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Relationships Between Pedagogical Practices and Affective States for Effective Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic : Insights From University Professors
Get PDFPublisher Copyright: © 2024 Walden University. All rights reserved.Objectives: This study aimed to analyze how pedagogical practices and affective states during emergency remote teaching influence professors’ perspectives on their capabilities and the professor-student relationship. Method: We used a nonexperimental quantitative design, collecting data through an online survey during the first year of the pandemic. Participants were recruited using a non-probability sampling method. A total of 636 university professors from Chilean universities participated. We performed descriptive and correlation analyses between variables. Also, to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing perceptions of the professors’ competence and the professor–student relationship, we conducted linear regression models. Results: A higher perception of pedagogical competence was related to male professors reporting a high evaluation of teaching quality and a high diversification of assessment strategies. A better professor–student relationship was related to female professors reporting a high level of tutoring activities and activities in which students work collaboratively. Additionally, unpleasant affective states were experienced at a higher rate by younger and female professors. Conclusions: Variables that make up the perception of professor competence and the professor–student relationship were identified, relating to gender and pedagogical practices, such as diversification of assessment strategies, tutoring, and collaborative activities. Implications: The results can guide future institutional actions to improve conditions and establish guidelines for quality virtual education in the post-pandemic scenario
Selenium Compounds Affect Differently the Cytoplasmic Thiol/Disulfide State in Dermic Fibroblasts and Improve Cell Migration by Interacting with the Extracellular Matrix
No full textPublisher Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.Deficient wound healing is frequently observed in patients diagnosed with diabetes, a clinical complication that compromises mobility and leads to limb amputation, decreasing patient autonomy and family lifestyle. Fibroblasts are crucial for secreting the extracellular matrix (ECM) to pave the wound site for endothelial and keratinocyte regeneration. The biosynthetic pathways involved in collagen production and crosslinking are intimately related to fibroblast redox homeostasis. In this study, two sets of human dermic fibroblasts were cultured in normal (5 mM) and high (25 mM)-glucose conditions in the presence of 1 µM selenium, as sodium selenite (inorganic) and the two selenium amino acids (organic), Se-cysteine and Se-methionine, for ten days. We investigated the ultrastructural changes in the secreted ECM induced by these conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, we evaluated the redox impact of these three compounds by measuring the basal state and real-time responses of the thiol-based HyPer biosensor expressed in the cytoplasm of these fibroblasts. Our results indicate that selenium compound supplementation pushed the redox equilibrium towards a more oxidative tone in both sets of fibroblasts, and this effect was independent of the type of selenium. The kinetic analysis of biosensor responses allowed us to identify Se-cysteine as the only compound that simultaneously improved the sensitivity to oxidative stimuli and augmented the disulfide bond reduction rate in high-glucose-cultured fibroblasts. The redox response profiles showed no clear association with the ultrastructural changes observed in matrix fibers secreted by selenium-treated fibroblasts. However, we found that selenium supplementation improved the ECM secreted by high-glucose-cultured fibroblasts according to endothelial migration assessed with a wound healing assay. Direct application of sodium selenite and Se-cysteine on purified collagen fibers subjected to glycation also improved cellular migration, suggesting that these selenium compounds avoid the undesired effect of glycation
Estudio de prefactibilidad técnica para la creación de una empresa de comercialización, arriendo y mantención de máquinas expendedoras de agua purificada
Get PDFEl presente estudio tiene como finalidad el determinar la factibilidad
estratégica, técnica y económica de la creación de una empresa dedicada a la
comercialización, arriendo y mantención de máquinas expendedoras de agua
purificada en Santiago de Chile, con el objetivo de satisfacer la creciente
necesidad de acceso a agua potable de alta calidad en las áreas urbanas. La
iniciativa responde a una demanda cada vez mayor en comunas como Las
Condes, Providencia y Ñuñoa, donde los residentes muestran preocupaciones
sobre la calidad del agua potable y el impacto ambiental del uso de botellas
plásticas.
El análisis del mercado confirma la existencia de una demanda
significativa impulsada por la desconfianza en el agua del grifo y el deseo de
contar con alternativas más sostenibles y saludables. Mediante encuestas y
estudios demográficos, se identifican lugares clave para la instalación de las
máquinas, como centros comerciales, estaciones de transporte y edificios
residenciales, que permitirán ofrecer agua purificada en ubicaciones de alta
afluencia. Además, se observa que los consumidores prefieren el formato de
bidón de 20 litros y, en su mayoría, optan por comprar la máquina en lugar de
arrendarla, lo que sugiere que un modelo mixto de arriendo y venta podría
adaptarse mejor a las preferencias de los usuarios.
