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Early numeracy and math performance profiles at 6th grade of primary school
No full textLas habilidades matemáticas adquiridas durante la etapa de Educación Infantil pueden predecir el rendimiento matemático al finalizar la escolaridad, siendo éste un factor determinante de la empleabilidad en la adultez. En este sentido, parece plausible determinar perfiles tempranos con el objetivo de contribuir a la detección de las dificultades en el área de las matemáticas. Por ello, este estudio retrospectivo consistió en analizar las diferencias en las competencias matemáticas básicas evaluadas en Educación Infantil entre niños y niñas categorizados en función de su rendimiento matemático en 6º de Educación Primaria. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 91 estudiantes, de los cuales el 18.68% (n = 17) mostraron dificultades de aprendizaje en matemáticas (DAM), el 37.36% presentó un rendimiento medio (n = 34) y el 43.96% rendimiento alto (n = 40) en la batería EVAMAT-6 versión 3.0 (García et al., 2018) administrada al finalizar la etapa de Educación Primaria. Para evaluar el grado de adquisición de competencias matemáticas básicas en Educación Infantil, se administró el TEDI-MATH (Gregóire et al., 2005) seis años antes, que evalúa las competencias de conteo (conceptual y procedimental), comparación de magnitudes (simbólicas y no-simbólicas) y operaciones lógicas (seriación, clasificación, conservación e inclusión). Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que los estudiantes con DAM mostraron un desempeño significativamente inferior en competencias matemáticas clave en comparación con el grupo de rendimiento alto, tales como el conteo procedimental, las habilidades de comparación simbólica y la seriación y conservación lógicas. Estos hallazgos poseen implicaciones para la detección de las DAM y, además, profundizan en la determinación de perfiles de alto rendimiento matemático en etapas tempranas del desarrollo.Mathematical skills acquired during kindergarten can predict mathematical performance at the end of schooling, being a key factor of employability in adulthood. In this sense, it seems plausible to determine early profiles with the aim of contributing to the detection of difficulties in mathematics. Thus, this retrospective study consisted of analyzing the differences in early numeracy skills evaluated in kindergarten between children categorized according to their mathematical performance in 6th grade of Primary School. The sample was made up of 91 students, of which 18.68% (n = 17) showed math learning difficulties (MLD), 37.36% (n = 34) presented average performance and 43.96% (n = 40) scored high performance in the EVAMAT-6 battery (3.0 version, García et al., 2018) administered at the end of the Primary stage. To evaluate the degree of acquisition of early numeracy skills in Kindergarten, the TEDI-MATH test (Gregóire et al., 2005) was administered six years ago, which assesses counting skills (conceptual and procedural), magnitude comparison abilities (symbolic and non-symbolic) and logical operations (seriation, classification, conservation, and inclusion). The results show that students with MLD showed significantly poorer performance in key mathematical skills compared to the high-achieving group, such as procedural counting, symbolic comparison skills, and logical seriation and conservation. These findings have implications for the detection of MLD and, in addition, go deeper into the determination of high mathematical performance profiles in the early stages of development.peerReviewe
Dating Violence and Emotional Dependence in University Students
No full textThe aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between dating violence and emotional
dependence in young university students in Ecuador by identifying differences based on sex. Using
purposive non-probabilistic sampling, 3203 students were selected, of which 35.7% were men and
64.3% were women aged 16 to 48 (M = 21.50; SD = 2.82). Two psychological scales were applied:
Questionnaire on Violence in Couples (CUVINO) and Questionnaire on Emotional Dependence
(EDQ). According to the results obtained, based on sex, it was found that dating violence is a severe
problem that both men and women experience. With regard to emotional dependence, women scored
higher than men. In addition, emotional dependence was linked to dating violence. The implications
of the results obtained for further research and for prevention and intervention programmes are
presented, and the strengths and limitations of this study are detailed.peerReviewe
Effect of addition of yeasts and enzymes during fermentation on physicochemical quality of fine aroma cocoa beans
