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The need to develop tailored tools for improving the quality of thematic bibliometric analyses: Evidence from papers published in Sustainability and Scientometrics
Purpose: The aim of this article is to explore up to seven parameters related to the methodological quality and reproducibility of thematic bibliometric research published in the two most productive journals in bibliometrics, Sustainability (a journal outside the discipline) and Scientometrics, the flagship journal in the field.
Design/methodology/approach: The study identifies the need for developing tailored tools for improving the quality of thematic bibliometric analyses, and presents a framework that can guide the development of such tools. A total of 508 papers are analysed, 77% of Sustainability, and 23% published in Scientometrics, for the 2019-2021 period.
Findings: An average of 2.6 shortcomings per paper was found for the whole sample, with an almost identical number of flaws in both journals. Sustainability has more flaws than Scientometrics in four of the seven parameters studied, while Scientometrics has more shortcomings in the remaining three variables.
Research limitations: The first limitation of this work is that it is a study of two scientific journals, so the results cannot be directly extrapolated to the set of thematic bibliometric analyses published in journals from all fields.
Practical implications: We propose the adoption of protocols, guidelines, and other similar tools, adapted to bibliometric practice, which could increase the thoroughness, transparency, and reproducibility of this type of research.
Originality/value: These results show considerable room for improvement in terms of the adequate use and breakdown of methodological procedures in thematic bibliometric research, both in journals in the Information Science area and journals outside the discipline
Analysis of renal function and structure in hypertensive rats treated with low level laser therapy
Introduction: the object of this study was to investigate the effect of low level laser therapy on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Material and method: twenty weeks-old rats from SHR and Wistar strains were included in the study and were divided into four groups, namely: normotensive control (NTC), hypertensive control (HTC), normotensive experimental (NTE,), and hypertensive experimental (HTE). Rats in control groups were not laser irradiated whereas the kidneys of rats in experimental groups were transcutaneally irradiated in predetermined spots with a continuous wave of an 850 nm (100 mW/cm2, 12 J/cm2) for 2 minutes for 6 weeks. Urine and blood parameterswere measured, and histological procedures were performed to test renal function and structure in the four groups before and after treatment. Results: albumin and total proteins concentration in urine and glucose and potassium concentrations in blood changed significantly a consequence of the interaction of group and time. Nevertheless, variations could not be attributable to LLLT effect, but rather were the consequence of age-related changes both in hypertensive and normotensive rats. Histological analysis revealed that structure glomeruli, tubulointerstitial and vasculature were regular in all the groups. No changes were observed in renal function or structure in normotensive rats irradiated when compared to normotensive controls. Conclusions: under experimental conditions and hypertension model, LLLT had no effect on any variable studied but this procedure demonstrated to be safe for kidney. Futures experiments should be focused on exploring LLLT effect on other stages of CKD. © Cuestiones de Fisioterapia 2023. All rights reserved.Introducción: el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto de la terapia con láser de baja intensidad en la progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en ratas endogámicas SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rats). Material y método: se incluyeron en el estudio ratas de 20 semanas de edad de las cepas SHR y Wistar y se dividieron en 4 grupos, a saber: control normotenso (NTC), control hipertenso (HTC), experimental normotenso (NTE) e hipertenso experimental (HTE). Las ratas de los grupos control no fueron irradiadas con láser mientras que los riñones de las ratas de los grupos experimentales fueron irradiados transcutáneamente en puntos predeterminados con una onda continua de 850 nm (100 mW/cm2, 12 J/cm2) durante 2 minutos durante 6 semanas. Se midieron los parámetros de orina y sangre, y se realizaron procedimientos histológicos para evaluar la función y estructura renal en los 4 grupos, antes y después del tratamiento. Resultados: la concentración de albúmina y proteínas totales en orina y las concentraciones de glucosa y potasio en sangre cambiaron significativamente como consecuencia de la interacción de grupo y tiempo. Sin embargo, las variaciones no pueden atribuirse al efecto de la terapia con láser de baja intensidad, sino que son consecuencia de cambios relacionados con la edad tanto en ratas hipertensas como normotensas. El análisis histológico reveló que la estructura de los glomérulos, túbulo intersticial y los vasos eran regulares en todos los grupos. No se observaron cambios en la función o estructura renal en ratas normotensas irradiadas en comparación con los controles normotensos. Conclusiones: bajo condiciones experimentales y modelo de hipertensión, la terapia con láser de baja intensidad no tuvo efecto sobre ninguna de las variables estudiadas, por lo que este procedimiento demostró ser seguro para el riñón. Los experimentos futuros deben centrarse en explorar el efecto de la terapia con láser de baja intensidad en otras etapas de la ERC
