The influence of ICTs in vocabulary learning: an empirical study

This paper is a reflection on the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on acts of learning and new ways of teaching. After offering a brief review of the literature that concerns this article (Communicative Language Teaching [CLT], lexicology, ICTs), it reports on the design and outcomes of an experiment carried out in the Faculty of Education at the University of Córdoba with a group of twenty third year students studying to be English teachers. The results are revealing, as these students show learning differences in their command of the terms related to assessment before and after our intervention.Este trabajo supone una reflexión sobre la influencia de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TICs) en los actos de aprendizaje y en las nuevas formas de enseñanza. Tras ofrecer una revisión teórica de la literatura en la que se apoya este artículo (Enfoque comunicativo, lexicología y TICs,), presentaremos el diseño y los resultados de un experimento llevado a cabo en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Córdoba con un grupo de veinte alumnos del tercer curso de Maestros de Inglés. Los resultados serán reveladores, ya que estos alumnos muestran diferencias significativas en el dominio de los términos relacionados con la evaluación antes y después de nuestra intervención

Negative effect of copper nanoparticles on the conjugation frequency of degradative catabolic plasmid

Due to their antimicrobial properties Copper nanoparticles (CuNps) have been proposed to be used in agriculture for pest control. Pesticides removal is mainly done by microorganisms, whose genes usually are found in degradative plasmids transferable by conjugation. Our objective was to evaluate if subinhibitory concentrations of CuNps affect the conjugation frequency (CF) of two degradative plasmids, pJP4 and pADP1. CuNps were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with X-ray detector, dynamic light scattering and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mating pairs were incubated in liquid media supplemented with subinhibitory concentrations of CuNps (nominal size 40-60 nm) or copper sulphate (CuSO4) as salt form. Transconjugants strains were checked for pesticide degradation and presence of plasmidial genes by PCR. CuNps dissolution in LB broth were quickly (less 3 h), meanwhile in saline medium without organic matter dissolution never pass over 20%. Neither nanoparticles nor copper salt modify the bacterial growth under subinhibitory concentrations assessed. However, under low concentrations of both copper forms (20 µg mL-1), the conjugation frequencies of degradative plasmids were reduced to 90 %. Therefore, our results indicate that ionic copper affect transference of catabolic plasmids as a subinhibitory consequence. The intentional or accidental release of copper to the environment would be affecting the biodegradative potential of microbial communities and inevitably producing as a result a decrease in the pesticides removal.Fil: Parra, Boris. Universidad de Concepcion; ChileFil: Tortella, Gonzalo R.. Universidad de La Frontera. Núcleo Científico y Tecnológico en Recursos Naturales; ChileFil: Cuozzo, Sergio Antonio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; ArgentinaFil: Martínez, Miguel. Universidad de Concepción; Chil

Combined microbiological test to assess changes in an organic matrix used to avoid agricultural soil contamination, exposed to an insecticide

Combined microbiological test (Biolog Ecoplate, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and Real Time PCR (qPCR)) were developed to evaluate the impact of repeated diazinon (DZN) applications at high concentration (40 mg kg-1) on microbial communities in a microcosm simulating the organic matrix (straw (50%): peat (25%): soil (25%) vv-1) of an pesticide biopurification system (PBS). Moreover, pesticide dissipation was also evaluated. After three successive exposition of DZN, dissipation efficiency was high; achieved 87%, 93% and 96% after each application, respectively showing a clear accelerated dissipation of this pesticide in the organic matrix. The results obtained with Biolog Ecoplate showed that community level physiological profiles were no affected by the addition of DZN. On the other hand, molecular assays (DGGE and QPCR) demonstrated that the microbial structure (bacteria and fungi) remained relatively stable over time with high DZN doses compared to control. Therefore, the results of the present study, clearly, demonstrate the high dissipation capacity of this biomixture and highlight the microbiological robustness of this biological system.Fil: Tortella, G. R.. Universidad de la Frontera. Nucleo Cientifico y Tecnologico En Recursos Naturales (bioren-ufro). Departamento de Ciencias Quimicas y Recursos Naturales; ChileFil: Salgado, E.. Universidad de la Frontera. Nucleo Cientifico y Tecnológico En Recursos Naturales; ChileFil: Cuozzo, Sergio Antonio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (i); ArgentinaFil: Mella Herrera, R. A.. Universidad de la Frontera. Nucleo Cientifico y Tecnológico En Recursos Naturales; ChileFil: Parra, L.. Universidad de la Frontera. Núcleo Científico y Tecnológico en Recursos Naturales; ChileFil: Diez, M. C.. Universidad de la Frontera. Nucleo Cientifico y Tecnológico En Recursos Naturales; ChileFil: Rubilar, O.. Universidad de la Frontera. Nucleo Cientifico y Tecnológico En Recursos Naturales; Chil

