Repositorio Institucional UCSC (Univ. Católica de la Santísima Concepción)
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Towards a pedagogy of meaning. The development of spiritual intelligence in the religion class
Full text linkEl artículo explora la relevancia de la inteligencia espiritual en la Educación Religiosa Escolar (ERE) para promover el desarrollo integral del estudiantado. A partir de diversas investigaciones, se constata que la dimensión espiritual, entendida como búsqueda de sentido y apertura a la trascendencia, contribuye al bienestar y la formación integral. La ERE en Chile, ofrece un espacio propicio para el desarrollo de la inteligencia espiritual, ya que más allá de prácticas rituales, la espiritualidad abarca la autonomía, el discernimiento y la construcción de proyectos vitales. La clase de Religión asume así un rol pedagógico para fomentar el encuentro consigo mismo, con los demás y con lo trascendente, favoreciendo la contención emocional y el diálogo existencial. Estudios indican que la inteligencia espiritual potencia la resiliencia, la autorregulación emocional y el compromiso solidario, fortaleciendo el clima escolar. Una pedagogía del sentido, articulada en la ERE, promueve el bienestar estudiantil, responde al pluralismo y refuerza una formación humanizadora que trasciende lo puramente cognitivo. Así, se construye una educación más plena. Asimismo, la inteligencia espiritual se vincula con el pensamiento crítico y la conciencia ecológica, constituyéndose en una herramienta para afrontar los retos éticos y medioambientales contemporáneos
Haploblocks contribute to parallel climate adaptation following global invasion of a cosmopolitan plant
Full text linkThe role of rapid adaptation during species invasions has historically been minimized with the assumption that introductions consist of few colonists and limited genetic diversity. While overwhelming evidence suggests that rapid adaptation is more prevalent than originally assumed, the demographic and adaptive processes underlying successful invasions remain unresolved. Here we leverage a large whole-genome sequence dataset to investigate the relative roles of colonization history and adaptation during the worldwide invasion of the forage crop, Trifolium repens (Fabaceae). We show that introduced populations encompass high levels of genetic variation with little evidence of bottlenecks. Independent colonization histories on different continents are evident from genome-wide population structure. Five haploblocks—large haplotypes with limited recombination—on three chromosomes exist as standing genetic variation within the native and introduced ranges and exhibit strong signatures of parallel climate-associated adaptation across continents. Field experiments in the native and introduced ranges demonstrate that three of the haploblocks strongly affect fitness and exhibit patterns of selection consistent with local adaptation across each range. Our results provide strong evidence that large-effect structural variants contribute substantially to rapid and parallel adaptation of an introduced species throughout the world
Modeling of solitary wave-induced scour around structures: SPH-based analysis and experimental validation
No full textThis paper investigates solitary wave-induced scour around square structures, a critical factor affecting the integrity of coastal infrastructure. The phenomenon is studied numerically and validated through original experiments conducted in our laboratories. Specifically, a solitary wave interacting with a square structure on a beach with bathymetry representative of Chilean coasts is analyzed. Additional validation is performed using an experiment from the literature involving dam-break-induced scour behind coastal dikes. The numerical modeling is carried out using DualSPHysics, an open-source simulation tool based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method, which has shown effective results for wave modeling and scour studies. This study demonstrates the model’s effectiveness in addressing wave-induced scour problems. The interaction between a tsunami-representative solitary wave and the sediment is modeled using the Herschel-Bulkley-Papanastasiou (HBP) model for granular materials. The results show that the numerical model, combined with the rheological model, accurately predicts the maximum scour depths in both configurations. Furthermore, the simulations closely align with experimental observations and previous studies, confirming that scour depth correlates with flow depth, with deeper scour occurring at the corners of structures compared to the central faces. These findings improve predictive capabilities for tsunami impacts on coastal structures, highlighting the need for future research to incorporate more realistic wave characteristics to enhance prediction accuracy
Synthesis and Characterization of Phosphorylated Cellulose Nanocrystals: Exploring Factors for Enhanced Thermal and Colloidal Stability