Healthy habits in children. Before, during and after confinement due to COVID-19
Adequate physical activity (PA) engagement and Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence are important for improving health. Children’s lifestyles have been affected by lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also possible that the initial detrimental impact of the pandemic on children’s health continues beyond the period in which confinement was imposed. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze PA engagement, MD adherence and screen time in children during confinement and compare findings with data gathered during pre- and post-confinement periods. The initial sample included 55 children aged 10-12 years. Of these, eighteen could not be followed up. The final sample was composed of 37 children aged 12-13 years. All were primary school students in the province of Granada, Spain. Validated questionnaires were administered to evaluate PA (PAQ-C) and Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED). The FAS III test was used to evaluate socioeconomic status and an ad-hoc questionnaire was developed to collect sociodemographic data and evaluate screen time. Children exhibited worse PA levels and screen time during confinement when compared with pre-confinement and post-confinement periods. Screen time habits acquired during confinement continued afterwards. In contrast, PA levels were higher following confinement than both during and afterwards.La práctica adecuada de actividad física (AF) y la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (DM) son importantes para mejorar la salud. Los estilos de vida de los niños se han visto afectados por el confinamiento debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. También es posible que el impacto perjudicial inicial de la pandemia en la salud de los niños continúe más allá del periodo en el que se impuso el confinamiento. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar el compromiso con la AF, la adherencia a la DM y el tiempo de pantalla en los niños durante el confinamiento y comparar los hallazgos con los datos recopilados durante los períodos previos y posteriores al confinamiento. La muestra inicial incluyó 55 niños de 10-12 años. De ellos, dieciocho no pudieron ser objeto de seguimiento. La muestra final estaba compuesta por 37 niños de 12-13 años. Todos eran alumnos de primaria de la provincia de Granada, España. Se administraron cuestionarios validados para evaluar la AF (PAQ-C) y la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (KIDMED). Se utilizó el test FAS III para evaluar el estatus socioeconómico y se desarrolló un cuestionario ad-hoc para recoger datos sociodemográficos y evaluar el tiempo de pantalla. Los niños mostraron peores niveles de AF y tiempo frente a la pantalla durante el confinamiento en comparación con los periodos previo y posterior al confinamiento. Los hábitos de tiempo frente a la pantalla adquiridos durante el confinamiento continuaron después. Por el contrario, los niveles de AF fueron más altos después del confinamiento que durante y después del mismo
Protective Factors for Developing Cognitive Skills against Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks capitalize on human behaviors. The prevalence of cyberattacks surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by the increased interconnectivity of individuals on online platforms and shifts in their psychological dynamics due to the pandemic’s context. The enhancement of human factors becomes imperative in formulating a robust cybersecurity strategy against social engineering in the post-COVID-19 era and in anticipation of analogous pandemics. This study aims to propose a model for delineating strategies across various phases of cyberattacks, grounded in the cyber kill chain model, while also encompassing cognitive mechanisms for adaptive responses. This approach aims to cultivate defensive cognitive factors like resilience and self-efficacy. To achieve this objective, we conducted an exploratory study adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Subsequently, we pursued a descriptive and correlational study based on prevalent attacks during the pandemic. The intention was to pinpoint proactive factors conducive to the development of cognitive capabilities to counter cyberattacks. These insights could pave the way for the creation of training programs and technological solutions aimed at mitigating the impact of such cyberattacks
Systemic oxidative stress and circulating long non-coding RNAs as potential novel cardiovascular risk factors in the general population
Background and Aims: A significant proportion of the general population escape CVR lowering approaches basing on the currently used CVR estimators, which mostly rely on traditional CVR factors. We studied systemic oxidative stress and circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential novel CVR factors.
