University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
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Two novel Ti–Mo–Ta–Zr alloys for medical devices: Their microstructure, corrosion resistance and microhardness characteristics
No full textTitanium alloys have gained a solid reputation in the field of biomedicine due to their exceptional biocompatibility. However, it is important to note that some of these alloys do release toxic ions, which could potentially limit their application in sensitive scenarios. This study examines two new titanium alloys, TixMo15Ta7Zr (x = 15, 20 wt%) and it designed these alloys to overcome certain challenges by including helpful elements like molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta) and zirconium (Zr). Advanced metallography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, microhardness measurements and electrochemical testing conclusively showed that the importantly elevated Mo content substantially improves corrosion resistance (with a corrosion rate value of 0.64 μm year−1) by promoting the formation of an importantly more flexible passive layer, while simultaneously maintaining mechanical properties closely comparable to those of conventional titanium biomaterials possessing Vickers hardness values around 350 HV. These findings show that an important number of these alloys represent a revolutionary, promising solution for biomedical implants that are safer as well as more durable.6160,7694,3Q1Q2SCIE11,
Use of a gymkhana as a method to reinforce learning in solving practical cases in engineering
No full textExisten múltiples referencias, relacionadas con distintas áreas de conocimiento, que indican que la
introducción de elementos de juego en las aulas universitarias favorece la motivación e implicación
del estudiantado, y además fomenta el trabajo en equipo (Vidal Meló et al., 2014; Jiménez-Rodríguez
et al., 2020). Sin embargo, a nivel universitario se encuentran pocas referencias en las que se hayan
introducido elementos de gamificación al aire libre en las asignaturas. Una revisión bibliográfica al respecto
concluye que las actividades al aire libre fomentan el compromiso, la superación y la adquisición
de competencias, siendo las principales desventajas de esta técnica la logística y el coste (Munge et
al., 2018). En este trabajo se introdujo una actividad gamificación al aire libre en una asignatura de
segundo curso que se imparte en varias titulaciones de Ingeniería Industrial. La actividad fue voluntaria
y consistió en una carrera de orientación al aire libre, en la cual el alumnado, por parejas, recopiló los
datos necesarios para completar posteriormente un cuestionario individual. Para resolver este cuestionario,
el alumnado tuvo a su disposición todo el material de la asignatura. En función del orden de
finalización de la prueba de orientación y de la calificación obtenida en el cuestionario, se calculó la
puntuación del alumnado en esta actividad, que supuso hasta un máximo de 0,5 puntos extra en la
nota de la asignatura. Esta actividad se llevó a cabo una semana antes del examen de la asignatura,
y el porcentaje de aprobados en este examen aumentó del 25,8% en el curso 2022/2023 (curso en el
que no se aplicó la actividad de gamificación) hasta el 55,6% en el curso 2023/2024 (tras llevar a cabo
la actividad de gamificación). Por último, el alumnado respondió una encuesta de satisfacción con la
actividad (CMELAC) (Manzano-León et al., 2021). El 100% del alumnado disfrutó y repetiría este tipo
de actividad y el 90,9% se sintió motivado por los elementos de juego introducidos en la actividad.There are multiple references, related to different areas of knowledge, that indicate that the introduction of game elements in university classrooms increases the motivation and involvement of the students, and it also encourages teamwork (Vidal Meló et al., 2014; Jiménez- Rodríguez et al., 2020). However,
at the university level there are few references in which elements of outdoor gamification have been introduced in the subjects. A bibliographic review in this regard concludes that outdoor activities promote commitment, improvement and the acquisition of skills, the main disadvantages of this technique being
logistics and cost (Munge et al., 2018). In this work, an outdoor gamification activity was introduced in a second-year subject taught in several Industrial Engineering degrees. The activity was voluntary and consisted of an outdoor orientation race, in which the students, in pairs, collected the necessary
data to later complete an individual questionnaire. To solve this questionnaire, the students had all the material of the subject at their disposal. Depending on the order of completion of the orientation carreer and the grade obtained in the questionnaire, the students’ score in this activity was calculated, which represented up to a maximum of 0.5 extra points in the course grade. This activity was carried out a week before the subject exam, and the percentage of passes in this exam increased from 25.8% in the 2022/2023 academic year (course in which the gamification activity was not applied) to 55.6% in the 2023/2024 academic year (after carrying out the gamification activity). Finally, the students responded to a satisfaction survey with the activity (CMELAC) (Manzano-León et al., 2021). Results show that 100% of the students enjoyed and would repeat this type of activity and 90.9% felt motivated by the game elements introduced in the activity.87
Changes in biogeographic patterns of coastal fishes: indicators of tropicalization in the Canary Islands over the last 40 years
No full textThe Canary Islands are a key marine biodiversity hotspot in the eastern-central Atlantic. Coastal fishes, characterized by extensive taxonomic and functional diversity, serve as a highly representative group in nearshore environments, occupying a wide range of ecosystems. This study focuses on three significant milestones in the publication of comprehensive checklists for the Canary Islands’ ichthyofauna during 1985–1991, 2002, and 2019–2024. Coastal fish species (0–200 m depth) were reviewed and updated, revealing biogeographic patterns and vertical distribution ranges for the region. The primary aim is to evaluate potential indicators of tropicalization by examining changes in the percentage of fish species with warm-water affinities, thereby identifying shifts in the composition of the Canarian marine ichthyofauna. This approach provides a distinct and complementary perspective on the tropicalization process, particularly its initial phase. Special emphasis is placed on the increasing proportion of warm-water species compared to those with Atlanto-Mediterranean (temperate-water) affinities. Additionally, an inventory was compiled documenting historical records of primarily exotic and non-native species, including their biogeographic patterns, dispersal mechanisms, observed bathymetric ranges, year of first record, current status, and criteria used to classify them as established in the Canary Islands.140,8763,0Q1Q1SCIE11,
Análisis de los factores determinantes en la permanencia de los árbitros de fútbol en la provincia de Las Palmas.