En cuanto al aspecto técnico, la empresa planea utilizar máquinas con
tecnología avanzada, que incluyen sistemas de purificación como ósmosis
inversa, filtros de carbón y desinfección UV, para asegurar agua libre de
contaminantes. Esto permite eliminar el 99.99% de bacterias y virus,
garantizando altos estándares de seguridad y salubridad. La elección de
Pudahuel como centro de operaciones se debe a su excelente conectividad con
otras comunas de Santiago, lo cual optimiza los tiempos de distribución y reduce
costos logísticos, asegurando la eficiencia operativa de la empresa.
En el ámbito económico, el proyecto contempla un análisis detallado de
costos y beneficios, el cual permite proyectar una rentabilidad a mediano plazo,
logrando así una operación sostenible y competitiva frente a la oferta actual de
agua embotellada. La empresa también apostará por una estrategia de marketing
que destaque tanto la calidad como el compromiso ambiental, enfatizando la
reducción de residuos plásticos y el uso de envases reutilizables.
Administrativamente, la constitución de la empresa como Sociedad por
Acciones (SpA) permite una estructura flexible que facilita tanto la gestión como
futuras expansiones. Además, se organiza una estructura interna con roles
específicos para cada área, lo cual asegura un funcionamiento eficiente en cada
etapa del proyecto, desde el manejo financiero hasta el mantenimiento y
operación de las máquinas. En términos legales, la empresa se compromete a agua, brindando seguridad y confianza a sus clientes.
La implementación de este proyecto representa una contribución
significativa a la comunidad, ya que no solo ofrece una alternativa económica y
accesible al agua embotellada, sino que también promueve la reducción de
residuos plásticos y un estilo de vida más saludable. Este modelo de negocio
apoya el cumplimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS),
especialmente el ODS 6, que aboga por el acceso universal a agua limpia y
saneamiento.
En definitiva, esta empresa de máquinas expendedoras de agua purificada
apunta a cubrir una necesidad crítica en Santiago, promoviendo un acceso más
equitativo a agua de calidad, además de contribuir al bienestar social y ambiental
en la región.The purpose of this study is to determine the strategic, technical and
economic feasibility of creating a company dedicated to the commercialization,
rental and maintenance of purified water vending machines in Santiago, Chile,
with the objective of satisfying the growing need for access to high quality drinking
water in urban areas. The initiative responds to a growing demand in communities
such as Las Condes, Providencia, and Ñuñoa, where residents are concerned
about the quality of drinking water and the environmental impact of using plastic
bottles.
Market analysis confirms the existence of significant demand driven by
distrust of tap water and a desire for more sustainable and healthier alternatives.
Surveys and demographic studies identify key locations for the installation of the
machines, such as shopping malls, transport stations and residential buildings,
which will make it possible to offer purified water in high-traffic locations. In
addition, it is noted that consumers prefer the 20-liter canister format and, for the
most part, choose to purchase the machine rather than lease it, suggesting that
a mixed lease and sale model might better suit users' preferences.
On the technical side, the company plans to use state-of-the-art machines,
including purification systems such as reverse osmosis, carbon filters, and UV
disinfection, to ensure contaminant-free water. This will eliminate 99.99% of
bacteria and viruses, guaranteeing high safety and sanitation standards.
Pudahuel was chosen as the center of operations because of its excellent
connectivity with other Santiago districts, which optimizes distribution times and
reduces logistics costs, ensuring the company's operating efficiency.
In the economic area, the project includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis,
which allows projecting a medium-term profitability, thus achieving a sustainable
and competitive operation compared to the current supply of bottled water. The
company will also focus on a marketing strategy that emphasizes both quality and
environmental commitment, emphasizing the reduction of plastic waste and the
use of reusable containers.
Administratively, the company's incorporation as a joint stock company
(SpA) allows for a flexible structure that facilitates both management and future
expansion. In addition, an internal structure is organized with specific roles for
each area, which ensures efficient operation at every stage of the project, from
financial management to maintenance and operation of the machines. In legal
terms, the company is committed to strict compliance with current water quality
regulations, providing security and confidence to its customers.
