77823 research outputs found
Sort by
Human-animal interactions, occupational health and well-being in pig slaughterhouses of Colombia: Exploring worker perceptions and practices
No full textPublic concern about global health has forced the meat industry to make technological, operational and logistical improvements, but human-animal interactions are rarely considered from an animal welfare perspective. A total of 171 workers from 12 pig slaughterhouses were interviewed about their occupational perceptions and practices affecting their health and well-being, and human-pig interactions. Ninety percent of the workers interviewed were male, between 18 and 30 years old, with high school education, 40 years of age, with > 7 years of experience, and the upper and/or lower extremities were most affected. Our results indicate that fatigue caused by factors such as line speed, uncoordinated operations, and risky behavior by workers, is the main cause of workplace accidents in slaughterhouses. Based on this evidence, we conclude that adjustments of work break/rest intervals and improvements of working conditions are necessary to reduce fatigue, improve safety, and enhance work efficiency
El profesorado ante la educación inclusiva: perfiles actitudinales y orientaciones para su formación
Full text linkLa inclusión es uno de los principales retos que afrontan los sistemas educativos actuales. Aunque la mayoría de los países hispanohablantes han puesto en marcha políticas inclusivas durante los últimos años, numerosas investigaciones señalan que las actitudes de los docentes son determinantes para facilitar la plena inclusión en las escuelas. Este estudio indaga en los perfiles actitudinales del profesorado acerca de la inclusión educativa. Participaron 357 docentes de educación primaria en formación inicial y en ejercicio procedentes de países hispanohablantes. Se utilizó el cuestionario de López et al. (2010). Los participantes mostraron actitudes mayoritariamente favorables hacia la inclusión, identificando cinco perfiles diferentes: inclusivo, comprometido, paradójico, reticente y excluyente. Los perfiles intermedios —comprometido, paradójico y reticente— mostraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a las creencias y a las prácticas. Se facilitan enfoques formativos específicos para cada perfil, junto con orientaciones generales. Se recomienda profundizar en estrategias didácticas y fomentar el diálogo colaborativo para los perfiles inclusivo y comprometido. El perfil paradójico necesita recursos prácticos para alinear teoría y práctica, mientras que los perfiles reticente y excluyente requieren un enfoque cuidadoso para facilitar la aceptación de la diversidad
Serologic Evidence of Exposure to Leishmania infantum in Captive and Free-Ranging European Bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland, 2017–23
No full textThe European Bison (Bison bonasus) is the largest mammal in Europe and is classified as an endangered species. Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. In general, this infection has been associated with dogs, cats, and humans. However, epidemiologic studies and reports confirm that the parasite is able to infect many other mammalian species. Recent evidence has demonstrated that ruminants in endemic areas are exposed to L. infantum infection. Moreover, climate change has allowed the northward spread of vector species, causing the expansion of L. infantum infection in regions traditionally classified as nonendemic in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the presence or absence of anti–L. infantum antibodies in serum samples from 343 European bison in Poland, collected from 2017 to 2023. For this purpose, the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies was analyzed using an in-house multispecies ELISA. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in four animals, an overall seroprevalence of 1.17%. The results provide scientific evidence of serologic exposure to the parasite in Poland, a country previously considered nonendemic for L. infantum infection
Con ell arco de la ffe: una lectura espiritual de la divisa de las flechas de Isabel la Católica
Full text linkEn este artículo se ofrece una hipótesis sobre de la interpretación de la divisa de las flechas de Isabel I de Castilla, a partir de una lectura espiritual del emblema. Se parte de la concepción mesiánica que los Reyes Católicos tuvieron de su misión como gobernantes desde muy pronto, así como de la idea de cruzada contra el infiel. El estudio se lleva a cabo sobre la base de diversas las fuentes que habrían inspirado la creación de la divisa: el capítulo 49 del libro de Isaías y el Salmo 45 y los comentarios realizados a propósito por algunos Padres de la Iglesia y algunos autores medievales, así como la Leyenda de Santa Úrsula y las once mil vírgenes, a partir de la Legenda aurea de Jacobo de la Vorágine y su versión en castellano, el Flos sanctorum. El estudio tiene en cuenta, además, complejidad de las circunstancias en las que se realizó la divisa del haz de flechas isabelino, entre 1469 y 1473.
