Higher Education learning experience in the face of changes worldwide due to COVID-19

La experiencia de aprendizaje en la educación superior se ha visto afectada ante la crisis mundial por el COVID-19. Se ha realizado una encuesta a un grupo de 117 estudiantes y profesores de diferentes universidades de Iberoamérica, donde se ha observado los problemas que se enfrentan los estudiantes para recibir sus clases de manera en línea, el cual puede ser ocasionado por el nivel de conectividad o la ausencia de un equipo tecnológico. A su vez, los mismos estudiantes sienten que las evaluaciones son más estrictas y duras al evaluar. Por otro lado, los profesores se enfrentan al uso de plataformas tecnológicas para ofrecer sus cursos, evaluar los estudiantes y transmitir las clases. Por lo tanto, hay unas nuevas competencias que deben ser adquiridas para dictar un curso en línea, de tal manera que motive al estudiante durante su aprendizaje.The learning experience in higher education has been affected by the global crisis due to COVID-19. A survey has been carried out on a group of 117 students and professors from different universities in Ibero-America, where it has been observed the problems that students face to receive their classes online, which can be caused by the level of connectivity or the absence of a technological team. In turn, the same students feel that the evaluations are stricter and harsher when evaluating. On the other hand, teachers are faced with the use of technological platforms to offer their courses, evaluate students and transmit classes. Therefore, there are new competences that must be acquired to teach an online course, in such a way that it motivates the student during their learning

Classroom flipped in a virtual platform for the development of competences. Case study: applied research course

The new framework for the quality of higher education proposes to transform the paradigm of didactic intervention, orienting it towards more active mixed methodologies, centered on the student's learning process, incorporating technological tools that allow a better development of the teaching-learning processes. The objective of this study is to apply the Inverted Classroom model through a Moodle virtual platform for the development of research competencies. The study is applied to 46 participants graduated from the professional career of Communication Sciences at the national University of Piura (Peru), where they participated in a professional updating and degree program. The methodology applied is mixed, with quantitative and qualitative data, following a pre-experimental design. To evaluate the competencies, quantitative data were collected at the beginning and end of the Applied Research course. The research hypothesis is to validate whether in the context of the subject of Applied Research in Communication Sciences the pedagogical model Inverted Classroom through the use of the virtual platform Moodle has an effect on the development of research skills in students. The data collection process is carried out at the beginning with a knowledge test applied to the students and at the end with the qualification obtained through an evaluation matrix. The results obtained show significant differences in the average grades of the students, obtained before and after using the Inverted Classroom model, where better results are obtained in the competences referred to the elaboration of the theoretical framework and approach of the studyEl nuevo marco de la calidad de la educación superior propone transformar el paradigma de intervención didáctica orientándolo hacia metodologías mixtas más activas, centradas en el proceso de aprendizaje del estudiante, en el que se incorporan herramientas tecnológicas que permiten un mejor desarrollo de los procesos de enseñanzaaprendizaje. Se realiza un estudio cuyo objetivo es aplicar el modelo Aula Invertida a través de una plataforma virtual Moodle para el desarrollo de competencias investigativas. El estudio es aplicado a 46 participantes egresados de la carrera profesional de Ciencias de la Comunicación de la Universidad nacional de Piura (Perú), donde participaron en un programa de actualización y titulación profesional. La metodología aplicada es mixta, con datos cuantitativos y cualitativos, donde ha seguido un diseño pre experimental. Para evaluar las competencias se recolectan datos cuantitativos al inicio y final del curso de Investigación Aplicada. La hipótesis de investigación consiste en validar si en el contexto de la asignatura de Investigación Aplicada a las Ciencias de la Comunicación si el modelo pedagógico Aula Invertida a través del uso de la plataforma virtual Moodle tiene efecto en el desarrollo de competencias investigativas en los estudiantes. El proceso de recolección de información se realiza al inicio con una prueba de conocimientos aplicada a los estudiantes del y al final con la calificación obtenida a través de una matriz de evaluación. Los resultados obtenidos muestran diferencias significativas en el promedio de calificaciones de los estudiantes, obtenidos antes y después usando el modelo de Aula Invertida, donde se obtienen mejores resultados en las competencias referidas a la elaboración del marco teórico y planteamiento del estudi