Full text linkPhosphorylated cellulose nanocrystals (P-CNCs) are a superior alternative to conventional sulfuric acid-derived CNCs because of their enhanced thermal and colloidal stability. However, further research is needed to understand the factors influencing their synthesis and properties for advanced material applications. In this study, P-CNCs were synthesized from bleached hardwood kraft pulp (BEKP) using a controlled hydrolysis method involving pretreatment with H3PO4 followed by reaction with metaphosphoric acid (HPO3) and urea. To optimize the process, a full factorial design was employed to evaluate the effects of reaction time (60–90 min) and HPO3 concentration (3–4 M). The P-CNCs were characterized using physicochemical, morphological, and thermal analyses. Surface charge densities ranged from 757 to 1993 mmol/kg, with exceptional colloidal stability, as evidenced by zeta potentials ranging from −30.17 to −67.40 mV. Statistical analysis showed that reaction time had a significant main effect on surface charge (p-value = 0.0022) and zeta potential (p-value = 0.0448), while a significant interaction between reaction time and HPO3 concentration was observed when analyzing the surface charge (p-value = 0.0097), suggesting a combined effect of these factors on the surface modification of CNC. Crystallinity indices ranged from 63.6% to 71.3%, and the thermal stability exceeded that of the raw material. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the surface modification and stability of P-CNCs and support efforts to sustainably produce functional CNCs for advanced composite applications
aMulti-target in silico profiling of silymarin derivatives against oncogenic pathways: Integration of docking, DFT, ADMET, and molecular dynamics
No full textSilymarin derivatives, renowned for their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, have recently emerged as promising candidates for anticancer therapy due to their potential to modulate critical oncogenic pathways. Four silymarin derivatives (silibinin, isosilibinin, silicristin, silidianin), known for liver protection, were explored as potential multi-target anticancer agents using computational methods. Molecular docking against key cancer proteins (AKT, PI3K, PARP, mTOR, GSK3-β, PDK1, PAK4) identified silicristin as the strongest binder, confirmed by stable molecular dynamics simulations and favorable binding energy (ΔG = −125.78 kcal/mol via MM-GBSA). Silidianin showed the highest chemical reactivity (smallest HOMO–LUMO gap: 0.1535 eV). All compounds displayed promising ADMET profiles: high intestinal absorption, low blood-brain barrier penetration, and silidianin exhibited the lowest acute toxicity (LD50 = 10,000 mg/kg). While potential immunotoxicity was noted, silicristin and silidianin emerged as the most promising candidates due to their strong target binding, stability, reactivity, and favorable safety predictions, warranting further experimental validation. This multi-scale computational study identifies silicristin and silidianin as promising multi-target anticancer candidates. Their stability, favorable electronic profiles, and low predicted toxicity support further in vitro and in vivo validation
Comparative efficacy and safety of Clozapine vs. Quetiapine in schizophrenia and related disorders: An updated systematic review
No full textSchizophrenia poses a significant burden on global health systems and societies. Atypical antipsychotics like clozapine and quetiapine have been shown to be effective in schizophrenia treatment. The most recent head-to-head systematic review comparing clozapine and quetiapine was conducted over a decade ago, and its findings remained inconclusive due to the limited number of high-quality, adequately powered trials. An updated synthesis is therefore warranted. A systematic search was carried out in the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Study-Based Register of Trials to identify all double-blind, randomized controlled trials comparing clozapine with quetiapine in schizophrenia and related disorders in terms of efficacy and safety. Risk ratios were calculated and mean differences for binary and continuous outcomes respectively, were assessed using the random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed for included studies and a Summary of findings table created using the GRADE approach. One short-term study involving 63 adults with first-episode schizophrenia fulfill the inclusion criteria, where the overall risk of bias was unclear due to missing reports. No significant differences were observed in global state, relapse, metabolic effects, and general mental state. Clozapine was associated with more somnolence, hypersalivation, and constipation. Other adverse effects and early discontinuation did not significantly differ. Clozapine and quetiapine appear to have similar efficacy in schizophrenia treatment with distinct adverse effect profiles. More high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy equivalence and clarify safety differences between clozapine and quetiapine, providing the robust evidence required to support safer and more appropriate prescribing practices
Las proyecciones de la Telesalud y telemedicina en la era post covid-19. Una revisión de alcance