No full text“Theobroma cacao” is a recognized crop worldwide within the market for raw materials or processed products. Cocoa beans quality, industrial transformation and health benefits have been widely studied, but there are few studies on the fermentation process and even less on Ecuadorian cacao. In Latin America, this crop plays a very important role from an ecological and social viewpoint. Production is usually carried out by local farmers who also perform the natural fermentation of the beans, without specific management, which represents a challenge in terms of reliability and batch-to-batch homogeneity. This drawback can be effectively addressed by controlling the fermentation conditions. In addition, certain enzymes have the potential to improve the fermentation process. The aim of this work was to study the effect of using yeasts and/or enzymes during fermentation on the physicochemical quality characteristics of cocoa beans. Two trials were carried out, the first used yeasts (“Saccharomyces cerevisiae”), with and without molasses, and the second used enzymes (Polyphenoloxidase and Pectintranseliminase). During the fermentation process there was not external temperature control, although cocoa beans mass temperature was assessed. After the assay, the cutting test and physicochemical variables (percentage of testa, testa and cotyledon pH, moisture, ash, acidity, protein and fat contents) were evaluated. The yeasts trial stood out as the most favorable option, showing better fermentation in the cutting test, a slight increase in protein content and lower moisture. The inclusion of enzymes in the trials resulted in higher fermentation temperatures and fat content of the beans, but the samples showed lower fermentation percentage, higher moisture and mold presence, as enzymes make it difficult to completely dry the samples. It can be concluded that the addition of yeasts and/or enzymes influences fermentation and could improve the process in order to obtain high quality cocoa beans.peerReviewe
Political power according to Francisco de Vitoria: its nature, subject, origin and end
No full textEn el presente artículo, se expone la doctrina de Francisco de Vitoria sobre el origen, sujeto, naturaleza y finalidad del poder político, de qué modo dicho poder es natural al hombre y de qué modo adquiere características determinadas por las libres decisiones de los hombres. Asimismo, se expone la defensa que de la monarquía hizo Francisco de Vitoria en su temprana “Relectio de Potestate Civili”, y se concluye que algunas afirmaciones contenidas en tal defensa resultan incompatibles con el carácter aristotélico general de su teoría política, y se explica dicha discordancia atendiendo al contexto histórico en el cual se escribió tal obra.In this paper, we expound Francisco de Vitoria's thought about the origin, subject, nature and end of political power, how this power is natural to man, and how it acquires specific characteristics by the free decisions of men. Likewise, it is expounded Vitoria's defense of monarchy in his early “Relectio de Potestate Civili”, and it is concluded that some assertions contained in that defense are incompatible with the general Aristotelian char-acter of his political theory, and this discordance is explained by pointing out to the historical context in which this work was written.peerReviewe
Development of an equine endometrial histology scoring system to complement the Kenney–Doig scale
No full textComunicación presentada a Proceedings of the 17th International Congress of the Spanish Society for Animal Reproduction (AERA), 17 to 19 of October 2024, Madrid, Spain.Kenney–Doig scale is considered the international standard method for classifying uterine biopsies in mares; however, its objectivity has been questioned by various studies. In the present study, we analysed the degree of agreement between two pathologists when assessing the same set of 201 uterine biopsies, obtaining a slight to moderate level of agreement (κ = .34/κw = .57). Subsequently, we developed a numerical scale based on the evaluation of histological parameters, including inflammation, fibrosis, glandular density and lymphatic lacunae. Partial scores were summed to obtain a fifth parameter called Summation. The correlation between both scales was demonstrated (p < .0001), and their combined use resulted in a notable increase in the degree of agreement between the two pathologists (κ = .53/κw = .67).peerReviewe
Estudio del efecto de las olas de calor sobre el cultivo de tomate de industria en Extremadura
No full textEl tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) es la segunda hortaliza más cultivada del mundo, siendo el más extendido en Europa, España, y Extremadura que, en 2021, produjo el 70 % del total nacional. Entre sus destinos destaca la elaboración de concentrados industriales, para lo que se cultiva exclusivamente al aire libre, estando la plantación expuesta a inclemencias del clima durante todo su ciclo de crecimiento, en especial a la temperatura y más concretamente a las olas de calor. Un estrés térmico de estas características mantenido en el tiempo implica una gran cantidad de efectos negativos sobre la reproducción, desarrollo vegetativo, rendimiento y calidad del fruto en las plantas de tomate. Resulta por ello importante su estudio para cuantificar los perjuicios que provoca, así como diseñar estrategias para intentar paliar sus consecuencias.
Con este fin, en el presente trabajo se han establecido en campo dos tipos de estructuras de manipulación climática durante el mes de julio, para aumentar la temperatura hasta 31/21 ºC y 31/26 ºC respecto a la media de 28/21 ºC (diurna/nocturna). En base a ello, se ha ensayado un control y tres tratamientos de mitigación del calor en cada ambiente mediante la aplicación de un producto dinamizador de suelos, doble riego por goteo durante el periodo de calor y aspersión diaria en el lapso del estrés térmico. A lo largo del estudio se ha analizado la evolución de las inflorescencias y el crecimiento vegetativo bajo las condiciones de la ola de calor, cuantificado su efecto en la producción y descrito los detrimentos sobre parámetros de calidad de los frutos.