This article offers a hypothesis about the interpretation of the badge of the arrows of Isabella I of Castile, based on a spiritual reading of the emblem. The starting point is the messianic conception that the Catholic Monarchs had of their mission as rulers from very early on, as well as the idea of crusade against the infidel. The study is based on various sources that would have inspired the creation of the badge: chapter 49 of the book of Isaiah and Psalm 45 and the commentaries made on the subject by some Fathers of the Church and some medieval authors, as well as the Legend of Saint Ursula and the eleven thousand virgins, based on the Legenda aurea by Jacobus de la Voragine and its Spanish version, the Flos sanctorum. The study also takes into account the complexity of the circumstances in which the badge of the Elizabethan bundle of arrows was made, between 1469 and 1473
Association of distinct biomarker profiles with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in older adults: Prospective cohort study across 12 countries
No full textBackground and aim
Biomarkers may help predict mortality risk in older adults, yet their combined effects remain unclear. This study aims to identify distinct biomarker profiles in older adults and assess their association with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk.
Methods and results
We analyzed data from 12,960 older adults (67.8 ± 9.4 years, 58 % women) from 11 European countries and Israel participating in Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Seven biomarkers were assessed from dried blood spot samples. K-means cluster analysis identified nine distinct biomarker profiles. Cox regression and Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models assessed the association between biomarker profiles and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, respectively, adjusting for relevant covariates. During a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 1270 (9.8 %) died. Compared to the largest cluster (n = 7005) with generally normal biomarker levels, clusters characterized by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and cystatin C showed increased risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality and to some extent cancer mortality. A cluster with elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (n = 1959) showed slightly increased mortality risk (HR 1.29, 95%CI 1.08–1.54). A cluster with high triglyceride and total cholesterol (n = 1622) showed decreased cancer mortality risk (SHR 0.60, 95 % CI: 0.38–0.96).
Conclusions
Biomarker profiles characterized by elevated inflammatory and renal function markers were strongly associated with increased mortality risk, even when other biomarkers were within normal ranges. Surprisingly, high levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol may be protective against cancer mortality. These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple biomarkers simultaneously in mortality risk stratification for older adults
Toward a transversal education model: a review of digital and artistic-musical competencies (2014–2024)
Full text linkThis study explores the integration of digital and artistic-musical competencies in education, focusing on their potential to foster transversal competencies such as creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and inclusion. A systematic review of 81 international scientific articles published between 2014 and 2024 reveals that while digital tools are increasingly used in music and arts education, their integration into interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches remains underdeveloped. The findings highlight the benefits of combining technological and artistic competencies for enhancing student engagement, motivation, and skills development. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools in education, fostering innovative practices in artistic creation and collaboration. Key methodologies identified include technology-assisted collaborative learning, project-based learning (PBL), technology-assisted collaborative learning, gamification, and service-learning (S-L). However, challenges persist, including unequal access to technology, insufficient teacher training, and difficulties in evaluating competencies developed in integrated learning environments. To address these issues, the study proposes a transdisciplinary education model that integrates digital and artistic competencies into curricula while promoting transversal skills. This model emphasizes active methodologies, inclusive practices, teacher collaboration and holistic evaluation strategies to create an educational ecosystem that prepares students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world. The study underscores the need for ongoing teacher training, institutional support, and policy changes to ensure equitable access to resources and effective implementation of transdisciplinary approaches. By fostering creativity and innovation through the convergence of technology and the arts, this model aims to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the twenty first century
Continuous exfoliation of 2H-MoS2 in a microwave-heated microfluidic contactor
