Is Cycling Safe? Does It Look like It? Insights from Helsinki and Barcelona

[EN] Cycling constitutes a clean, healthy, and low-cost mode of transport. Therefore, the promotion of cycling is currently one of the main goals of administrations around the word. Former studies have shown that safety perception plays a fundamental role in the acceptance of bikes as a habitual mode of transport. In this context, this research aims to determine which variables and actions can give rise to this feeling of safety and, therefore, collaborate in the modal shift towards a more sustainable mobility. For this purpose, different strategies have been developed in two different contexts, Helsinki and Barcelona, using two different methodologies, namely expert interviews and analysis of survey data. Particularly, the methodology of analysis used includes descriptive statistics and path analysis. Results point out that safety perception highly depends on trip purpose, as significant differences are observed for daily users compared to those who cycle for sport reasons. Demographic characteristics (age, gender, etc.) and use patterns are also associated with different perceptions of safety and different behaviors. However, for any cyclist, the quality of the available infrastructure significantly influences his/her safety perception. Thus, the provision of good quality and well-structured cycling infrastructure is the most important initiative to promote cycling.Martínez-Díaz, M.; Arroyo-López, MR. (2023). Is Cycling Safe? Does It Look like It? Insights from Helsinki and Barcelona. Sustainability. 15(2):1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/su1502090512515

Present and future of school intergenerational programmes: A study from Spain

Background: International research suggests the value of school Intergenerational Programmes (IPs) and intergenerational schools. However, there is a scarcity of studies at country level exploring the process of expanding from the introduction of intergenerational activities to adopting an intergenerational school model. Purpose: This study sought to further the understanding of the ways in which IPs are being incorporated into schools in Spain. Method: Primary and secondary schools in Spain that were carrying out intergenerational activities with educational purposes were identified. A sample of 25 schools was examined and key personnel were interviewed. Data from seven schools which had incorporated intergenerational work in the format of a programme were selected for further analysis. Qualitative thematic analysis of the seven selected cases ensued, in order to describe IP features including programme content and integration of the IP in the school curriculum. Findings: The analysis of the data from key personnel interviews found that intergenerational programmes were only partially integrated in the everyday life and academic activity of sampled schools. However, it was evident that key personnel also considered that the children who were participating felt affection for the older people involved and appeared to enjoy an authentic relationship with them; older participants also registered some apparent benefits. Key personnel concluded that these programmes did achieve their goals and bring about a high level of satisfaction. However, the study also indicated that the school IPs that were analysed were the fruit of individual rather than institutional interests, suggesting limited stakeholder involvement on the part of public authorities. Conclusions: Our study suggests that schools in Spain have not yet developed sufficiently to implement intergenerational education projects in line with international intergenerational schools elsewhere. Further analysis would be necessary to better comprehend the reasons for what seems to limit the integration and embedding of IPs into the curriculum. The study highlights a need to understand further how to infuse an intergenerational component in current formal pedagogical and educational school practices, with the aim of utilising the benefits of IPs for the improvement of compulsory education