Los aumentos de temperatura alcanzados con las estructuras de manipulación climática no han reproducido todas las respuestas a las altas temperaturas descritas en la bibliografía. Sin embargo, las condiciones ambientales ensayadas han reducido la cantidad de polen, causado alteración en tejidos del ovario, ocasionado muerte de flores e inflorescencias, lastrado el rendimiento final y modificado parámetros de calidad del fruto, como el peso unitario, acidez, contenido en sólidos totales y color. Cada tratamiento sirvió para atenuar diferentes facetas del estrés térmico, mostrándose todos válidos en evitar una gran pérdida de producción a 31/26ºC, destacando la aplicación del dinamizador de suelos por ser el más retributivo económicamente.The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the second most cultivated vegetable in the world and the most widespread in Europe, Spain and Extremadura, which will produce 70% of the national total in 2021. One of its main uses is in the production of industrial concentrates, for which it is grown exclusively in the open air, where the plantation is exposed to adverse weather conditions throughout its growing cycle, especially temperature and, in particular, heat waves. This type of prolonged thermal stress has many negative effects on the reproduction, vegetative development, yield and fruit quality of tomato plants. It is therefore important to study them in order to quantify the damage they cause and to develop strategies to mitigate their consequences.
To this end, two types of climatic manipulation structures were set up in the field during the month of July to increase the temperature to 31/21ºC and 31/26ºC with respect to the average 28/21ºC (day/night). On this basis, a control and three heat mitigation treatments were tested in each environment by applying a soil energiser, double drip irrigation during the heat period and daily sprinkling during the heat stress period.
Throughout the study, the development of inflorescences and vegetative growth under heat wave conditions was analysed, their effect on production was quantified and the detrimental effects on fruit quality parameters were described.
The temperature increases obtained with the climatic manipulation structures did not reproduce all the responses to high temperatures described in the literature. However, the environmental conditions tested reduced pollen quantity, caused alterations in ovary tissue, resulted in flower and inflorescence death, reduced final yield and altered fruit quality parameters such as unit weight, acidity, total solids content and colour. Each treatment served to mitigate different facets of heat stress, all of which proved effective in preventing major production losses at 31/26ºC, with soil dynamiser application emerging as the most economically viable.Trabajo patrocinado por los proyectos de investigación PID2021-127345OR-C33: “Validación y aplicabilidad de ET de teledetección y parámetros biofísicos de la vegetación para el manejo del riego a escala de campo”, que tiene como investigador principal al Dr. Carlos Campillo, y Estrategia AGROS “Sostenibilidad de las producciones hortofrutícolas en los regadíos de Extremadura”, cuyo investigador principal es la Dra. M. Henar Prieto.Memoria del TFM, 80 p. (pdf)Máster en Ingeniería Agronómica. Universidad de Extremadur
Proposal to adapt the handball rules for people with cerebral palsy or acquired brain damage
No full textEn la actualidad, el balonmano es una disciplina que no se encuentra adaptada a personas con Parálisis Cerebral o Daño Cerebral Adquirido. El objetivo de este trabajo es desarrollar una propuesta de adaptación del reglamento de balonmano para este colectivo, tomando como referencia la normativa y clasificación funcional del Fútbol a 7, adaptado a estos jugadores. La base del proceso de adaptación ha sido el reglamento de la Federación Internacional de Balonmano y la clasificación funcional de otro deporte adaptado a personas con parálisis cerebral y daño cerebral adquirido, el Fútbol a 7. Es necesario realizar una adaptación del material, los aspectos técnicos y tácticos, así como de las instalaciones deportivas en función de las capacidades motrices de los participantes. La práctica de actividad física-deportiva presenta múltiples beneficios a nivel social, afectivo, físico y psicológico, por lo que incluir un deporte colectivo más, al único que ya existe para esta población, que es el Fútbol a 7, ampliaría sus opciones de participación deportiva.At present, handball is a discipline that is not adapted to people with Cerebral Palsy or Acquired Brain Injury. The aim of this study is to develop a proposal for adapting the handball regulations for this group, taking as a reference the regulations and functional classification of football 7-a-side, adapted to these players. The basis of the adaptation process has been the regulations of the International Handball Federation and the functional classification of another sport adapted to people with cerebral palsy and acquired brain damage, Soccer 7. It is necessary to make an adaptation of the material, technical and tactical aspects, as well as sports facilities depending on the motor skills of the participants. The practice of physical-sports activity has multiple benefits at a social, emotional, physical, and psychological level, so including one more collective sport, the only one that already exists for this population, which is football 7-a-side, expanding their participation options sporty.Atualmente, o handebol é uma disciplina não adaptada para pessoas com Paralisia Cerebral ou Lesão Encefálica Adquirida. O objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver uma proposta de adaptação do regulamento do andebol para este grupo, tomando como referência o regulamento e classificação funcional do futebol de 7, adaptado a estes jogadores. A base do processo de adaptação foram os regulamentos da Federação Internacional de Handebol e a classificação funcional de outro esporte adaptado para pessoas com paralisia cerebral e lesão cerebral adquirida, o Futebol 7. É necessário fazer uma adaptação do material, aspectos técnicos e táticos, bem como instalações esportivas dependendo das habilidades motoras dos participantes. A prática de atividade físico-desportiva tem múltiplos benefícios a nível social, emocional, físico e psicológico, passando a incluir mais um desporto coletivo, o único que já existe para esta população, que é o futebol de 7, ampliando a sua participação opções desportivas.Trabajo parcialmente subvencionado por la Ayuda a los Grupos de Investigación (GR21149) de la Junta de Extremadura; con la aportación de la Unión Europea a través de los Fondos Europeos de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). El autor José M. Gamonales es beneficiario de una Ayuda del Programa de Recualificación del Sistema Universitario Español, Campo de Conocimiento: Biomédico (Ref. de la Ayuda: MS-18).peerReviewe