The implementation of this project represents a significant contribution to
the community, as it not only offers an economical and accessible alternative to
bottled water, but also promotes the reduction of plastic waste and a healthier
lifestyle. This business model supports the fulfillment of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6, which calls for universal access
to clean water and sanitation.
Ultimately, this purified water vending machine company aims to fill a critical need in Santiago, promoting more equitable access to quality water, as well as
contributing to social and environmental well-being in the region
El nuevo régimen de solución de conflictos sobre administración, dominio, posesión y mera tenencia en la Ley N° 20.720, y las consecuencias de someter a un mismo procedimiento materias de distinta naturaleza
Get PDFLa Ley N° 21.563, de 10 de mayo de 2023, reemplazó el texto del art. 131 de la Ley N° 20.720, adaptando el procedimiento que allí se contemplaba para la solución de conflictos relacionados con la administración concursal, a todas aquellas controversias derivadas del dominio, posesión o mera tenencia de los bienes de terceros, que resultan afectados por los efectos del concurso, las que hasta ese momento -y a falta de normas especiales- se venían planteando mediante la aplicación de las normas sobre tercerías de dominio y luego de posesión contempladas en el Código de Procedimiento Civil, con fuertes cuestionamientos jurisprudenciales y doctrinales en cuanto a su procedencia y naturaleza jurídica. Este nuevo cauce procesal, sin embargo, revive una serie de interrogantes que el legislador no previó y que este trabajo pretende dilucidar, relacionados con la distinta naturaleza jurídica de los conflictos que deben resolverse ahora en el marco de un único procedimiento, que la ley califica como incidental, y las consecuencias que ello genera
Association between dopamine genes, adiposity, food addiction, and eating behavior in Chilean adult
No full textPublisher Copyright: Copyright © 2024 Luengo, Goldfield and Obregón.Background: A frequent consumption of high sugar/fat foods can affect dopamine signaling in the brain and cause sustained stimulation of the reward system. It has been hypothesized that a hypodopaminergic trait results in an individual overeating in order to increase brain DA. Genetic variants in this route have been connected with addiction and eating behaviors. Most studies focus on a specific SNP, and few studies have used multilocus genetic scores, which quantify genetic risk on a continuum. Aim: To assess the relationship between multilocus genetic scores based on multiple gene variants in the dopaminergic pathway and measurements of anthropometry, eating behavior, food reinforcement, and food addiction (FA) in Chilean adults. Methods: We recruited 221 Chilean adults for a cross-sectional study. A standard anthropometric measurement procedure was followed and eating behavior was examined using the Three Factor Eating questionnaire (TFEQ), Food Reinforcement Value Questionnaire (FRVQ), Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and 24-h diet recall. Multilocus genetic scores were calculated using TaqMan assays (rs1800497-rs1799732-rs6277-rs4680). Results: No differences were found in the entire sample for anthropometric measurements, by MLGS. We found that participants with a score ≥ 2.0 in the MLGS showed higher food choices on the RVFQ and lower energy intake in protein, lipids, SAFA, MUFA, PUFA, dietary cholesterol, omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in the 24-h recall (p < 0.05). Stratified by nutritional condition, the group with obesity had inferior scores on cognitive restriction, greater scores on uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, and responding to palatable food in the RVFQ. Also, in subjects with obesity, there was more food addiction in the group scoring “MLGS ≥2.0 or low dopamine signaling” (53%), compared to the group scored “MLGS <2.0 or high dopamine signaling” (23%) (p-value; 0.05). Emotional Eating scores correlated positively with MLGS in subjects with obesity. Conclusion: In adults with obesity, the MLGS of the dopamine pathway, reflecting hypodopaminergic signaling, was associated with greater scores on food addiction and altered eating behavior traits
Duration of Chilean Spanish voiceless stops in typically developed speakers and those with Parkinson's disease
Get PDFPublisher Copyright: © 2024 Universidad Austral de Chile. All rights reserved.The objective of this study was to compare the absolute duration, relative duration and the index relative to the duration of the syllable (IREDUS, by its acronym in Spanish) of /p-t-k/ between people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and typically developed people, and contrast these acoustic indices in the first three stages of this disease. Fifteen people with PD and fifteen typically developed people participated. The 30 participants, all Chilean Spanish speakers, were paired by age, sex and educational level. Although the absolute duration was systematically longer in people with PD, there was not a statistically significant difference with the group of typically developed people. In general, the measurement of the relative duration and IREDUS of /p-t-k/ were similar in both groups. Lastly, there were significant differences when comparing the relative duration of /t/ and IREDUS of /t/ and /k/ in the first three stages of PD
Sintesis biomimetica de nanoparticulas: Una revisión exhaustiva sobre la síntesis verde de nanopartículas con foco en extractos de la planta Prosopis farcta y sus aplicaciones biomedicas