Energy Estimation of Cosmic Rays with the Engineering Radio Array of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) is part of the Pierre Auger Observatory and is used to detect the radio emission of cosmic-ray air showers. These observations are compared to the data of the surface detector stations of the Observatory, which provide well-calibrated information on the cosmic-ray energies and arrival directions. The response of the radio stations in the 30 to 80 MHz regime has been thoroughly calibrated to enable the reconstruction of the incoming electric field. For the latter, the energy deposit per area is determined from the radio pulses at each observer position and is interpolated using a two-dimensional function that takes into account signal asymmetries due to interference between the geomagnetic and charge-excess emission components. The spatial integral over the signal distribution gives a direct measurement of the energy transferred from the primary cosmic ray into radio emission in the AERA frequency range. We measure 15.8 MeV of radiation energy for a 1 EeV air shower arriving perpendicularly to the geomagnetic field. This radiation energy -- corrected for geometrical effects -- is used as a cosmic-ray energy estimator. Performing an absolute energy calibration against the surface-detector information, we observe that this radio-energy estimator scales quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy as expected for coherent emission. We find an energy resolution of the radio reconstruction of 22% for the data set and 17% for a high-quality subset containing only events with at least five radio stations with signal.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DO

Electrical half-wave rectification at ferroelectric domain walls

Ferroelectric domain walls represent multifunctional 2D-elements with great potential for novel device paradigms at the nanoscale. Improper ferroelectrics display particularly promising types of domain walls, which, due to their unique robustness, are the ideal template for imposing specific electronic behavior. Chemical doping, for instance, induces p- or n-type characteristics and electric fields reversibly switch between resistive and conductive domain-wall states. Here, we demonstrate diode-like conversion of alternating-current (AC) into direct-current (DC) output based on neutral 180$^{\circ}$ domain walls in improper ferroelectric ErMnO$_3$. By combining scanning probe and dielectric spectroscopy, we show that the rectification occurs for frequencies at which the domain walls are fixed to their equilibrium position. The practical frequency regime and magnitude of the output is controlled by the bulk conductivity. Using density functional theory we attribute the transport behavior at the neutral walls to an accumulation of oxygen defects. Our study reveals domain walls acting as 2D half-wave rectifiers, extending domain-wall-based nanoelectronic applications into the realm of AC technology

Measurement of the Radiation Energy in the Radio Signal of Extensive Air Showers as a Universal Estimator of Cosmic-Ray Energy

We measure the energy emitted by extensive air showers in the form of radio emission in the frequency range from 30 to 80 MHz. Exploiting the accurate energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory, we obtain a radiation energy of 15.8 \pm 0.7 (stat) \pm 6.7 (sys) MeV for cosmic rays with an energy of 1 EeV arriving perpendicularly to a geomagnetic field of 0.24 G, scaling quadratically with the cosmic-ray energy. A comparison with predictions from state-of-the-art first-principle calculations shows agreement with our measurement. The radiation energy provides direct access to the calorimetric energy in the electromagnetic cascade of extensive air showers. Comparison with our result thus allows the direct calibration of any cosmic-ray radio detector against the well-established energy scale of the Pierre Auger Observatory.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DOI. Supplemental material in the ancillary file

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

A very luminous magnetar-powered supernova associated with an ultra-long gamma-ray burst

A new class of ultra-long duration (>10,000 s) gamma-ray bursts has recently been suggested1,2,3. They may originate in the explosion of stars with much larger radii than normal long gamma-ray bursts3,4 or in the tidal disruptions of a star3. No clear supernova had yet been associated with an ultra-long gamma-ray burst. Here we report that a supernova (2011kl) was associated with the ultra-long duration burst 111209A, at z=0.677. This supernova is more than 3 times more luminous than type Ic supernovae associated with long gamma-ray bursts5,6,7, and its spectrum is distinctly different. The continuum slope resembles those of super-luminous supernovae8,9, but extends farther down into the rest-frame ultra-violet implying a low metal content. The light curve evolves much more rapidly than super-luminous supernovae. The combination of high luminosity and low metal-line opacity cannot be reconciled with typical type Ic supernovae, but can be reproduced by a model where extra energy is injected by a strongly magnetized neutron star (a magnetar), which has also been proposed as the explanation for super-luminous supernovae20,20a

Dietary diversity and depression: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in Spanish adult population with metabolic syndrome. Findings from PREDIMED-Plus trial