Methods: Systemic oxidative stress was assessed by OxyScore and AntioxyScore in 896 adults (17-65 years old) considering <30 years old as controls. Standardized values of carbonyl groups, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and oxidized LDL were included in OxyScore, and total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity in AntioxyScore. lncRNAs CoroMarker, KCNQOT1, UCA1, LeXis, MALAT-1, MIAT and Wisper were measured in plasma of a subset of 142 patients. CVR was determined by QRisk-lifetime.
Results: OxyScore and AntioxyScore were associated with CVR independently of sex and age (p<0.05), traditional CVR factors (smoking, SBP, cholesterol, LDL, blood glucose, BMI, eGFR, family history; p<0.01), and antihypertensive (p<0.001) and statin (p<0.01) treatments. Circulating KCNQ1OT1 correlated with age and blood glucose (p<0.05 and p<0.01), UCA1 with LDL (p<0.05), and CoroMarker, UCA1, and LeXis with cholesterol (p<0.05). Interestingly, Wisper was associated with OxyScore (p<0.01) independently of traditional CVR factors.
Conclusions: The association between systemic oxidative stress and CVR suggests that integrating multimarker scores such as OxyScore and AntioxyScore into CVR estimators might improve CVR assessment. Moreover, we show for the first time the associations between a panel of lncRNAs and traditional CVR factors, pointing to their potential as clinical biomarkers.
Finally, we describe Wisper as a novel lncRNA associated with oxidative stress, and which specific role deserves further investigation
Impact of Active Methodologies and Critical Pedagogy on History Learning: A Quasi-Experimental Study in University Students
The academic literature highlights that active methodologies and critical pedagogy significantly influence learning and
competency development. This quasi-experimental study investigates the impact of these methodologies in the subject of History
Didactics, focusing on the simulation of trials of historical figures. Forty-eight third-year Primary Education degree students
participated. Learning achievements were measured before and after the implementation of these methodologies. The results
showed significant improvements in the achievement of learning objectives, competencies, and values. The historical trials
activity was the most valued, standing out for its immersive and participatory nature. This study provides a solid foundation for
future research and the development of effective educational programs
Twelve-crystal prototype of Li2MoO4 scintillating bolometers for CUPID and CROSS experiments
An array of twelve 0.28 kg lithium molybdate (LMO) low-temperature bolometers equipped with 16 bolometric Ge light detectors, aiming at optimization of detector structure for CROSS and CUPID double-beta decay experiments, was constructed and tested in a low-background pulse-tube-based cryostat at the Canfranc underground laboratory in Spain. Performance of the scintillating bolometers was studied depending on the size of phonon NTD-Ge sensors glued to both LMO and Ge absorbers, shape of the Ge light detectors (circular vs. square, from two suppliers), in different light collection conditions (with and without reflector, with aluminum coated LMO crystal surface). The scintillating bolometer array was operated over 8 months in the low-background conditions that allowed to probe a very low, μBq/kg, level of the LMO crystals radioactive contamination by 228Th and 226Ra
Podcast como herramienta didáctica para la enseñanza del Teatro Medieval en 3º de la ESO (edad: 13-14 años)
The following work presents a teaching unit that aims to use the particularities and benefits
of the podcast within the subject of Spanish Language and Literature in the 3rd year of
Secondary Education in order to increase the creative and communication capacities of the
students. Student research and learning about the society and times of the Middle Ages will
be key objectives within the proposal.
The podcast methodology within project-based learning will give students the opportunity to
learn traditional content in a more innovative way. Competencies in Linguistic Communication
and Digital Competence will be key throughout the development and implementation of the
project.
The proposal has been divided into two parts, both being interrelated at all times and with the
aim of complementing each other. In the first part, students will discover the main authors of
medieval theatre and imitate them, and then record different podcasts in which they will
present created content.En el siguiente trabajo se presenta una unidad didáctica que tiene como objetivo utilizar las
particularidades y beneficios del podcast dentro de la asignatura de Lengua Castellana y
Literatura en 3º de Educación Secundaria con el fin de incrementar las capacidades creativas
y comunicacionales de los estudiantes. La investigación de los alumnos y el aprendizaje sobre
la sociedad y la época de la Edad Media serán objetivos claves dentro de la propuesta.
La metodología del podcast dentro del aprendizaje basado en proyectos brindará a los
alumnos la oportunidad de aprender contenidos de siempre de forma más innovadora. Las
Competencias en Comunicación Lingüística y la Competencia Digital serán clave durante todo
el desarrollo y puesta a punto del proyecto.