Icts and second language learning/teaching

Este articulo pretende hacer una revisión del trasfondo teórico y los términos lingüísticos que presupone la enseñanza de la segunda lengua que afectan lógicamente, a la enseñanza virtual y, por tanto, a la aplicación de las Nuevas Tecnologías (NNTT) o Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TICs) Entre otras cuestiones, trataremos la diferencia entre fluidez y perfección, la aplicación de los enfoques formales (o gramaticales) y funcionales (o nocionales) o la diferencia entre adquisición y aprendizaje. Por último, haremos una breve reflexión sobre la aplicación de las TICs como métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, así como una aplicación práctica a modo de ejemplo.This article aims to review the theoretical background and linguistic terms that, involved in teaching of a second language, affect e-learning and hence, the application of the New Technologies (NNTi) or lnformalion and Communicaiion Technologies (ICTs). Among other things, we wi ll examine the difference between fluency and accuracy, the application of formal (or grammatical) vs. functional (or notional) approaches, and the difference between acquisition and learning. Finally, we will reflect on the application of ICTs as teaching and learning methods, and we willlook at a practical application as an example

Diseño de un tema de lengua y literatura inglesas a través de Flash y Dreamweaver de Macromedia

This article aims to review the methodology used in distance education, at the same time that it deals with the introduction of the teacher in the use of the hypermedia and/or multimedia systems for the teaching practice. This means a challenge, backed by the EU and the European Convergence for the University curriculum of this new century. Our starting point is that teacher training in ICTs is a ‘must’ for the success of the new Spanish University model (in which distance and presence tutorials, as well as supporting materials for self-study and reflection are to be found). Taking into account the recommendations of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, we will propose the layout of a lesson belonging to a syllabus of English Language and Literature for university students.Este artículo pretende hacer una revisión de la metodología que se utiliza en los sistemas de educación a distancia, al mismo tiempo que trata el tema de la introducción del profesor en el uso de los sistemas hipermedia y/o multimedia para el desarrollo de la praxis docente. Ello supone un gran reto hoy día, avalado por la UE en la formulación específica del Plan de Convergencia Europea para el sistema universitario de este nuevo milenio. Partimos de la premisa de que la formación del docente en las TICs es una condición sine qua non para el éxito del nuevo sistema universitario (formado por tutorías presenciales, virtuales y material de apoyo para su estudio y reflexión). Apoyándonos en las premisas del Marco Común Europeo de Referencia para las Lenguas, apuntaremos el esquema base del desarrollo de una lección perteneciente a un temario de Lengua y literatura inglesas para alumnos universitarios