No full textMicrowave (MW)-assisted exfoliation of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been demonstrated to produce exceptionally large area (in the µm2 range), ultrathin (< 4 layers) flakes operating in the batch mode. Here, we develop a continuous system capable of producing few-layer MoS2 flakes of similar quality to those obtained through the batch procedure but with enhanced efficiency and scalability. The proposed microfluidic-based method introduces a controlled, stable, and reproducible process for exfoliating MoS2 in a liquid medium. By optimizing parameters such as flow rate, channel geometry, power of the MW heating and solvent selection, we were able to consistently achieve flake sizes in the µm range and thicknesses below 6 nm, comparable to those obtained via batch MW exfoliation. The continuous nature of the system allows for scalable production, addressing one of the major limitations of batch processes. While developed for MoS2 flakes, it can be translated to any two-dimensional (2D) material with suitable microwave-absorbing properties, potentially paving the way for the continuous production of a wide variety of large-area ultrathin flakes
IoB Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Built Environment (SBE): Understanding the Complexity and Contributing to Energy Efficiency; A Case Study in Mediterranean Climates
Full text linkTo meet the 2050 targets about climate change and decarbonization, accomplishing thermal comfort, Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems are key enabling technologies to move the Built Environment (BE) towards Smart Built Environment (SBE). The first contributions of this paper conceptualise SBE from its dynamic and adaptative perspectives, considering the human habitat, and enunciate SBE as a multidimensional approach through six ways of inhabiting: defensive, projective, scientific, thermodynamic, subjective, and complex. From these premises, to analyse the performance indicators that characterise these multidisciplinary ways of inhabiting, an IoT-driven methodology is proposed: to deploy a sensor infrastructure to acquire experimental measurements; analyse data to convert them into context-aware information; and make knowledge-based decisions. Thus, this work tackles the inefficiency and high energy consumption of public buildings with the challenge of balancing energy efficiency and user comfort in dynamic scenarios. As current systems lack real-time adaptability, this work integrates an IoT-driven approach to enhance energy management and reduce discrepancies between measured temperatures and normative thresholds. Following the energy efficiency directives, the obtained results contribute to the following: understanding the complexity of the SBE by analysing its thermal performance, quantifying the potential of energy saving, and estimating its economic impact. The derived conclusions show that IoT-driven solutions allow the generation of real-data-based models on which to enhance SBE knowledge, by increasing energy efficiency and guaranteeing user comfort while minimising environmental effects and economic impact
Factors related to risky alcohol consumption and binge drinking in Spanish college students: a cross-sectional study
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risky alcohol consumption and regular binge drinking, and their associated factors, in Spanish college students.A cross-sectional study was conducted.This study took place at a private university in a northern region of Spain.Participants: A total of 330 Spanish undergraduate university students enrolled in the 2022–2023 academic year voluntarily agreed to participate in this investigation.Primary and secondary outcome measures: Data collection included sociodemographic information and health-related behaviours. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used to assess alcohol consumption. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors for risky alcohol consumption and regular binge drinking.Results: 40.0% of participants reported risky alcohol consumption, and 26.7% were classified as regular binge drinkers. Factors associated with risky alcohol consumption included smoking (OR=3.54, 95% CI 2.03 to 6.14) and problematic internet use (OR=2.10, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.53). Conversely, being older than 30 years was associated with a lower likelihood (OR=0.22, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.60). Regular binge drinking was associated with living outside the family home (OR=2.78, 95% CI 1.56 to 4.95), smoking (OR=3.53, 95% CI 1.94 to 6.40) and problematic internet use (OR=2.19, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.89). In contrast, being female (OR=0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.94) and being over 30 years old (OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.86) were inversely associated.Conclusions: Risky alcohol consumption and binge drinking are relatively common among Spanish university students. Interventions to promote responsible alcohol consumption among this population should be implemented in collaboration with other stakeholders