Adopta un microorganismo

Memoria ID-24 Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2020-2021

Nanosensor for Sensitive Detection of the New Psychedelic Drug 25I-NBOMe

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: E. Garrido, M. Alfonso, B. Díaz de Greñu, B. Lozano-Torres, M. Parra, P. Gaviña, M. D. Marcos, R. Martínez-Máñez, F. Sancenón, Chem. Eur. J. 2020, 26, 2813, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201905688. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.[EN] This work reports the synthesis, characterization, and sensing behavior of a hybrid nanodevice for the detection of the potent abuse drug 25I-NBOMe. The system is based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles, loaded with a fluorescent dye, functionalized with a serotonin derivative and capped with the 5-HT2A receptor antibody. In the presence of 25I-NBOMe the capping antibody is displaced, leading to pore opening and rhodamine B release. This delivery was ascribed to 5-HT2A receptor antibody detachment from the surface due to its stronger coordination with 25I-NBOMe present in the solution. The prepared nanodevice allowed the sensitive (limit of detection of 0.6 mm) and selective recognition of the 25I-NBOMe drug (cocaine, heroin, mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide, MDMA, and morphine were unable to induce pore opening and rhodamine B release). This nanodevice acts as a highly sensitive and selective fluorometric probe for the 25I-NBOMe illicit drug in artificial saliva and in sweets.The authors thank the Spanish Government (projects RTI2018-100910-B-C41 (MCUI/AEI/FEDER, UE) and CTQ2017-87954-P) and the Generalitat Valencia (PROMETEO/2018/024) for support. E.G. is grateful to the Spanish MEC for her FPU grant. The authors also thank the Electron Microscopy Service at the UPV for support.Garrido-García, EM.; Alfonso-Navarro, M.; Díaz De Greñu-Puertas, B.; Lozano-Torres, B.; Parra Álvarez, M.; Gaviña, P.; Marcos Martínez, MD.... (2020). Nanosensor for Sensitive Detection of the New Psychedelic Drug 25I-NBOMe. Chemistry - A European Journal. 26(13):2813-2816. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201905688S281328162613World drug report. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Inform2018;European drug report: Trends and Developments. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addition (EMCDDA). Inform2018.Zuba, D., Sekuła, K., & Buczek, A. (2013). 25C-NBOMe – New potent hallucinogenic substance identified on the drug market. Forensic Science International, 227(1-3), 7-14. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.08.027Poklis, J. L., Raso, S. A., Alford, K. N., Poklis, A., & Peace, M. R. (2015). Analysis of 25I-NBOMe, 25B-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe and Other Dimethoxyphenyl-N-[(2-Methoxyphenyl) Methyl]Ethanamine Derivatives on Blotter Paper. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 39(8), 617-623. doi:10.1093/jat/bkv073Agenda item 4.19.Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. Thirty-sixth Meeting. Geneva 16–20 June2014(World Health Organization).Batisse, A., Taright, N., Chevallier, C., Marillier, M., & Djezzar, S. (2016). «Dual disorder with drugs»: Comparison of two French databases. European Psychiatry, 33(S1), S72-S72. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.005Rickli, A., Luethi, D., Reinisch, J., Buchy, D., Hoener, M. C., & Liechti, M. E. (2015). Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs). Neuropharmacology, 99, 546-553. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.08.034Lawn, W., Barratt, M., Williams, M., Horne, A., & Winstock, A. (2014). The NBOMe hallucinogenic drug series: Patterns of use, characteristics of users and self-reported effects in a large international sample. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(8), 780-788. doi:10.1177/0269881114523866Kueppers, V. B., & Cooke, C. T. (2015). 25I-NBOMe related death in Australia: A case report. Forensic Science International, 249, e15-e18. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.02.010Laskowski, L. K., Elbakoush, F., Calvo, J., Exantus-Bernard, G., Fong, J., Poklis, J. L., … Nelson, L. S. (2014). Evolution of the NBOMes: 25C- and 25B- Sold as 25I-NBOMe. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 11(2), 237-241. doi:10.1007/s13181-014-0445-9Shanks, K. G., Sozio, T., & Behonick, G. S. (2015). Fatal Intoxications with 25B-NBOMe and 25I-NBOMe in Indiana During 2014. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 39(8), 602-606. doi:10.1093/jat/bkv058Da Cunha, K. F., Eberlin, M. N., & Costa, J. L. (2017). Development and validation of a sensitive LC–MS/MS method to analyze NBOMes in dried blood spots: evaluation of long-term stability. Forensic Toxicology, 36(1), 113-121. doi:10.1007/s11419-017-0391-8Caspar, A. T., Helfer, A. G., Michely, J. A., Auwärter, V., Brandt, S. D., Meyer, M. R., & Maurer, H. H. (2015). Studies on the metabolism and toxicological detection of the new psychoactive designer drug 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25I-NBOMe) in human and rat urine using GC-MS, LC-MSn, and LC-HR-MS/MS. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 407(22), 6697-6719. doi:10.1007/s00216-015-8828-6Andrade, A. F. B., Mamo, S. K., & Gonzalez-Rodriguez, J. (2017). Rapid Screening Method for New Psychoactive Substances of Forensic Interest: Electrochemistry and Analytical Determination of Phenethylamines Derivatives (NBOMe) via Cyclic and Differential Pulse Voltammetry. Analytical Chemistry, 89(3), 1445-1452. doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.6b02426Coelho Neto, J. (2015). Rapid detection of NBOME’s and other NPS on blotter papers by direct ATR-FTIR spectrometry. Forensic Science International, 252, 87-92. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.04.025Wu, X., Eriksson, C., Wohlfarth, A., Wallgren, J., Kronstrand, R., Josefsson, M., … Konradsson, P. (2017). Synthesis and identification of metabolite biomarkers of 25C-NBOMe and 25I-NBOMe. Tetrahedron, 73(45), 6393-6400. doi:10.1016/j.tet.2017.09.024Slowing, I. I., Vivero-Escoto, J. L., Trewyn, B. G., & Lin, V. S.-Y. (2010). Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: structural design and applications. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 20(37), 7924. doi:10.1039/c0jm00554aAznar, E., Coll, C., Marcos, M. D., Martínez-Máñez, R., Sancenón, F., Soto, J., … Ruiz, E. (2009). Borate-Driven Gatelike Scaffolding Using Mesoporous Materials Functionalised with Saccharides. Chemistry - A European Journal, 15(28), 6877-6888. doi:10.1002/chem.200900090Ribes, À., Aznar, E., Santiago-Felipe, S., Xifre-Perez, E., Tormo-Mas, M. Á., Pemán, J., … Martínez-Máñez, R. (2019). Selective and Sensitive Probe Based in Oligonucleotide-Capped Nanoporous Alumina for the Rapid Screening of Infection Produced by Candida albicans. ACS Sensors, 4(5), 1291-1298. doi:10.1021/acssensors.9b00169Coll, C., Bernardos, A., Martínez-Máñez, R., & Sancenón, F. (2012). Gated Silica Mesoporous Supports for Controlled Release and Signaling Applications. Accounts of Chemical Research, 46(2), 339-349. doi:10.1021/ar3001469Sancenón, F., Pascual, L., Oroval, M., Aznar, E., & Martínez-Máñez, R. (2015). Gated Silica Mesoporous Materials in Sensing Applications. ChemistryOpen, 4(4), 418-437. doi:10.1002/open.201500053Aznar, E., Villalonga, R., Giménez, C., Sancenón, F., Marcos, M. D., Martínez-Máñez, R., … Amorós, P. (2013). Glucose-triggered release using enzyme-gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Chemical Communications, 49(57), 6391. doi:10.1039/c3cc42210kGiménez, C., de la Torre, C., Gorbe, M., Aznar, E., Sancenón, F., Murguía, J. R., … Amorós, P. (2015). Gated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Controlled Delivery of Drugs in Cancer Cells. Langmuir, 31(12), 3753-3762. doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b00139Beck, J. S., Vartuli, J. C., Roth, W. J., Leonowicz, M. E., Kresge, C. T., Schmitt, K. D., … Schlenker, J. L. (1992). A new family of mesoporous molecular sieves prepared with liquid crystal templates. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 114(27), 10834-10843. doi:10.1021/ja00053a020Stöber, W., Fink, A., & Bohn, E. (1968). Controlled growth of monodisperse silica spheres in the micron size range. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 26(1), 62-69. doi:10.1016/0021-9797(68)90272-5Meng, H., Liu, Y., Zhai, Y., & Lai, L. (2013). Optimization of 5-hydroxytryptamines as dual function inhibitors targeting phospholipase A2 and leukotriene A4 hydrolase. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 59, 160-167. doi:10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.10.05