No full textThe digital gender gap among undergraduate students in several Spanish universities
No full textLa competencia digital del alumnado afecta a aspectos de su vida académica, como el progreso y rendimiento o el acceso a titulaciones. La presente investigación se basa en una metodología cuantitativa de corte descriptivo e inferencial, con un diseño de encuesta con el objetivo de recabar información sobre un grupo inicial de 909 participantes, de diferentes niveles educativos, de los que finalmente se han analizado las respuestas de 725 estudiantes de grado. Los resultados muestran que las mujeres son el grupo que obtiene las calificaciones medias más altas, aunque más de la mitad de los encuestados de ambos géneros se sitúa en una calificación media alta. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto al análisis de las CC.AA. en función del género. Tampoco se encontraron diferencias cuando se contrastaba el área de conocimiento de la titulación y el género, ni cuando se agrupan las titulaciones según se incluyan en el bloque de materias STEM o no. Aparecen diferencias en algunas de las alfabetizaciones de la competencia digital cuando se tiene en cuenta el género y la nota media. Estos resultados pueden representar un indicio de cambio en la brecha digital identificada a lo largo de los últimos años por diversos autores. Las conclusiones indican que, aunque es necesario reforzar la equidad en la formación de la competencia digital entre géneros, pueden existir más factores que influyan en la percepción que tiene el alumnado sobre su nivel de competencia.A student’s level of digital competence affects aspects of their academic life such as progress and performance or access to degrees. This research is based on a descriptive and inferential quantitative methodology, with a survey design aimed at collectinginformation on an initial group of 909 participants, from different educational levels, of which the responses of 725 undergraduate students were finally analysed. The results show that women are the group with the highest mean scores, although more than half of the respondents of both genders have a high mean score. No significant differences were found when analysing the different regions of Spain based on gender. Nor were differences found when contrasting degree subject area and gender, or when grouping degrees according to whether they are included in the STEM subject block or not. Differences were appreciated in certain digital competence literacies when gender and average grade are taken into account. These results may represent an indication of a change in the digital divide identified over the past few years by various authors. The findings indicate that, while there is a need to strengthen equity in digital competence training between genders, there may be more factors influencing students' perceptions of their level of competence.395371220,6083,4Q2Q1ESCIQ147,722,0Q111,0ERIH PLU
A tiered strategy to identify relevant genetic variants in familial pulmonary fibrosis: a proof of concept for the clinical practice
No full textIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, late-onset disease marked by lung scarring and irreversible loss of lung function. Genetic factors significantly contribute to both familial and sporadic cases, yet there are scarce evidence-based studies highlighting the benefits of integrating genetics into the management of IPF patients. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing and telomere length (TL) measurements on IPF patients and their relatives. We then identified rare deleterious variants using three virtual gene panels encompassing IPF or TL genes with varying levels of evidence supporting their potential relationship with the disease. We identified 10 candidate variants in well-established disease genes, and these results were validated using two automatic prioritization tools (Exomiser and Franklin). Pathogenic variants were found in two telomere-related genes (RTEL1 and NAF1), and both were associated with severe TL shortening. Our results suggest that this tiered virtual panel strategy is sufficiently robust and serves as a viable solution in clinical practice. It generates valuable genetic data which can be interpreted and validated with the expertise of a multidisciplinary team.1
Deuda soberana y cláusulas de elección de ley, a propósito de Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. v. MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
No full textel objeto del presente trabajo es el análisis de la saga judicial iniciada en 2020 ante tribunales
neoyorquinos como consecuencia de la emisión de bonos soberanos por parte de la empresa pública petrolera
venezolana PDVSA que entran en default. El contrato de emisión de los citados bonos contiene una cláusula
de ley aplicable, de acuerdo con la cual todos los aspectos relacionados con el contrato de emisión se deben
regir por la ley neoyorquina. La cuestión controvertida es qué ley se debe aplicar para determinar la validez
de la emisión. De aplicarse la ley venezolana, la emisión se reputaría nula, en contravención de la
Constitución venezolana y desoyendo a la Asamblea Nacional desautorizando la operación. De aplicarse la
neoyorquina, los bonistas, ante el default, podrían ejecutar la garantía colateral que contiene el contrato: el