No full textPublisher Copyright: © 2024The synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using environmentally friendly methods has garnered significant attention in response to concerns about the environmental impact of various nanomaterial manufacturing techniques. To address this issue, natural resources like extracts from plants, fungi, and bacteria are employed as a green alternative for nanoparticle synthesis. Plant extracts, which contain active components such as terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, and vitamins, operate as coating and reducing agents. Bacteria and fungi, on the other hand, rely on internal enzymes, sugar molecules, membrane proteins, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) dependent enzymes to play critical roles as reducing agents. This review collects recent advancements in biomimetic methods for nanoparticle synthesis, critically discussing the preparation approaches, the type of particles obtained, and their envisaged applications. A specific focus is given on using Prosopis fractal plant extracts to synthesize nanoparticles tailored for biomedical applications. The applications of this plant and its role in the biomimetic manufacturing of nanoparticles have not been reported yet, making this review a pioneering and valuable contribution to the field
Comparative study of visual programming procedures for 3D concrete printing of different geometric shapes
No full text3D concrete printing offers significant advantages over traditional construction methods, including eliminating formwork and facilitating the production of complex designs. However, challenges remain in optimizing the computational design processes for printing different geometries. This research presents a comparative analysis of visual programming routines used in 3D concrete printing for sixteen different geometries, focusing on the printing times of a robotic arm. The results show that although some geometries are printed faster than others, the differences in printing times are not significant. These findings suggest that architects, engineers, and constructors can confidently explore increasingly complex shapes without being constrained by geometric complexity, thereby expanding the creative potential of 3D concrete printing
Discursive Interactions of Reading Mediation of Primary Education Teachers of Excellence in Different DisciplinesWhat Can They Contribute to Teaching Practices?
No full textPublisher Copyright: © 2024, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Letras. All rights reserved.Reading mediation interactions in Chile is predominantly reproductive and present limited cognitive challenge. Therefore, the objective of this research was to characterize the discursive interactions of reading mediation in various subjects of excellent primary education teachers. Regarding the methodology, the design was a descriptive and qualitative multiple-case study. The participants were 9 teachers from 6 educational institutions in La Araucanía, Chile, whose audio of their classes (27) were taped and analyzed according to their cycles and types of interactions: dialogic, IRF (Iniciation-ResponseFeedback) or IRE (Iniciation-Response-Evaluation). Concerning the results, we identified a predominance of IRE cycles, but the interactions are significantly more dialogical than the previous evidence
Contrasting Effects of an Atherogenic Diet and High-Protein/Unsaturated Fatty Acids Diet on the Accelerated Aging Mouse Model SAMP8 Phenotype
No full textPublisher Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.Background/Objectives: Aging has been extensively studied, with a growing interest in memory impairment by a neurobiological approach. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging, contributing to the aging phenotype; therefore, mitochondrial interventions seem fundamental. The diet is a physiological approximation for modifying mitochondria, which could impact the age-related phenotype. Methods: We studied two diets with low-carbohydrate and high-fat compositions, differing in the amount of protein and the fat type disposable—the atherogenic diet Cocoa (high protein/high saturated fat/high cholesterol) and the South Beach diet (very high-protein/high-unsaturated fat)—on oxidative stress, mitochondrial state, and hippocampus-dependent memory in 3-month-old Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Model (SAMP8) seed over 3 months to determine their pro- or anti-aging effects. Results: Despite its bad reputation, the Cocoa diet reduces the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content without impacting the energy state and hippocampus-dependent spatial acuity. In contrast to the beneficial impact proposed for the South Beach diet, it induced a pro-aging phenotype, increasing oxidative damage and the levels of NR2B subunit of the NMDA, impairing energy and spatial acuity. Surprisingly, despite the negative changes observed with both diets, this led to subtle memory impairment, suggesting the activation of compensatory mechanisms preventing more severe cognitive decline. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that diets usually considered good could be detrimental to the onset of aging. Also, probably due to the brain plasticity of non-aged animals, they compensate for the damage, preventing a more aggravated phenotype. Nevertheless, these silent changes could predispose or increase the risk of suffering pathologies at advanced age