Icts and second language learning/teaching

Este articulo pretende hacer una revisión del trasfondo teórico y los términos lingüísticos que presupone la enseñanza de la segunda lengua que afectan lógicamente, a la enseñanza virtual y, por tanto, a la aplicación de las Nuevas Tecnologías (NNTT) o Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TICs) Entre otras cuestiones, trataremos la diferencia entre fluidez y perfección, la aplicación de los enfoques formales (o gramaticales) y funcionales (o nocionales) o la diferencia entre adquisición y aprendizaje. Por último, haremos una breve reflexión sobre la aplicación de las TICs como métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, así como una aplicación práctica a modo de ejemplo.This article aims to review the theoretical background and linguistic terms that, involved in teaching of a second language, affect e-learning and hence, the application of the New Technologies (NNTi) or lnformalion and Communicaiion Technologies (ICTs). Among other things, we wi ll examine the difference between fluency and accuracy, the application of formal (or grammatical) vs. functional (or notional) approaches, and the difference between acquisition and learning. Finally, we will reflect on the application of ICTs as teaching and learning methods, and we willlook at a practical application as an example

Structural connectivity centrality changes mark the path towards Alzheimer's disease

[EN] Introduction: The pathophysiological process of Alzheimer's disease is thought to begin years before clinical decline, with evidence suggesting prion-like spreading processes of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques. Methods: Using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database, we first identified relevant features for dementia diagnosis. We then created dynamic models with the Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland Sample database to estimate the earliest detectable stage associated with dementia in the simulated disease progression. Results: A classifier based on centrality measures provides informative predictions. Strength and closeness centralities are the most discriminative features, which are associated with the medial temporal lobe and subcortical regions, together with posterior and occipital brain regions. Our model simulations suggest that changes associated with dementia begin to manifest structurally at early stages. Discussion: Our analyses suggest that diffusion magnetic resonance imaging-based centrality measures can offer a tool for early disease detection before clinical dementia onset.The authors would like to thank Peter N. Taylor and Yujiang Wang for their stimulating feedback and suggestions. Funding: A.D.-P. was supported by grant FPU13/01475 from the Spanish Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deporte (MECD). This work was supported in part by the Spanish Ministerio de Economıa y Competitividad (MINECO) and FEDER funds under grant BFU2015- 64380-C2-2-R. L.R.P. and J.-P.T. were supported by the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Center awarded to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University. M.K. and R.B. were supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of the United Kingdom (EP/K026992/1). R.B. was also supported by (EP/S001433/1) and the Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom (MR/N015037/1). Data collection and sharing for this project was funded by the Alzheimer s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) (National Institutes of Health Grant U01 AG024904) and DOD ADNI (Department of Defense award number W81XWH-12-2- 0012). ADNI is funded by the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and generous contributions from the following organizations: AbbVie, Alzheimer s Association; Alzheimer s Drug Discovery Foundation; Araclon Biotech; BioClinica, Inc.; Biogen; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; CereSpir, Inc.; Cogstate; Eisai Inc.; Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; EuroImmun; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and its affiliated company Genentech, Inc.; Fujirebio; GE Healthcare; IXICO Ltd.; Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy Research & Development, LLC.; Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development LLC.; Lumosity; Lundbeck; Merck & Co., Inc.; Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC.; NeuroRx Research; Neurotrack Technologies; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Pfizer Inc.; Piramal Imaging; Servier; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company; and Transition Therapeutics. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is providing funds to support ADNI clinical sites in Canada. Private sector contributions are facilitated by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (www.fnih.org). The grantee organization is the Northern California Institute for Research and Education, and the study is coordinated by the Alzheimer s Therapeutic Research Institute at the University of Southern California. ADNI data are disseminated by the Laboratory for Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California.Peraza, LR.; Díaz-Parra, A.; Kennion, O.; Moratal, D.; Taylor, J.; Kaiser, M.; Bauer, R. (2019). Structural connectivity centrality changes mark the path towards Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring. 11:98-107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadm.2018.12.004S9810711(2016). 2016 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 12(4), 459-509. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2016.03.001Sperling, R. A., Aisen, P. S., Beckett, L. A., Bennett, D. A., Craft, S., Fagan, A. M., … Phelps, C. H. (2011). Toward defining the preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease: Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 7(3), 280-292. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2011.03.003Jack, C. R., Knopman, D. S., Jagust, W. J., Petersen, R. C., Weiner, M. 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Spanish study of anticoagulation in haemodialysis