Creative musical activities in early childhood education: An analysis of teaching practices
No full textThe aims of this quantitative descriptive research were to find out the involvement and training of generalist Early Childhood teachers in active in the school year 2023/2024 in the development of creative musical and sound activities. An online questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic data, creative self-concept, as well as the degree of training, importance attached to and use of certain creative music and sound activities, and statistical correlational analyses were carried out between the variables. In total 72 Early Childhood teachers responded to online questionnaire. The results indicated that, despite having no training in music or music pedagogy, Early Childhood teachers consider themselves to be creative, attach importance to these activities, and use them often. These findings can contribute to the establishment of national or regional standards for music teaching in early childhood education, as well as to the revision of early childhood teacher training in music education.peerReviewe
Exoskeletons vs. Exosuits: A Comparative Analysis using Biological-based Computer Simulation
No full textPublicado en Computers in Biology and Medicine, Volume 178, August 2024, 108752, con DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108752Background: Interest in the design of gait assistance devices has experienced significant growth in recent years. Among various uses of assistive devices, those aimed at supporting the elderly have gained importance due to the rising population of this age group.
Methods: This study aims to compare the efficacy of two types of assistive devices through musculoskeletal simulations. One case is an ideal device, simulating the motor actuation as it would be in a rigid exoskeleton, and, cable-assisted devices, simulating the assistance of an exosuit. The simulations were based on data obtained from 9 subjects. OpenSim, an open-source software, was employed to conduct the simulations.
Results: Our findings indicate that the cable-assisted device outperforms the traditional exoskeleton by achieving a more significant reduction in the metabolic cost with relatively lower assistance power.
Conclusion: Cable-assisted gait assistance devices have shown comparable results to traditional exoskeletons, with the added advantage of improved performance through reduced power requirements.This research was supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovationand Universities—Spanish Agency of Research (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) through project PID2022-137525OB-C21
Postbiotics of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CECT 9610 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9608 attenuates store-operated calcium entry and FAK phosphorylation in colorectal cancer cells
No full textStore-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a major mechanism for Ca2+ influx in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. This mechanism, regulated by the filling state of the intracellular Ca2+ stores, is mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensors of the stromal interaction molecules (STIM) family [stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and STIM2] and the Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ channels constituted by Orai family members, with predominance of calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai1). CRC cells exhibit enhanced SOCE due to remodeling of the expression of the key SOCE molecular components. The enhanced SOCE supports a variety of cancer hallmarks. Here, we show that treatment of the colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2 with inanimate Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (CECT9610) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (CECT9608) attenuates SOCE, although no detectable effect is seen on SOCE in normal colon mucosa cells. The effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum postbiotics was mediated by downregulation of Orai1 and STIM1, while the expression levels of Orai3 and STIM2 remained unaltered. Treatment of HT-29 and Caco-2
cells with inanimate Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum impairs in vitro migration by a mechanism likely involving attenuation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation. Cell treatment with
the Orai1 inhibitor synta-66 attenuates SOCE and prevents any further effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum postbiotics. Together, our results indicate for the first time that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum postbiotics selectively exert negative effects on Ca2+ influx through SOCE in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines, providing evidence for an attractive strategy against CRC.The present study was supported by PREP2022-000051, PID2019-104084GB-C21 and PID2022-136279NB-C21 funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe”) and Junta de Extremadura-Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER; Grant IB20007 and GR21008) to JAR. AM-D is supported by contracts Programa Investigo: PI-0143-22 from Junta de Extremadura.peerReviewe