Objective: To examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal (2-year follow-up) associations between dietary diversity (DD) and depressive symptoms. Design: An energy-adjusted dietary diversity score (DDS) was assessed using a validated FFQ and was categorised into quartiles (Q). The variety in each food group was classified into four categories of diversity (C). Depressive symptoms were assessed with Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck II) questionnaire and depression cases defined as physician-diagnosed or Beck II >= 18. Linear and logistic regression models were used. Setting: Spanish older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Participants: A total of 6625 adults aged 55–75 years from the PREDIMED-Plus study with overweight or obesity and MetS. Results: Total DDS was inversely and statistically significantly associated with depression in the cross-sectional analysis conducted; OR Q4 v. Q1 = 0·76 (95 % CI (0·64, 0·90)). This was driven by high diversity compared to low diversity (C3 v. C1) of vegetables (OR = 0·75, 95 % CI (0·57, 0·93)), cereals (OR = 0·72 (95 % CI (0·56, 0·94)) and proteins (OR = 0·27, 95 % CI (0·11, 0·62)). In the longitudinal analysis, there was no significant association between the baseline DDS and changes in depressive symptoms after 2 years of follow-up, except for DD in vegetables C4 v. C1 = (β = 0·70, 95 % CI (0·05, 1·35)). Conclusions: According to our results, DD is inversely associated with depressive symptoms, but eating more diverse does not seem to reduce the risk of future depression. Additional longitudinal studies (with longer follow-up) are needed to confirm these findings.T The PREDIMED-Plus trial was supported by the European Research Council (Advanced Research Grant 2013-2018; 340918) grant to Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez, and by the official funding agency for biomedical research of the Spanish Government, ISCIII through the Fondo de Investigacion para la Salud (FIS), which is cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund (four coordinated FIS projects led by Jordi Salas-Salvado and Josep Vidal), including the following projects: PI13/00673, PI13/00492, PI13/00272, PI13/01123, PI13/00462, PI13/00233, PI13/02184, PI13/00728, PI13/01090, PI13/01056, PI14/01722, PI14/00636, PI14/00618, PI14/00696, PI14/01206, PI14/01919, PI14/00853, PI14/01374, PI16/00473, PI16/00662, PI16/01873, PI16/01094, PI16/00501, PI16/00533, PI16/00381, PI16/00366, PI16/01522, PI16/01120, PI17/00764, PI17/01183, PI17/00855, PI17/01347, PI17/00525, PI17/01827, PI17/00532, PI17/00215, PI17/01441, PI17/00508, PI17/01732, PI17/00926, The Especial Action Project entitled: 'Implementacion y Evaluacion de una intervencion intensiva sobre la actividad fisica Cohorte PREDIMED-Plus' grant to Jordi Salas-Salvado, the Recercaixa grant to Jordi Salas-Salvado (2013ACUP00194), grants from the Consejeria de Salud de la Junta de Andalucia (PI0458/2013; PS0358/2016; PI0137/2018), the PROMETEO/2017/017 grant from the Generalitat Valenciana, the SEMERGEN grant, and CIBEROBN and FEDER funds (CB06/03), ISCIII. International Nut&Dried Fruit Council-FESNAD N degrees 201302: Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez (PI). None of the funding sources took part in the design, collection, analysis or interpretation of the data, or in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. The corresponding author had full access to all the data in the study and had final responsibility to submit for publication

Effect of a nutritional intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet on environmental impact

[EN]To estimate the environmental impact of a dietary intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) after one year of follow-up. Methods Baseline and 1-year follow-up data were used for 5800 participants aged 55–75 years with metabolic syndrome in the PREDIMED-Plus study. Food intake was estimated through a validated semiquantitative food consumption frequency questionnaire, and adherence to the MedDiet was estimated through the Diet Score. Using the EAT-Lancet Commission tables we assessed the influence of dietary intake on environmental impact (through five indicators: greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication). Using multivariable linear regression models, the association between the intervention and changes in each of the environmental factors was assessed. Mediation analyses were carried out to estimate to what extent changes in each of 2 components of the intervention, namely adherence to the MedDiet and caloric reduction, were responsible for the observed reductions in environmental impact. Results We observed a significant reduction in the intervention group compared to the control group in acidification levels (−13.3 vs. -9.9 g SO2-eq), eutrophication (−5.4 vs. -4.0 g PO4-eq) and land use (−2.7 vs. -1.8 m2). Adherence to the MedDiet partially mediated the association between intervention and reduction of acidification by 15 %, eutrophication by 10 % and land use by 10 %. Caloric reduction partially mediated the association with the same factors by 55 %, 51 % and 38 % respectively. In addition, adherence to the MedDiet fully mediated the association between intervention and reduction in GHG emissions by 56 % and energy use by 53 %.SIPublicación en abierto financiada por el Consorcio de Bibliotecas Universitarias de Castilla y León (BUCLE), con cargo al Programa Operativo 2014ES16RFOP009 FEDER 2014-2020 DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN, Actuación:20007-CL - Apoyo Consorcio BUCL