This study's objectives were to determine which anticoagulation methods are commonly used in patients who are undergoing haemodialysis (HD) in Spain, on what criteria do they depend, and the consequences arising from their use. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ours was a cross-sectional study based on two types of surveys: a "HD Centre Survey" and a "Patient Survey". The first survey was answered by 87 adult HD units serving a total of 6093 patients, as well as 2 paediatric units. Among these units, 48.3% were part of the public health system and the remaining 51.7% units were part of the private health system. The patient survey analysed 758 patients who were chosen at random from among the aforementioned 78 HD units. RESULTs: A) HD Centre Survey: The majority of adult HD units (n=61, 70.2%) used both kinds of heparin, 19 of them (21.8%) only used LMWH and 7 of them (8%) only used UFH. The most frequently applied criteria for the use of LMWH were medical indications (83.3% of HD units) and ease of administration (29.5%). The most frequently used methods for adjusting the dosage were clotting of the circuit (88.2% of units), bleeding of the vascular access after disconnection (75.3%), and patient weight (57.6%). B) Patient Survey: The distribution of the types of heparin used was: UFH: 44.1%, LMWH: 51.5%, and dialysis without heparin in 4.4% of patients. LMWH was more frequently used in public medical centres (64.2% of patients) than in private medical centres (46.1%) (P<.001). LMWH was more frequently used in on-line haemodiafiltration (HF) than in high-flux HD (P<.001). Antiplatelet agents were given to 45.5% of patients, oral anticoagulants to 18.4% of patients, and both to 5% of patients. Additionally, 4.4% of patients had suffered bleeding complications during the previous week, and 1.9% of patients suffered thrombotic complications. Bleeding complications were more frequent in patients with oral anticoagulants (P=.001), although there was no association between the type of heparin and the occurrence of bleeding or thrombotic complications. CONCLUSIONS: We are able to conclude that there is a great amount of disparity in the criteria used for the medical prescription of anticoagulation in HD. It is advisable that each HD unit revise their own results as well as those from other centres, and possibly to create an Anticoagulation Guide in Haemodialysis

The Structure of the Negative Axiological Axis of the Lexical Field FEELING/SENTIMIENTO (English-Spanish)

El objetivo de este trabajo es constituir y examinar la estructuración del eje axiológico negativo del campo léxico FEELING/SENTIMIENTO en inglés y en español. La importancia del campo léxico que designa la expresión del sentimiento es crucial para el lenguaje humano. Es una premisa básica que la percepción humana está condicionada por nuestros cuerpos (tal como ya afirmaban las teorías cognitivistas de Lakoff 1987 y Taylor 1989). El modo en que dichas percepciones afectan a la emotividad del ser cognoscitivo puede ser evaluado de manera positiva o negativa. Por tanto, la parte del vocabulario de una lengua que lexicaliza la percepción axiológica del sentimiento es uno de los ejes fundamentales a la hora de analizar el componente léxico verbal de la lengua. El campo léxico FEELING-SENTIMIENTO designa una amplia gama de percepciones que las lenguas naturales han ido lexicalizando a lo largo del tiempo y que, comprobaremos, hacen de diferente manera en ambos idiomas, cuestión fundamental para el ejercicio traductológico.The aim of this work is to build and examine the structure of the negative axiological axis of the lexical field FEELING/SENTIMIENTO in English and Spanish. The importance of the lexical field which expresses feeling is key to human language. It is a basic premise that human perception is conditioned by our bodies (as stated by cognitive theories of Lakoff 1987 and Taylor 1989). The way those perceptions affect the cognitive being can be evaluated in a positive and in a negative manner. Thus, the part of a language vocabulary that lexicalizes the axiologic feeling perception is one of the main axes while trying to analyze the verbal lexical component in a language. The lexical field FEELING/SENTIMIENTO holds a wide range of perceptions that the natural languages have been lexicalizing throughout time and which, as we will prove, have done differently, making this study relevant traductologically