La propuesta ha sido dividida en dos partes, estando ambas interrelacionadas en todo
momento y con el fin de complementarse la una a la otra. En la primera parte, los alumnos
descubrirán a los principales autores de teatro medieval y los imitarán, para luego grabar
diferentes podcasts en los que expondrán el contenido creado
Musicoterapia en tiempos de crisis: una propuesta de intervención con niños refugiados
Since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine on 22 February 2022, thousands of children have arrived in Spain and have been welcomed as refugees, not always accompanied by family members. The consequences of war are far-reaching, extending beyond the armed conflict itself. This often means having to move to a host country where they must face a new culture, language, etc. This work will provide a music therapy tool to promote the social integration of refugee children. We have identified a clear need among Ukrainian children seeking asylum in Spain. We aim to provide a secure space for these children, aged between 3 and 6, to express themselves and develop their potential. We will also work to sensitise them to their situation and use creative approaches to treat trauma and improve their quality of life. We will do this through music therapy, which we will use in the social sphere. To achieve this objective, we have developed an intervention proposal adapted to mental, emotional and behavioural health problems associated with exposure to highly traumatic content at an early age. We have also conducted a review of the benefits provided by the use of music therapy with migrant populations.Desde el comienzo de la guerra entre Rusia y Ucrania a fecha 22 de febrero de 2022, miles de niños han llegado a España y han sido acogidos en calidad de refugiados, no siempre acompañados de familiares. Las consecuencias de la guerra van más allá del propio conflicto armado, hasta el punto de tener qué trasladarse a un país de acogida donde enfrentarse a una nueva cultura, idioma, etc.
El propósito de este trabajo es proporcionar una herramienta de musicoterapia para promover la integración social de niños refugiados. Basándonos en las necesidades de niños ucranianos que han solicitado asilo en España, se busca ofrecer un espacio de seguridad, expresión y desarrollo para niños refugia- dos con edades entre los 3 y los 6 años, promoviendo la sensibilidad hacia su situación y el uso de enfoques creativos para el tratamiento del trauma y la mejora de la calidad de vida con recursos de musico- terapia en el ámbito social. Para lograr este objetivo, se ha desarrollado una propuesta de intervención adaptada a los problemas de salud mental, emocional y conductual asociados a la exposición a contenidos altamente traumáticos en edades tempranas, así como una revisión de los beneficios aportados por el uso de la musicoterapia con población migrante
La Gamificación como método de enseñanza-aprendizaje en Genética y Evolución en Biología de 4º de ESO
The recent results of the PISA reports show the need of the adoption of new methodologies
for science education. Based on the scientific knowledge of recent studies we see the
continuous decline in recent years, that is why we must opt for new teaching methods that
provide meaningful learning to students.
The gamification proposal in this master’s thesis is also carried out together with the use of
cooperative learning, so that students work together forging values, skills, competencies and
acquiring knowledge that will form them into adults prepared for incorporation into society.
The game of the “Cobaya genética” based on gamification, gives playful and motivational
aspects to the learning of students by obtaining badges, applying everything to the Genetics
and Evolution knowledge block of the 4th year of ESO, in order to dynamize the learning of
concepts that create barriers due to the difficulty of their terms and scientific explanations.Los recientes resultados de los informes PISA dejan constancia de la necesidad de la adopción
de nuevas metodologías para la enseñanza de ciencias. Basándonos en los índices de
conocimientos científicos de los recientes estudios, vemos el descenso continuo en los últimos
años, es por eso que debemos optar por nuevos métodos de enseñanza que proporcionen un
aprendizaje significativo a los alumnos.
La propuesta de gamificación en este trabajo de final de máster se realiza conjuntamente
también con el uso del aprendizaje cooperativo en pos que los alumnos trabajen
conjuntamente forjando valores, habilidades, competencias y adquiriendo conocimientos que
los formen en personas adultas preparadas para la incorporación a la sociedad.
El juego de la Cobaya genética, basado en la gamificación, le da aspectos lúdicos y de
motivación al aprendizaje de los alumnos mediante la obtención de insignias, aplicándolo todo
al bloque de saberes de Genética y Evolución del curso de 4º de la ESO, por tal de dinamizar
los aprendizajes de unos conceptos que crean barreras debido a la dificultad de sus términos
y explicaciones científicas