50,1% de las acciones de CITGO, “la joya de la corona venezolana” y el principal activo en el exterior de
Venezuela que se halla en suelo estadounidense y que es controlado por PDVSA, a través de una red de
filialesThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the judicial saga initiated in 2020 before New York
courts following the issuance of sovereign bonds by the Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA,
which subsequently defaulted. The bond issuance contract contained a choice-of-law clause stipulating that
all matters related to the issuance contract should be governed by New York law. The contentious issue is
which law should apply to determine the validity of the issuance. If Venezuelan law is applied, the issuance
would be deemed null and void, contravening the Venezuelan Constitution and disregarding resolutions of
the National Assembly that disapproved it. If New York law is applied, bondholders, in the event of default,
could enforce the collateral guarantee contained in the contract: 50.1% of the shares of CITGO, "the crown
jewel of Venezuela," and the principal foreign asset of Venezuela located on U.S. soil and controlled by
PDVSA
High PEEP with recruitment maneuvers versus Low PEEP During General Anesthesia for Surgery -a Bayesian individual patient data meta-analysis of three randomized clinical trials
No full textBackground: The influence of high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) with recruitment maneuvers on the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications after surgery is still not definitively established. Bayesian analysis can help to gain further insights from the available data and provide a probabilistic framework that is easier to interpret. Our objective was to estimate the posterior probability that the use of high PEEP with recruitment maneuvers is associated with reduced postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with intermediate-to-high risk under neutral, pessimistic, and optimistic expectations regarding the treatment effect. Methods: Multilevel Bayesian logistic regression analysis on individual patient data from three randomized clinical trials carried out on surgical patients at Intermediate-to-High Risk for postoperative pulmonary complications. The main outcome was the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications in the early postoperative period. We studied the effect of high PEEP with recruitment maneuvers versus Low PEEP Ventilation. Priors were chosen to reflect neutral, pessimistic, and optimistic expectations of the treatment effect. Results: Using a neutral, pessimistic, or optimistic prior, the posterior mean odds ratio (OR) for High PEEP with recruitment maneuvers compared to Low PEEP was 0.85 (95% Credible Interval [CrI] 0.71 to 1.02), 0.87 (0.72 to 1.04), and 0.86 (0.71 to 1.02), respectively. Regardless of prior beliefs, the posterior probability of experiencing a beneficial effect exceeded 90%. Subgroup analysis indicated a more pronounced effect in patients who underwent laparoscopy (OR: 0.67 [0.50 to 0.87]) and those at high risk for PPCs (OR: 0.80 [0.53 to 1.13]). Sensitivity analysis, considering severe postoperative pulmonary complications only or applying a different heterogeneity prior, yielded consistent results. Conclusion: High PEEP with recruitment maneuvers demonstrated a moderate reduction in the probability of PPC occurrence, with a high posterior probability of benefit observed consistently across various prior beliefs, particularly among patients who underwent laparoscopy.9772*PROVHILO, iPROVE, and PROBESE investigators and the PROVE Network261,9728,8Q1Q1SCIE11,
Does motivation lead to academic success, or conversely? Reciprocal relations between autonomous and controlled motivation, and mathematics achievement
No full textBackground
While it's clear that autonomous motivation significantly boosts academic success, there are conflicting findings regarding the opposite relation. Besides, the reciprocal relations among controlled motivation and achievement present mixed results. Adequately distinguishing between variations among individuals and within individuals results key to acknowledge such relations.
Aim
This longitudinal study examines the reciprocal relations between controlled and autonomous forms of motivation and academic achievement using the RI-CLPM methodology. Sample
Participants were 1042 high school students (M = 16 years, 52% male adolescents) from 16 different high schools in urban and rural areas.
Methods
A random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) was tested to estimate whether students' autonomous and controlled motivation predicted achievement and/or vice versa. Independent models were estimated for the two types of motivation.
Results
Overall, the RI-CLPM results indicated a unidirectional relationship between autonomous motivation and achievement. As for controlled motivation, the results of RI-CLPM models showed no reciprocal relationship between this type of motivation and achievement.
Conclusions
These results underline the importance of taking within- and between-person processes into account when analysing reciprocal relations and provide crucial insights for enhancing student motivation and achievement in diverse educational contexts.529513171,7383,1Q1Q1ERIH PLU