Full text linkIntroduction: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine and telehealth faced legal, technological, and cultural regulatory limitations. The health crisis boosted its massive adoption, enhancing its continuity over time. The objective of this review is to determine the projections of telehealth and telemedicine in the post-COVID-19 era and the factors that condition its growth.Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The databases consulted were PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. 19 relevant studies were selected from an initial total of 96.Results: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, maintaining its use in areas such as mental health and chronic diseases. Factors associated with the use and development of technologies, added to cultural and economic aspects, have hindered its growth.Conclusions: Telehealth and telemedicine have improved access to health, but their sustainability requires resolving technological inequalities, in addition to guaranteeing privacy and security standards
Practical and university experiences in the construction of the teaching identity of future high school teachers
Full text linkEl objetivo de esta investigación es caracterizar las experiencias significativas del futuro profesorado de enseñanza media que inciden en la construcción de la identidad docente durante los estudios universitarios y la práctica profesional. La metodología es de carácter cualitativo, fenomenológico hermenéutico. Los datos son recolectados a través de grupos focales conformados por 30 participantes de diferentes universidades regionales de Chile. Los resultados muestran: 1) desarticulación entre las experiencias universitarias y prácticas, generando un quiebre en la identidad docente, 2) los docentes mentores y universitarios son un modelo a seguir y pueden determinar la continuidad en la carrera docente y 3) las emociones tienen un rol importante en el proceso formativo. Se concluye que las experiencias universitarias y prácticas generan tensión en la construcción de la identidad docente del futuro profesorado, dependiendo de factores emocionales, personales y profesionales
Tsunami inundation limit based on probabilistic analysis of runup and inundation distance
No full textTsunamis are devastating natural hazards that can reach runups of 30 m in coastal areas. One of the most important mitigation measures to save human lives is evacuation, which requires identification of both the inundation area and safe zones. Currently, a ground elevation of 30 m is used to determine safe zones in Chile. However, it has also been used for urban planning, for which the actual tsunami hazard may be overestimated. This research aims to propose a criterion based on probabilistic analysis to determine the tsunami inundation limit, considering both the runup and inundation distance from the shoreline. To this end, a synthetic database of runup and inundation distance from the shoreline was analyzed. First, stochastic earthquake sources were used to simulate tsunami events up to an inundation level in 10 coastal cities. Second, maximum runup and inundation distance were calculated for each tsunami scenario along transect lines perpendicular to the coastline. Finally, three exceedance probabilities of runup – 0.5%, 1%, and 2% in 50 years – were calculated to estimate the runup and inundation distances for each city. The results showed that geomorphology has an important role in runup and inundation distance. In addition, this research introduced new criteria for inundation limit identification, which are more flexible and accurate than the current 30-m ground elevation criterion used for tsunami risk assessment and urban planning. The application of this proposed method would allow local authorities to improve the locations of both critical infrastructure and safe zones
Enhancing rigid pavement performance: Experimental study and design optimization of bentonite clay-blended concrete with a focus on durability
Full text linkThis study evaluates bentonite clay (BNC) as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material for enhancing the structural performance of rigid pavement systems, with a dual focus on durability and eco-efficiency. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the effects of varying BNC content on concrete properties were systematically analyzed. Results indicate that increasing BNC reduces workability, with slump values declining from 10.21 to 62.55 % due to its high-water absorption and decreases density (2355 kg/m³ for control vs. 2293 kg/m³ for 20 % BNC) owing to its lower specific gravity. While early-age strength diminishes at higher BNC levels, an optimal replacement of 12–16 % enhances long-term compressive strength via pozzolanic reactions, achieving 37.55 MPa at 91 days for the 16 % BNC mix. Flexural strength improvements are attributed to BNC’s crack and shrinkage mitigation. However, excessive BNC content (>16 %), compromises durability, evidenced by reduced ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and increased porosity. BNC enhances sulfate resistance and thermal stability, demonstrating suitability for hot climates. Cement substitution with BNC reduces the carbon footprint by 31.91 %, aligning with sustainability goals. RSM-derived empirical models exhibit strong predictive accuracy (F-values: 67.07 for compressive strength, 36.92 for flexural strength; non-significant lack-of-fit, p > 0.04). The optimized mix (16 % BNC, 82-day curing) balances strength, durability, and environmental benefits. This work advances sustainable pavement design, addressing performance trade-offs and promoting low-carbon construction practices