Importancia de los preconceptos en la adquisición de conocimientos en materias científico-técnicas

[Resumen] La cantidad de preconceptos que los alumnos poseen antes de abordar el estudio de un tema influye de manera notable en la adquisición de nuevos conocimientos. Se ha diseñado una estrategia de enseñanza aprendizaje basada en el uso de cuestionarios y prácticas de ordenador realizadas con Easy Java Simulations. Las áreas trabajadas fueron mecánica, electromagnetismo y termodinámica. Se han detectado varias ideas preconcebidas y erróneas sobre todo en la parte de mecánica. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la estrategia diseñada ha resultado útil al cometido abordado.[Abstract] The amount of preconceptions that students have before approaching the study of a topic has a significant influence on the acquisition of new knowledge. A teaching-learning strategy has been designed based on the use of questionnaires and computer practices carried out with Easy Java Simulations. The areas worked on were mechanics, electromagnetism and thermodynamics. Several preconceptions and erroneous ideas have been detected, especially in the mechanics part. The results obtained show that the designed strategy has been useful for the task undertaken.http://hdl.handle.net/2183/2879

Efecto de dos recubrimientos antimicrobianos sobre la inhibición de Salmonella spp

En este trabajo se evaluaron dos recubrimientos formulados con un desinfectante de origen natural frente a su capacidad inhibitoria de Salmonella spp. Se determinó la actividad del desinfectante utilizando la bacteria en fase estacionaria como lo sugiere Iturriaga et al. (2012). Esta etapa se alcanzó en 8 horas de incubación a 37 °C/ 24 horas, con agitación a 80 rpm. Se desarrollaron dos recubrimientos antimicrobianos utilizando como matriz polimérica alginato de sodio 1% y pectina 3% con cera de candelilla 1.2%, como plastificante glicerol 1.5%, y el antimicrobiano utilizado fue un desinfectante comercial (Bioxitral ®) a base de ácidos orgánicos. Con el fin de evaluar la eficacia de los recubrimientos antimicrobianos se efectuaron pruebas de inhibición “in vitro“ siguiendo la norma NMX-bb-040-SCFI- 1990. La concentración mínima inhibitoria del desinfectante incorporado a los recubrimientos de alginato y pectina con cera de candelilla fue de 8000 ppm y 7000 ppm, respectivamente; la actividad antimicrobiana de los recubrimientos estudiados fue bactericida.In this work, two coatings formulated with natural disinfectant against its inhibitory capacity of Salmonella spp were evaluated. Disinfectant activity was determined using bacteria in stationary phase as suggested Iturriaga et al. (2012). This stage was reached at 8 hours of incubation at 37 °C / 24 h. with stirring at 80 rpm. Two antimicrobial coatings used as polymer matrix 1% sodium alginate and pectin 3% Candelilla wax 1.2%, 1.5% glycerol as a plasticizer, and the antimicrobial used was a (Bioxitral ®) commercial acidbased disinfectant developed organic. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the antimicrobial coatings inhibition tests "in vitro" they were made following the NMX-bb-040-SCFI-1990 standard. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the antimicrobial incorporated into the coatings alginate and pectin candelilla wax was 8000 ppm and 7000 ppm, respectively.The antimicrobial activity was studied bactericidal coatings

Supplementary brochure for training on Environment and health

Introduction: the prevention approach in medicine has been taught since 1962, after the "Revolutionary University Reform", which has been deepened and developed in the different curricula. In the new training model of the General Practitioner, during his own curriculum, several courses are taught with the health-disease process and the environment as an essential element. Objective: to elaborate a complementary booklet on Environment and Health, to be used in the courses of the E plan, which medical students receive. Methods: a descriptive and longitudinal research was carried out during the course 2020-2021, using the dialectical-materialist method, theoretical with the documentary review, updated on the subject in magazines, books by Cuban authors and basic bibliography of the subjects of General Comprehensive Medicine and Public Health, the historical-logical analysis, a structure of introduction, five chapters and bibliography was left. Results: the booklet has an introduction and five chapters: I- the environment and its repercussion on health; II- community environmental control; III- factors that influence health; IV- health education, techniques used in environmental control and V- environmental surveillance; besides a Bibliography section, it includes photos and images on factors that damage the environment. Conclusions: the booklet Environment and Health is necessary for students and professors of the medical career; it responds to the curriculum of Plan E; it gives an outlet to the curricular strategy Public Health and Environment, to the life task

Determinación del índice de calidad de agua (ICA) en el embalse de la espol guayaquil

El presente trabajo de investigación muestra el estudio de algunos parámetros físicos y químicos que determinan el índice de calidad de agua del embalse de la Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) del Campus Gustavo Galindo Velasco de la ciudad de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Posteriormente se incluye una descripción de la metodología utilizada para determinar la calidad de agua del embalse, con el propósito de exponer los resultados obtenidos, realizar discusiones, y concluir de manera clara en qué estado se encuentra el embalse y qué actividades pueden ser efectuadas en el mismo.This paper shows the study of some physicochemical parameters that determine the quality index of the water reservoir of Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo Velasco, of the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Interdisciplinary importance to related careers that use the water resources of the University is highlighted. A description of the methodology used in determining the quality of water of the reservoir is included, and they are presented, in order to realize discussions, and conclude clearly the dam´s state and the activities that can be performed in it

Proyecto BRIDGE de formación para la inserción laboral de alumnos de la Facultad de Biología

Memoria ID-130. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2018-2019

Búsqueda de microorganismos productores de nuevos antibióticos mediante una estrategia de aprendizaje-servicio (ApS)

Memoria ID-143. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2018-2019