum Software Engineering initiatives undertaken by universities, research institutes, and companies across Latin America. This exhaustive study aims to provide information on the progress, challenges, and opportunities in Quantum Software Engineering in the Latin American context. By promoting a more in-depth understanding of cutting-edge developments in this burgeoning field, our research aims to serve as a potential stimulus to initiate pioneering initiatives and encourage collaborative efforts among Latin American researchers.

A. C. Aguilar, A. Bashir, J. J. Cobos-Martínez et al.

The Electron-Ion Collider, a next generation electron-hadron and electron-nuclei scattering facility, will be built at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The wealth of new data will shape research in hadron physics, from nonperturbative QCD techniques to perturbative QCD improvements and global QCD analyses, for the decades to come. With the present proposal, Latin America based physicists, whose expertise lies on the theory and phenomenology side, make the case for the past and future efforts of a growing community, working hand-in-hand towards developing theoretical tools and predictions to analyze, interpret and optimize the results that will be obtained at the EIC, unveiling the role of the glue that binds us all. This effort is along the lines of various initiatives taken in the U.S., and supported by colleagues worldwide, such as the ones by the EIC User Group which were highlighted during the Snowmass Process and the Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5).

Carolina Pradier, Diego Kozlowski, Natsumi S. Shokida et al.

The Latin-American scientific community has achieved significant progress towards gender parity, with nearly equal representation of women and men scientists. Nevertheless, women continue to be underrepresented in scholarly communication. Throughout the 20th century, Latin America established its academic circuit, focusing on research topics of regional significance. Through an analysis of scientific publications, this article explores the relationship between gender inequalities in science and the integration of Latin-American researchers into the regional and global academic circuits between 1993 and 2022. We find that women are more likely to engage in the regional circuit, while men are more active within the global circuit. This trend is attributed to a thematic alignment between women's research interests and issues specific to Latin America. Furthermore, our results reveal that the mechanisms contributing to gender differences in symbolic capital accumulation vary between circuits. Women's work achieves equal or greater recognition compared to men's within the regional circuit, but generally garners less attention in the global circuit. Our findings suggest that policies aimed at strengthening the regional academic circuit would encourage scientists to address locally relevant topics while simultaneously fostering gender equality in science.

Gabriel Bizama, Alexander Wu, Bernardo Paniagua et al.

This research aims to provide a framework to assess the contribution of digital currencies to promote financial inclusion, based on a diagnosis of the landscape of financial inclusion and domestic and cross-border payments in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also provides insights from central banks in the region on key aspects regarding a possible implementation of central bank digital currencies. Findings show that although digital currencies development is at an early stage, a well-designed system could reduce the cost of domestic and cross-border payments, improve the settlement of transactions to achieve real-time payments, expand the accessibility of central bank money, incorporate programmable payments and achieve system performance demands.

Alessandra D'Alise, Davide Iacobacci, Francesco Sannino

We show that the epidemiological Renormalization Group (eRG) framework is a useful and minimal tool to effectively describe the temporal evolution of the Dengue multi-wave pandemics. We test the framework on the Dengue history of several countries located in both Latin America and Asia. We also observe a strong correlation between the total number of infected individuals and the changes in the local temperature. Our results further support the expectation that global warming is bound to increase the cases of Dengue worldwide. We then move to investigate, via the eRG, the recent outbreak in Fano, Italy and offer our projections.

Ismael Jiménez Jiménez

Jessica R. Carney

Women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in Latin America (LA)’s Spanish-speaking countries have demonstrated great need for formal services, including medical, legal, and mental health supports. However, women’s rates of formal help-seeking for IPV in the Americas remain extremely low. A systematic literature review was conducted to understand barriers to women’s help-seeking for IPV in LA’s Spanish-speaking countries. Five electronic databases were searched with search terms in English and Spanish related to IPV, help-seeking, and barriers. Articles were included in the review if they were published in peer-reviewed journals; original empirical research; published in English or Spanish; and had participants who were women exposed to IPV or service providers who worked with IPV-exposed women; and were conducted in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. 19 manuscripts were synthesized. Inductive thematic analysis of barriers to formal help-seeking for IPV identified in the articles resulted in five key themes: intrapersonal barriers, interpersonal barriers, organization-specific barriers, systemic barriers, and cultural barriers. Findings demonstrate the need to consider culture as a driving force in why women face extensive barriers to help-seeking across the social ecology. Suggestions for interventions at each level of the social ecology to better support women exposed to IPV in LA’s Spanish-speaking countries are discussed.

Angélica Nogueira-Rodrigues, Matheus G Flores, Avelar Oliveira Macedo Neto et al.

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst females in Latin America (LATAM). Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and HPV vaccination is a main key strategy towards its elimination. This study analyzes HPV vaccine implementation current status and the main barriers to achieve adequate coverage in the region. Data from the nineteen sovereign states of LATAM (comprised of all Portuguese and Spanish-speaking nations located south of the United States) were collected, including year of HPV vaccine implementation, gender and age targets, the number of doses included in the public program and coverage by dose. Sixteen out of the 19 evaluated countries have already implemented HPV vaccination programs. However, despite its proven efficacy and safety, HPV vaccine uptake in LATAM has been lower than expected. There is an evident decline in adhesion, mainly regarding the second dose. Several reasons are probably involved, of note: limited knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine, misguided safety concerns, high cost, cultural barriers, and the Covid19 pandemic. Proper strategies to overcome these barriers are needed to ensure successful uptake. Effective policies are: adopting the one dose schedule, delivering the vaccine on both health center and schools, and advising health professionals to recommend the vaccine. Further research regarding HPV vaccine hesitancy in Latin America is needed.